Trade Minister Ömer Bolat spoke at the Civil Society Organizations Consultation Meeting held in the Artvin Governorate Meeting Hall. Stating that the ministry is a regulatory, executive and supervisory body in the fields of domestic and foreign trade, exports, imports, customs, goods and services, Bolat reminded that Turkey is located in a challenging geography.
50 Billion Lira Investment in Artvin Over 23 Years
Noting that 50 billion lira in public investment has been made in Artvin over the past 23 years, Minister Bolat said that last year, a financing support of 740 million lira with a 50 percent subsidy was provided to tradespeople in the city. Stating that the support provided to tradespeople across Turkey has reached 176 billion lira, Bolat said, “In the first six months of this year, we surpassed 411 million in Artvin. Another 100 million lira in support will come to tradespeople on Monday. We will reach 1 billion by the end of the year.”
177,000 Monthly Employment Increase
Bolat reported that investment loans were raised from 500 billion lira to 750 billion lira, and an additional 250 billion lira fresh business loan support was announced. Noting that the number of organized industrial zones increased from 180 to 450, the number of tradespeople reached 2.3 million, and company numbers grew, the Minister said exports in both goods and services exceeded $400 billion.
Stating that national income increased more than sixfold to $1 trillion 640 billion, Bolat said, “Our per capita national income rose from around $3,000 to over $18,000. Our employment rose to 32 million 733 thousand; 177,000 new jobs were added in one month.”
Turkey Has Been Growing Steadily for 23 Years
Emphasizing that Turkey has been continuing on its path steadily and peacefully for 23 years amid global economic stagnation and regional wars, Bolat said, “It continues to grow, develop and strengthen its country. There is an incredibly positive perception of Turkey abroad.”
Georgia Border Gates and Trade
Announcing that the 1,500-vehicle truck park in Hopa has entered the investment process, Bolat said that the Turkish side of the Muratlı Border Gate is ready, but the Georgian side wants to settle for Sarp, and persuasion efforts are ongoing. Noting that trade with Georgia reached $3 billion after the 2008 free trade agreement, the Minister stated that Artvin earns significant income from logistics, customs and services.
Pointing out that the Sarp Customs Gate is the most important land crossing point connecting to the Caucasus, Russia, Turkic Republics, Middle East and Far Asia, Bolat stated that crossings, which average around 650 entries and exits daily, have increased, and they have taken new steps with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) for traffic and customs order.
Artvin on the Rise in Tourism
Stating that Artvin will make great strides in tourism thanks to the intensive work of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and especially tourists from the Middle East, Bolat said the city will earn significant income from this area as well.
As part of his Artvin program, Minister Bolat later went to the Hopa district and met with representatives of civil society organizations at the Hopa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
