Swedish trade minister calls on Turkey to cooperate n third countires

Swedish Trade Minister Ewa Bjorling, visiting Istanbul on Wednesday at the invitation of the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON), said her government is eager to see Swedish companies cooperate with TUSKON members in third countries, underlining that she was impressed by the achievements of Turkish entrepreneurs abroad. "Our countries need each other," she said at a dinner organized by TUSKON in Istanbul. Also speaking at the dinner, TUSKON head Rizanur Meral reiterated their commitment to cooperating with Swedish companies in third countries. "We see fewer and fewer European companies in relatively less developed countries, while there are many Turkish companies who have the appetite and energy to engage in new projects in these markets. We can benefit from the potential in growing markets together," he said. Bjorling also said her government hopes Turkey will get into the European Union "very soon," in which case Sweden will boost trade with it. Accompanying Bjorling was a business delegation representing transportation, telecommunication and software comanies.