Japan seeks deals to enhance investments in Turkey

Japan, the world's third largest economy by nominal GDP, expects the finalization of two agreements with Turkey which will increase its investments in the country and the $3.5 billion trade volume between the two nations, a spokesperson for the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. 

Yasuhisa Kawamura, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Secretary Director-General for Press and Public Diplomacy, told Hürriyet Daily News the completion of two agreements, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Social Security Agreement, were key to enhancing Japanese companies' interest in the country. 

"The conclusion of these agreements is the key to future Japanese investments in Turkey, as this will create the favorable environment for Japanese companies and investors in Turkey," said Kawamura. 

Stating both of the agreements were being conducted to fit the two countries' regulations so not only Japanese companies but also Japanese employees would be interested in coming to Turkey, Kawamura added they were under negotiation. 

"We [Turkey and Japan] should make best efforts so that two countries can exploit potential growth of trade and investments in two ways," he said. 

"The first short step for the growth of the two-way trade of the two countries is to create a friendly environment for doing business. So how can we do this? By concluding those treaties," he added. 

Stating that Japanese companies were interested in communications/satellite, bridges, hospitals, high speed trains and power plant projects, Kawamura said these sectors were areas Japanese companies wished to contribute their technologies so the Turkish government could mark the 100th anniversary of its foundation in 2023 as one of the leading...