Exports of $100 bln in 2009 to be great success for Turkey-minister

Turkey has an attack, not defensive, trade strategy in a bid to reduce the affects of the ongoing global crisis, Tuzmen told on his way to Georgia, the Anatolian Agency reported.

"We are trying to increase exports to more than $100 billion this year. An export figure of $100 billion this year would be a great success. The only way to ensure we reach this target is to play with an attack game strategy. If we remain in defense we would give away a goal," he added.

Tuzmen said he paid trade visits to seven countries in the last seven weeks accompanied by a delegation of businessmen, and that the deals signed by Turkish entrepreneurs in these countries exceeded $1 billion.

"We can minimize the damage caused by the economic crisis by improving commercial relations with these countries," Tuzmen said.

Turkey ranked third place among countries with the highest level of direct investment in Georgia, he also said. There has been a remarkable level of movement between the two countries especially in the energy, transportation and construction sectors after a free trade agreement between the two countries entered into force in 2008, he added.