By Gokhan Yildiz
ISTANBUL (AA) – The presence of more than 6,000 German companies shows the confidence business figures have in Turkey, the head of Germany’s largest business association said Wednesday.
“This is huge proof of our deep interest in having a good relationship between our respective countries and this is also proof of our belief in Turkish people, Turkish society and Turkey,” Martin Wansleben, CEO of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), told Anadolu Agency.
Wansleben said German firms with experience of operating in Turkey were investing for the long-term, despite the country’s current economic problems.
“We know the current challenges and problems but we strongly believe in the future of Turkey and the potential that this wonderful country is providing not only for its people but also for companies coming from Germany,” he said.
He added that around 6,000 DIHK members were operating in Turkey, even if some had postponed investment for “better days”.
Wansleben, who has headed the DIHK since 2001, highlighted Turkey’s youthful population as one of its attractions.
“Young people mean both customers and a workforce for foreign investors,” he said. “A growing society and economy always means a huge advantage for people and companies doing business as well.
“DIHK and its Turkish equivalent… have known each other very well for decades. We are working together very strongly and closely on a European level.”
Germany is Turkey’s biggest export market and took goods and services worth $14 billion from Turkey last year, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute, while German imports to Turkey stood at $21.4 billion.
* Muhammed Ali Gurtas contributed to this article from Ankara.
