PANAJI: In his visit to Goa the Turkey Ambassador Mr Lavent Bilman highlighted the similarities between India and Turkey cultures, food habits among traditional customs. Inviting Indian business to Turkey, Mr Ravi Choudhry India Representative Turkish Prime Minister's Office and chairman CeNext Consulting Group said in his presentation that Turkey was the new ‘growth centre of Europe’ and G7 is 'History' and E7 is the 'Future'.
The five reasons to do business with Turkey and invest in Turkey is attributed as the fastest growing economy among OECD countries, with good growth economic indicators – inflation and budget deficit was under control (5 per cent). It has a good export import trade ratio, strong forex reserves, and a fairly good gross debt stock.
Secondly, Turkey has a very cost efficient hardworking productive qualified labour force with a population of 61 per cent below 34 years old and cheapest labour cost compared with Europe and the U.S, which is at $3 per hour.
Thirdly, Turkey is the hub to east and west and has access to multiple markets (Europe, Russian Federation, Middle East & North Africa and Central Asia & Caucasus) comprising 1.5 billion consumers whose combined GDP is $ 25 trillion. Fourthly, Turkey straddles the biggest petroleum products producers and consumers. Mr Choudhry showcased Turkey as an energy corridor and terminal showed the existing pipelines and also the future plans.
Fifthly, Turkey has an advantage over 20 trade free zones in the country Turkey and offered 100 per cent exemption from custom duties, corporate tax (until Turkey is a full member of EU), income tax relief on employees’ salaries, VAT and Special Consumption Taxes. Mr Lavent Bilman recalled 8000 common words between the two countries’ languages and Urdu. The Ambassador added that a sustained growth of Turkey's GDP is at 5.5 per cent.
Mr Naveen Kapoor, chairman CII Goa Council stated it was his proud privilege to welcome the Turkish Ambassador and his team to Goa and that the visit of Turkish guests is rare indeed. Mr. Ralph de Souza, vice chairman, CII Goa Council stated that a few years earlier, there were a few charter flights from Turkey and thereafter a few groups of Turkish tourists had been coming to Goa. He hoped that after the visit of the Ambassador, many more initiatives would be taken to encourage Turkish
tourists to visit Goa.
