France to host Turkey Year in 2009

In an interview with the A.A, Ahmet Erol, chairman of the Antalya Branch of the Istanbul, Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions (IMEAK) Chamber of Shipping (DTO), said on Wednesday, "Grand Pavois Yacht Building and Sailing Fair is held in the French city of La Rochelle every year drawing some 150-200,000 visitors."

"Since 2009 has been declared as the year of France-Turkey after mutual talks between Turkish President Abdullah Gul and French President Nicholas Sarkozy, Turkey will be the honorary guest at the Grand Pavois Fair in 2009. Accordingly, Turkey will have the opportunity of introducing its yacht and boat building sector," he said.