Minister Costello holds discussions with Turkish economic leaders in Ankara
29 March 2012
by Cllr Joe Costello
ANKARA, 29 March, 2012 - On the third day of his visit to Turkey, where he is leading an Enterprise Ireland trade Mission, the Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D. met in Ankara with key Turkish economic Ministries and Agencies in order to increase trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
25 companies are participating in the trade mission, drawn from sectors with particular growth potential in Turkey, in particular, ICT and telecoms, engineering, energy, financial services and the life sciences.
In the course of his programme in Ankara Minister Costello held meetings at the Ministries of Environment; Foreign Affairs and Trade; Energy and Natural Resources; and Health.
Speaking after the consultations Minister Costello said: "These discussions with key Turkish Government economic decision makers demonstrate how this government is working to support and promote Irish companies in building opportunities in what is the 16th largest global economy and the major economic hub for central Asia and the eastern Mediterranean.
I outlined to my Turkish counterparts the steps which the Government has taken to restore growth and confidence in the Irish economy and the sustained strength of Ireland's export sector. I have invited representatives of these Turkish business sectors to visit Ireland to explore the scope for greater economic cooperation."
As well as promoting bilateral economic relations, the meetings provided an opportunity - ahead of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union next year - to review the state of play in Turkey's EU accession process. Speaking on this point the Minister reiterated that the Irish Presidency would work actively with our partners to try to achieve further progress in the process.
Further information:
Enterprise Ireland's press releases regarding company announcements made during the Trade Mission are attached below.