Doha, April 19 (QNA) - Expo Turkey by Qatar, organized as part of the strong partnership between the two countries, kicked off on Wednesday with more than 150 Turkish companies exhibiting on an area of 20,000 square meters at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

Speaking during the opening of the three-day event, Qatar Chamber Vice Chairman Muhammed bin Towar said that organizing Expo Turkey for the first time in Qatar reflects the strong trade and economy relations that both countries share, adding that the exhibition, where top Turkish manufacturing companies are exhibiting, is held to further develop the relations and take it to a higher level of cooperation.

Bin Towar added that the event provides an opportunity for Qatari businessmen and companies to closely explore the Turkish industries and products as well as consider the possibility of introducing it to the Qatari market.Turkish products have increased in quality over the past few years and are being sold in most of global markets, he said, adding that, hence, the Qatari traders are looking into introducing them to the market by forging partnerships and franchise contracts with Turkish manufacturing companies. 

The Qatar Chamber vice chairman said Turkey Expo is an important opportunity for bilateral meetings between Qatari and Turkish businessmen, which paves the way to achieve cooperation between both parties by establishing partnerships that strengthens the trade exchange between both countries.

HE Turkish Ambassador to Qatar Fikret Ozer said the trade volume between Qatar and Turkey has increased, where the Turkish exports to Qatar were valued at nearly $250 million four years ago, and increased by the end of 2016 to nearly $440 million. On the other hand, Qatar's exports to Turkey stood at $525 million four years ago, and increased to $835 million by the end of 2015.

HE the ambassador added that the continuous development in the trade relations between both countries indicates that the trade volume may reach $2 billion soon. Organizing Expo Turkey by Qatar shows the strong relations and strategic cooperation between both countries, and reflects the leaderships' desire to push it forward, the ambassador said.

He said that the current trade volume does not reflect the large momentum the political relations enjoy, hoping that the hosting the expo in Doha will increases the trade volume between both countries, especially that Turkey is working on diversifying its commodity exports to Qatar. 

In a press statement, Ozen Kuzu, CEO of Kuzu Group, the developer of Sea Pearl Atakoy project, which is being constructed on a land area of 120,000 square meters owned by Qatari Diar in Istanbul, said the first phase of the project is 90 percent complete, with the first units set to be delivered within four months and the rest of the project is planned to conclude by the end of 2018. 

Kuzu said the total cost of the project is valued at nearly $2.7 billion with 145 residential units sold till now, 45 of which were purchased by Qataris. Buyers may pay over 36 monthly installments with no interest with a 20-percent down payment, Kuzu added. Upon completion of the project, the number of residential units will stand at 1,400 over an area of 120,000 square meters. 

Expo Turkey by Qatar aims to increase opportunities for cooperation between Turkish and Qatari companies by establishing partner projects and transferring knowledge and technology so as to turn Qatar into commercial portal for Turkey in the MENA region. 

The expo reflects aspects of the Turkish culture in order to introduce the public to diverse and rich models of it. The equipment at QNCC helps in this regard as it is provides the best platform for direct communication between investors and production companies to establish partnerships and sell products. (QNA)