Visiting Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai said in Ankara Monday that Sino-Turkish trade growth in recent years shows that the two countries have a huge potential to enhance bilateral economic cooperation.

 

Bo made the remark during the 15th session of China-Turkey Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation, which was also attended by Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen.

 

Bo said Sino-Turkish trade, which was US$1.4 billion in 2002, reached US$8.1 billion last year. He pointed out that Turkey's exports to China witnessed an average annual growth rate of 30 percent in the past five years.

 

"We will work so that China procures more goods from Turkey and the Chinese business community invests more in the Turkish market," said Bo.

 

Bo, who led a delegation of 100 members during his visit to Turkey, said that the delegation includes representatives from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Finance Ministry, Science and Technology Ministry and representatives from more than 20 leading Chinese companies.

 

"Such a participation shows the importance China attaches to Turkey," said Bo.

 

Delivering a speech at the session, Tuzmen said his country desires to improve its relations with China in a multi-dimensional way and on the basis of a strategical partnership.

 

He said that the bilateral trade volume between Turkey and China is expected to reach US$14 billion by the end of 2007.

 

"There are projects that involve Turkey and China in transportation, infrastructure, residential and business house construction, tourism, agriculture and industry," told Tuzmen.

 

He also said that a joint Turkish-Chinese Industry Zone should be established in Turkey, and a China-Turkey Economic and Trade Cooperation Website was formally launched during Bo's visit.

 

Bo arrived in Istanbul on Saturday for a three-day visit to Turkey. The officials of the two sides also attended the one-day Turkey-China Business Forum held on Sunday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2007)