Gul: "Within a few years, we could double our trade in Africa to $30 bln"

Within the next few years Turkey hopes to double its trade with African countries to $30 billion, said President Abdullah Gul yesterday. At a press conference before leaving for a visit to Ghana and Gabon, Gul said Turkey's initiative to expand its relations in Africa is based not only on commercial goals but is an integrated policy including development and the growth of the continent. The visit, Gul's fourth tour of sub-Saharan African countries, will make him be the first-ever Turkish president ever to visit Ghana and Gabon. "We place special importance on improving our relations with African countries," he said. Turkey's trade with African countries tripled from $5 billion in 2003 to $16 billion in 2010. "But this isn't enough," he added. "Our goal is to make it $30 billion within a few years."