Windhoek
The government of Turkey, through its embassy in Namibia, hopes to capitalise on the eightfold increase, to US$85.4 million, in total trade volumes experienced between the two countries during the last two years.
Speaking to New Era yesterday, the Turkish Ambassador to Namibia, Denize Cakar, said that Turkish exports to Namibia have increased tremendously. In 2015 they stood at US$83.7 million compared to US$12.9 million in 2014.
Namibian exports to Turkey stood at US$1.7 million in 2015, compared to US$9.6 million in 2014.
“We want to further expand our exports to Namibia,” said Ambassador Cakar, adding that there are numerous areas of cooperation the two countries can work on.
She noted that in the tourism sector Turkey considers Namibia an emerging market. In fact, Turkish tour operators have been exposed to the Namibian tourism sector to the extent that two sizeable tour groups are expected to visit Namibia towards the end of the year.
Also, Turkish Airlines, which is known the world over as one of the best airlines in the industry, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Air Namibia.
“According to the airline, they aim to fly to all African capital cities by 2017, so my expectation is that they can come to Namibia by then,” said a visibly proud Cakar.
The ambassador said that her office is vigorously promoting Namibia as a suitable investment destination for Turkish business.
“Personally, I want Namibia to benefit from the experience of the Turkish construction industry,” said Cakar.
It is estimated that about 20 percent of revenue of the Turkish construction sector emanates from Africa. “When the Turkish construction industry is invited to Namibia they are ready and willing to come,” Cakar added.
Turkey, which has been a commercial centre for centuries, is estimated to have the world’s 17th largest gross domestic product and the 18th largest nominal GDP.
The country is among the founding members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the G-20 major economies. Turkey is well known for its automotive industry, shipbuilding (highly regarded for chemical and oil tankers), home appliances, electronics and textiles.