The Prime Minister expressed his pleasure in attending the meeting that was organized by TOBB and that they aimed at increasing the volume of trade between the two respective countries. He continued his speech: “We cannot think small. People of big cases think big. Those who think small will not reach anywhere. We will think big, plan big and therefore play accordingly. Turkey has captured this momentum. We will achieve the goal of 40 billion dollars in 10 years by strengthening the relations with Ukraine and reinforcing cooperation. Another point of which we are proud of is your excitement. The Turkish contractors in Ukraine have undertaken a 3 billion dollar worth of project. Ukraine is organizing the 2012 European Football Championship. Today I spoke with the Prime Minister. Invitations to Turkish companies may be issued. Turkish businessmen may participate in these investments. I have transferred the problems experienced by our businessmen to the Ukrainian authorities. They have given the necessary instructions and are following the procedures. I have particularly transferred to them the problems experienced at the customs at the level of Prime Minister and President. Therefore I believe that the goal of achieving 40 billion dollars trade volume will be easier if implemented alongside with the removal of visas and acceptance of the free trade agreement.”
There are steps to be taken together
Erdoğan stressed upon that the Business Forum would be a turning point for the economic and commercial relations between the two countries, and that Turkey and Ukraine are 2 important countries of the Black Sea Region. As the region’s shining star, their own propserity will be reflected upon the prosperity of the respective reason.
Erdogan said that, “There are steps to be taken in the defense industry generally and space research particularly. There are steps to be taken in Tourism. If all the businessmen are able to encounter their counterparts in Ukraine, then we as the politicians will do the best we can to remove the obstacles.”
Prime Minister, Erdogan stated that besides the global crisis that had severe consequences over the world, turkey has managed to demonstrate a successful performance in 2010 with growth rates being reported above expectations.
Erdogan reminded that the budget for the year 2011 was prepared and passed in the Parliament and besides the budget being social in nature it also includes investment and employment generating incentive factors. Additionally, he stressed that regardless of the year being the election year, the disciples will not be compromised.
By 2020 Hopefully we will manufacture our own planes.
Prime Minister stated that ATAK helicopters were being manufactured, test flights are being performed and by 2013 mass production will start. He emphasized that as a result, instead of buying, we will be able to sell and continued stating, “Hopefully we will be able to manufacture our own planes by 2020. We will be able to become a country that can manufacture its own planes instead of continuing production of spare parts from all over the world. “I stated in TUSİAD, ‘let’s manufacture our own automobiles’. Why can’t we say Made in Turkey? Let’s say it. If we can manufacture, why don’t we? Will we always assemble the parts? It’s important to eat the grapes?’”