A total number of 1,040 Saudi firms continue to operate in Turkey, with a trade exchange of USD8 billion between the two countries, according to Senior Turkish Adviser Dr. Mustafa Kokso.
The trade exchange target is USD20 billion after the diversification of the economic basket, Kokso told Asharq Al-Awsat, noting that Saudi Arabia and Turkey require new investment means that go in tandem with Saudi Vision 2030 and Turkish aspirations.
Kokso expressed Turkey’s interest in the Kingdom’s infrastructure, including airports and trains, and investment in economic buildings for low-income households, adding that the Saudi investments in Turkey take place through 1,040 firms.
Furthermore, economist Hadeel Abu al-Aoula listed some of the investment advantages resulting from trade exchanges, saying they consolidate the state’s economy and place it among the best investors and exporters globally.
Saudi Arabia placed seventh in 2017 among prime investing states in Turkey.
Abu al-Aoula stated to Asharq Al-Awsat that the Turkish-Saudi economic cooperation is passing through a phase of prosperity and mounting growth, opening new dimensions for further ambitious bilateral projects.
The economist added that the Kingdom is providing legal assistance for investors through assigning a number of lawyers in its embassy in Ankara or its consulate in Istanbul. It also supplies investors with any information that facilitates goal-oriented investment operations serving both countries.
Speaking about major Turkish industries that attract Saudis, Abu al-Aoula mentioned machines, food, minerals, consumer products and the fabric industry.
