Representatives of public administration and the business community from Romania and Turkey discussed the development of bilateral economic cooperation and the identification of new business opportunities during the Bucharest-Ankara Business Forum, an event organized by the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) in partnership with the Bucharest City Hall, on the occasion of the official visit of Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas.

According to a CCIB release sent to AGERPRES on Monday, the event brought together representatives from the administrations of the two capitals, economic institutions, and Romanian and Turkish companies.

In his opening remarks, CCIB President Iuliu Stocklosa highlighted the importance of economic relations between Romania and Turkey and the potential for their further development.

'I believe today's meeting provides a fitting context to discuss the relationship between Romania and Turkey, a relationship that goes beyond the merely institutional. This is also reflected very concretely in the economic sphere, with Turkey being one of Romania's most important trading partners outside the European Union. Beyond the figures confirming the importance of this relationship, there are significant opportunities for cooperation that we can capitalize on through direct dialogue, trust, and concrete partnerships between companies from both countries,' stated Iuliu Stocklosa. For his part, the Mayor of Bucharest, Ciprian Ciucu, highlighted the importance of the twinning agreement between Bucharest and Ankara for the development of joint projects.

'The cooperative relationship between Bucharest and Ankara, formalized through the Twinning and Cooperation Protocol signed on June 20, 1998, serves as a vital foundation for exchanging experience and launching joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest. We aim to leverage this collaborative framework and develop new projects in sectors such as education, tourism, and the business environment, through a constant exchange of information and best practices between the two administrations,' stated Ciprian Ciucu.

Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas thanked Romania for the support extended to Turkey, including regarding its accession to the European Union.

'The support Romania offers Turkey is crucial, particularly the backing you demonstrate for our European Union accession. We aim to build bridges of lasting friendship and shared prosperity,' said Mansur Yavas.

Regarding trade relations, Bogdan Mihailescu, Director General of the Foreign Trade Department within the Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (ARICE), stressed the prospects for developing bilateral economic cooperation. 'Over time, Romania and Turkey have built a relationship that extends far beyond the strictly commercial dimension. There is pragmatism, a compatible entrepreneurial culture, the ability to make quick decisions, and, perhaps most importantly, trust built up over time,' the ARICE representative emphasized.

According to the organizers, areas of interest for developing cooperation between Romanian and Turkish companies include infrastructure and construction, energy, IT&C, industry, trade, logistics and transport, tourism, services, healthcare, urban development, and smart city solutions.

During the forum, participating companies presented their activities and discussed collaboration opportunities, while the networking session facilitated direct contacts between business representatives from both countries. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: George Banciulea; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)