Trade volume between Norway and Turkey for this year so far is worth nearly two billion dollars, but with Turkey's low costs and young population the "trade potential between the two countries is far greater", King of Norway Harald V said on Thursday on his first official visit to Turkey.
Speaking at the 'Turkey and Norway Commercial Cooperation Forum’ in Istanbul, the King emphasized historical links and said, “our Viking ancestors arrived in Istanbul in search of fortune. It is almost a thousand years since Norwegians first realized the opportunities offered by Istanbul.”
“The Norwegian delegation is also clearly aware of the importance of Turkey as well as Istanbul," added the King.
"Cooperation in the fields of hydroelectricity, sea products and architecture between Turkey and Norway should be pushed forward," said Norwegian Minister of Industry and Trade Monica Maeland at the Forum aimed at increasing bilateral trade.
“Twenty thousand Turks live in Norway, more than five thousand Norwegians have settled in Turkey and 400 thousand Norwegians visit Turkey annually” said Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan adding "as the interaction between the countries increase, the bilateral trade and investment will increase.”
Norway is aware of Turkey as the 23rd biggest economy and its role as a global commercial player the King said.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
