Ukrainian and Turkish economies complement each other, rather than compete, and this could become the basis for the future creation of a common economic space, Turkish Ambassador in Ukraine Ahmet Bulent Merich said during his visit to Odesa.

The diplomat stressed the need to create a free trade regime between the two countries in order to achieve this goal. "If in 2008 the trade turnover between Ukraine and Turkey amounted to USD 8 billion, then in 2009 the turnover almost halved because of the crisis," he said. "In this situation, we're confident that if we create a free trade zone, then the level of trade will at least double," he added.

In addition, Merich said that Ukraine could increase its presence on the Turkish market by increasing the supply of raw materials, QHA informs. Despite the fact that Turkey is not an EU member, they have a common customs area, he said.

"Therefore, we can help ensure that Ukrainian goods are more actively supplied via Turkey to the European market. There could also be an option of joint production, when Ukrainian half-finished products can be additionally processed in Turkey and then sold in Europe. In this case, the production price will be lower and the products will become more competitive," - the ambassador said.

By QHA

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