Mehmet Melek, General Director of BEKO Georgia, deeply believes that Georgia has more potential for exports to Turkey.
He spoke about the trade and economic ties between the two countries in an interview with TV Program "Analytics".
"Currently, the trade turnover between Turkey and Georgia totals to USD 2.3 billion. Of this, USD 1.9 billion accounts for the exports from Turkey to Georgia, while USD 400 million from Georgia to Turkey. I think Georgia has more potential, as it has very good products. For example, honey, lemonade, wine... Over 1.1 million bottles of wine can be imported into Turkey, and Georgia uses about 20% of this potential. Here, Georgian businessmen already have a big responsibility and steps to take, they need to go to Turkey, show their products at exhibitions, and advertise. We are not doing our best right now. Georgia has more opportunities to export to Turkey," said Mehmed Melek, adding that the close ties between the business associations of the two countries are important.
According to him, there is also more potential in the direction of tourism.
"Georgia is a very beautiful country, with hospitable people. The only thing missing is holding promotion campaigns in Turkey to attract more people," the businessman said.
