Yılmaz was speaking at the Organization of the Islamic Conference’s (OIC) Economic and Commercial Cooperation Permanent Committee (ISEDAK) meeting in the southern tourism hub of Antalya. “We believe Muslim nations should develop a global understanding of fostering trade ties among all OIC-member entrepreneurs around the world,” he said. Underlining that economic integration has become more important than ever for OIC members, particularly on the heels of the 2009 global financial crisis, the minister said the countries should first concentrate on strengthening trade ties, adding, “We should establish a strong trade infrastructure that will be able to provide necessary help when any of the members is in need.” Yılmaz said Turkey is committed to providing support for the healthy economic integration of OIC members, encouraging trade partnerships and combating poverty in solidarity.Mentioning the ratification of a preferential trade agreement, the Protocol on the Preferential Tariff Scheme for TPS-OIC [PRETAS], the minister said they expect the deal will further foster trade among OIC members. PRETAS mainly aims to boost trade among Islamic countries and increase their interdependence.
“The share of OIC-member countries in world exports increased to 11.2 percent from 8.1 percent between 2003 and 2008. When we look at exports among OIC-member countries, oil and oil products accounted for 29 percent, industrial products for 27 percent and agricultural products 17 percent. We need to further improve our economic and commercial relations to increase our competitive power,” the minister explained. Turkey’s trade with OIC countries has increased fivefold over the last eight years.
More than 100 delegates from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Senegal, Kuwait, Iran, Cameroon, Pakistan, Qatar, Indonesia and Sierra Leone are attending the three-day meeting. Meanwhile, President Abdullah Gül said on Monday he believed that rapidly implementing PRETAS among OIC member states would pave the way for the enhancement of intra-OIC trade. Gül sent a message to the 26th meeting of ISEDAK in Antalya.
“Implementing PRETAS among the member states of the OIC as soon as possible will carry us much further towards the enhancement of intra-OIC trade. In this regard, implementation of the system is of paramount importance,” he said. Gul highlighted the OIC members’ mutual goals of enhancing cooperation such as strengthening ISEDAK’s institutional structure, exploring sources of financing and developing viable projects.
