TOKYO/ANKARA
Turkey is close to signing a free-trade agreement with Japan, Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci has said.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday following his visit to the Asian nation, Zeybekci said that the Turkish ministry's top priority was to sign the extensive agreement as technical negotiations had been completed.
Zeybekci said: "Technical negotiations were concluded and the framework settled.
"Starting from December 1, we will start official negotiations. We aim to finish the negotiations at the end of 2015."
Pointing out that Japan was still struggling with the effects of the global economic crisis, Zeybekci said it needed to manufacture and export more as well as invest its funds in other countries, and Turkey offered great potential.
He said: "Turkey is one of most important countries which can give this opportunity to Japan.
"We believe this connection would be beneficial for both sides, as well as for other countries."
- Great opportunities
As an example, Zeybekci pointed out that Japan was the fourth-biggest food importer globally while Turkey was the largest food manufacturer in Europe and the seventh-largest globally, saying this was one of many trade opportunities which could be used for the benefit of both sides.
Zeybekci said: "We have corresponding problems. Turkey imposes limitations on some Japanese food products, and Japan has some limitations on Turkish products.
"We will propose that Japan acknowledges the certifications and authorization of both countries ... which would render extra audit and laboratory processes unnecessary."
"We plan to resolve difficulties in the export of food, vegetables and poultry meat by the end of 2014, and start trade in 2015," he added.
Turkey also believes the Japan-Turkey partnership promises great opportunities in tourism and the hosting of ageing Japanese people, thanks to more competitive costs, Zeybekci said.
Noting trade volume between the two countries currently stands at $0.4 billion, Zeybekci said he hoped 2015 will be the first year in which exports to Japan pass the $1 billion threshold.
www.aa.com.tr/en
