Washington, September 27, 1999
For further information please contact:
Daniel Cruise or Curt Cultice (202) 483-3809

U.S. AND TURKEY DISCUSS EARTHQUAKE RECONSTRUCTION

Washington D.C., United States Under Secretary for International Trade, David L. Aaron, and Turkey's Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, Kürsad Tüzmen, co-hosted an informational meeting to discuss earthquake reconstruction in Turkey.

Participating U.S. Agencies included the U.S. Export - Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Trade and Development Agency. Each presented reconstruction programs aimed at meeting Turkey's post-earthquake needs. Over 60 private sector participants attended from both the U.S. and Turkey. Under Secretary Aaron stated that such high interest is indicative of "the strong impression the events in Turkey have made in U.S., and our determination to help in any way we can. American firms can and will make a significant contribution to reconstruction. Once reconstruction is completed, we see great potential for even further expansion of U.S. investment in Turkey as Turkish economic reforms take hold."

Under Secretary Tüzmen expressed his appreciation for the United State's assistance immediately following the earthquake. "The significance of increased exports is that they act as an instrument to recover losses from the earthquake and to maintain macro-economic balances. We are pleased with the development of trade and economic relations between our two countries," he said. "It is of great importance for the U.S. and Turkey to continue the advancement of trade on a mutually beneficial and balanced basis," Tüzmen added.

Both Under Secretaries Aaron and Tüzmen encouraged the U.S. - Turkey Business Development Council (BDC) to become the focus for both the business communities to provide reconstruction services.

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