Led by Turkish President Abdullah Gul, 150 Turkish investors on Wednesday are seeking opportunities in Tanzania in their quest to enter the East African market.
President Gul’s three-day visit, which began Tuesday night, comes in the wake of a similar visit by US President George W. Bush nearly two weeks ago.
In addition, the Turkish delegation is also seeking the support of Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete in its bid to become a member of the UN Security Council for 2009-2010. Kikwete is the current chairperson of the African Union.
Last year, the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists organized a trade fair in Dar es Salaam, during which Turkish products were displayed.
The confederation plans to establish a trade and investment bridge between the two countries as well as develop business opportunities.
Tanzanian imports from Turkey include transport equipment, building and construction machinery, oil, fertilizers and industrial raw materials.
Last year, Tanzania’s imports amounted to US$4.826 billion in capital goods, intermediate and consumer goods.
Turkey exports its goods to Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the US. Others are Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Malaysia.
Between 1980 and 1990, Turkey’s export figures showed an average annual increase of 33 percent with the value of exports increasing from US$2.9 billion to US$12.9 billion.
Source African Press Agency
