The embassy of Zambia to Turkey is discussing with Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) the modalities to establish a Turkey-Zambia Business Council to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
As noted by Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey Ms Miriam Mulenga when in conversation with DEIK president Mr Omer Vardan, the council would serve as a catalyst of leveraging investment and trade opportunities in which the private sector will play a leading role.
On his side Mr Vardan added that “It is the desire of DEIK to increase the number of business councils in Africa to develop further commercial and economic relations with the continent, especially where peace reigns with divine consistence as is the case in Zambia.”
In February 2015 Turkish Airlines announced Zambia as a priority in its route expansion programme to Africa.
The airline is expected to commence a direct flight between Istanbul and Lusaka this year.
Under Turkey’s foreign policy for Africa the country has established business councils with 21 African countries, mostly in the sub-saharan region.
In the year of 2009 there were only 12 Turkish Embassies in African countries (5 of them in North Africa). There are now 39.
Turkey’s Africa policy has received further boost to its Africa policy as of 2013
Bilateral trade volume has exceeded USD 23.4 billion in 2014 with all Africa and USD 8,4 billion with Sub-Saharan Africa, compared to USD 750 million in 2000.
