Xinhua News Agency, Izmir, Türkiye, July 26, by wire, exclusive interview: looking forward to enhancing practical cooperation with China in various fields – visit to Tugai, Mayor of Izmir, Türkiye
“We look forward to establishing closer and pragmatic cooperation with China in various fields,” Jamil Tugai, mayor of Izmir, Türkiye’s third largest city, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency.
Tujia Yi introduced that Izmir is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, relying on a convenient transportation network and an active import and export trade environment, and has shown obvious geographical advantages in trade with China. There are a total of 5 science and technology parks, 16 industrial parks, and 3 free trade zones in the city, providing policy support such as tax reductions, R&D incentives, and export facilitation for foreign-funded institutions, including Chinese enterprises.
“We hope Chinese investors can see that Izmir is a city worthy of long-term investment.” Tugai said that Izmir is willing to continue to deepen cooperation with China in the fields of economy, trade, tourism and culture under the “the Belt and Road” initiative, and expects Chinese enterprises to deeply integrate into the urban development of Izmir and expand the breadth and depth of cooperation between Turkey and China.
We highly value the opportunities for cooperation with China in areas such as digital ports, smart customs, and green transportation. We eagerly look forward to the deep participation of Chinese enterprises in local infrastructure construction, industrial upgrading, and green transformation, and jointly promote high-quality development, “he said.
Tugai stated that Izmir is continuously promoting the construction of key areas such as smart water management, green buildings, and disaster resistant infrastructure, which is highly compatible with the professional capabilities and technological reserves of Chinese enterprises. He also said that in addition to economic and trade investment, Chinese enterprises have shown positive actions in fulfilling their social responsibilities and have won recognition from local society.
The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) Symposium was recently held in Izmir. The head of Türkiye Aegean Sea Exporters Association said that more local enterprises in cosmetics, logistics and other fields would be organized to participate in the exhibition this year to respond to the needs of the Chinese market and seize development opportunities.
As an important port on the ancient Silk Road, Izmir carries the profound and long-standing historical and cultural memories of both Turkey and China. We are willing to work together with China to safeguard and continue this precious cultural heritage, “said Tujia Yi
Tugai said that cooperation with China is not only related to Izmir’s position in the global industrial chain, but also helps Türkiye expand its foreign cooperation in a broader region and enhance its synergy with China in green transformation, digital infrastructure, people to people and cultural exchanges and other fields.