Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Bekir Pakdemirli, PhD. stated that current level of trade between Turkey and Sudan which is 500 million dollars is inadequate and that our goal should be 10 billion dollars, in line with the wish of our leader.
During his speech in Sudan-Turkey Economic Forum, Mr. Pakdemirli said that the first instruction given to him by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan while forming the new cabinet was to go to Sudan.
"We are in the stage of signing in principle regarding petrol"
Mr. Pakdemirli emphasized that the President Erdoğan gave this instruction not only to meet the needs Turkey from Sudan but also to maintain the collaboration between these two countries. He also said that "today, we managed to take steps that would ease cooperation and we came to an agreement on opening a branch office for Agriculture Bank."
After saying that we are in the stage of signing in principle regarding petrol, he made the following statement:
"We are here in Sudan with the largest delegation after our President Erdoğan's visit. The majority of this delegation is comprised of businessmen. We are here for the welfare of both nations. It is also a pleasure for me to see the investments of Turkish businessmen in various fields such as airports, energy, irrigation and livestocking."
Minister Pakdemirli said that it will possible that with the knowledge of Turkey and the rich resources of Sudan, the difference in welfare between these two societies will disappear and both of these societies will reach the same level in a short period of time.
Minister Pakdemirli, PhD. underlined that current level of trade between Turkey and Sudan which is 500 million dollars is inadequate and that our goal should be 10 billion dollars, in line with the wish of our leader.
"Sudan has land while Turkey has the technology"
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Sudan, Mr. Abdullah Süleyman said "Sudan has vast land yet it needs someone to be cultivated. It is true that we have land but technology is in Turkey" while emphasizing their wish to work with the Turks.
Following the statement of a Sudanese businessman regarding the difficulties they have on visa durations, Turkey's Ambassador in Khartoum informed the participants that the visa problem of businessmen would be solved.
Following the speeches, presents were offered mutually. It is also noted that bilateral meetings between businessmen will continue after the Forum.