Vice Premier and Finance Minister Ehud Olmert met Wednesday with the Turkish Industry and Trade Minister Ali Coskun in Hong Kong. The two ministers praised the anticipated agreement to expand the bilateral trade between the countries, which entails benefits that are expected to generate a growth of USD 30 million in trade.
Coskun expressed Turkey's interest in sealing a Qualifying Industrial Zone deal between his country, Israel and the Unites States, similar to the one Israel recently signed with Jordan and Egypt.
Olmert stated that Israel would be willing to look favorably on the idea, but stressed that the two sides would first have to consult with the U.S. and accept its approval.
The Turkish minister has also implored Olmert to ease conditions for the employment of Turkish workers in Israel. However, Olmert replied that Israel is committed first and foremost to the employment of local citizens.
During his stay in Hong Kong, Olmert also convened with Croatia's vice premier and finance minister and asked him to assist Israeli companies contending over public tenders in Croatia.
Olmert visited Hong Kong as guest of the Foreign Correspondent Club of Hong Kong.
According to Olmert, Hong Kong is Israel's largest trade ally in Asia, and a gateway for Israeli companies to China and the rest of the continent.
Israeli exports to Hong Kong grew by 17 percent over the past nine months, totaling USD 1.15 billion, compared to USD 959 million last year.
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