Turkish, Kosovan businesspeople gather in Istanbul

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Businesspeople from Turkey and Kosovo gathered in Istanbul to attend a seminar organized by Turkey's Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK).

The Business and Investment Seminar was attended by officials, private sector representatives and businesspeople, according to a DEIK press release issued on Wednesday.

The participants discussed business relations and bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

Besnik Bislimi, Kosovo’s deputy prime minister, said his country offers significant opportunities to the business world.

"We are very pleased with the successful investments of Turkish businesspeople in Kosovo," he added.

Merve Ozer Yilmaz, head of DEIK’s Turkey-Kosovo Business Council, said the bilateral trade volume has been increasing rapidly during the last five years, but it is still below the countries' potential.

Last year, Turkey's exports to Kosovo rose by 4.8% to reach $364.2 million, while imports from Kosovo jumped by 55% to reach $13.6 million, she added.