Tuzmen forecasts exports $125 billion, imports $200 billion

The New Anatolian - State Minister Kursad Tuzmen who is in charge of foreign trade disclosed on Tuesday that he expects $125 billion exports and $200 billion imports in 2008. Speaking at the 3rd Summit of "Türkiye-Africa: Foreign Trade Bridge" hosted by the Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Türkiye in Istanbul, Tuzmen said recent figures showed Türkiye's annual trade volume at about $300 billion. He also said that trade volume between Türkiye and African countries would exceed $20 billion in 2008, adding that, "Türkiye wants to grow with African countries and get a significant share from global trade." Tuzmen also said that Turkish officials are holding separate talks with Algerian and South African officials to sign free trade agreements with these countries.