site.bta"Bulgaria Is Our Gateway to Europe," Says Turkish Ambassador

"Bulgaria is a strategic country to use in terms of manufacture, to us it is a gateway to Europe," said Turkiye's Ambassador in Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanik, addressing the opening of a Balkan Business Summit that took place here on June 7 and 8.

"These forums are important in strengthening relations in the sphere of tourism and the economy. I hope that we will be pursuing activities in transport, too," the diplomat said further. He noted that he is collaborating with Bulgarian institutions about transport towards an increase of the capacity of the border crossings between the two countries. "Road transport is not sufficient, we must involve the other modes as well, we must boost rail and maritime transport," Uyanik added, noting the two countries' common goals and ideas.

The Ambassador acknowledged the investments that Turkish companies make in Bulgaria and thus support the local economy. He also pointed to certain problems and obstacles about which Turkish businessmen operating in Bulgaria have approached him, including the recruitment of professionals and hiring workers from third countries, especially Turkiye. Uyanik hopes that these procedures will be eased which would facilitate the operation of business and would be an incentive for more Turkish businessmen to come to Bulgaria. "We are in constant touch with the Bulgarian institutions and relay the Turkish investors' problems, the Bulgarian authorities are aware of the problem and are well-intentioned to address it. I hope we will be able to work and reach a consensus," the Ambassador also said.