Minister of Economy Valon Saracini met Thursday in Istanbul with his Turkish counterpart Zafer Caglayan and with representatives of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) and the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD).

The minister at the meetings presented ongoing government-led economic projects and reforms in the business climate making the country an attractive destination for investing, the Ministry of Economy said in a press release. Projects and investment opportunities were the focal point of discussion in order Turkish companies to be stimulated to realise their business plans in Macedonia.

Minister Saracini urged Macedonian companies to focus on Turkey's market of 77 million inhabitants, especially due to the fact that Macedonia's export to Turkey was moderate.

In 2011, Turkey experienced an increase in its export activities by 20% and collected 134 billion and 600 million US dollars.

Turkish businessmen at a meeting with Saracini voiced interest in enhancing business cooperation and in investing in Macedonia.

On Wednesday, minister Saracini took part at an informal meeting, organised by the president of Marmara Foundation, Akkan Suver and consul general Zerin Abaz.