Business news

MINSK, 27 July (BelTA) – Belarus-Turkey trade keeps growing in 2017, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei noted at the 9^th plenary session of the Belarusian-Turkish intergovernmental economic commission on 27 July, BelTA has learned.

“Since the latest session of the commission we have prevented decline in trade and even managed to secure growth despite the negative trends in the global economy. The trade keeps growing this year, too. We must make every effort to reach the goals set by heads of our states and boost bilateral trade to $1 billion,” Vladimir Makei underlined.

Over the last four years Belarus and Turkey organized large-scale business forums and signed many crucial documents that enriched the bilateral legal framework. The countries enabled mutual visa-free travels. Large companies have made a number of visits and held negotiations on organizing mutual supplies of goods. Belarus and Turkey continue active intergovernmental cooperation in industry, transport, support to small and medium-sized business, and the operation of free economic zones.

The first ever visit of the Turkey president to Belarus took place in November 2016. As a result of the meeting between the heads of state, a strategy for Belarus-Turkey cooperation across the whole scope of relations was defined. "Ourcommission has been instructed to coordinate the effort to implement the agreements in the economic dimension. This is why today the task is to maintain and increase the momentum in Belarus-Turkey economic cooperation,” the minister added.