Addressing the inaugural event of Turkey Ceylon Business Council in Colombo recently, the Minister said Sri Lanka's trade with Turkey has been increasing over the last few years and in 2014, total bilateral trade stood at US$ 311 million.

"The launch of Turkey Ceylon Business Chamber takes place along such positive developments and we have no doubts that the outcomes too would be encouraging," Minister Bathiudeen said at the event.

Joining the event were visiting international businessmen from Turkey, Australia, France, and Sri Lanka as well as members of the Turkey Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON), the most-wide spread and effective business NGO in Turkey.

"In recent years, Turkey's initiatives to strengthen their partnership with Sri Lanka, especially in trade, has seen an increase," said Minister Bathiudeen. "It is no secret that Turkish businesses have been expressing their interest to enter Sri Lanka for bigger partnerships," he added.

Noting that the balance of trade between the two countries has been in favor of Sri Lanka, the Minister said there are no doubts that the business outcomes from the Turkey Ceylon Business Chamber (TCBC) would be encouraging for both sides.

Speaking at the event,, Mecit Ozkelebek, Secretary of TUSKON invited Sri Lanka to do business with Turkey as it is geographically very central so that Sri Lanka can reach across Europe.

"I hope we too can find opportunities in Sri Lanka. We believe that we can have partnerships here through this new Council. I believe this new business link would be very busy in the coming days," he added.

"TUSKON is the most-wide spread and effective business - NGO in Turkey" said Guavanchmyrat Hezretov, CE/General Secretary of TCBC O) and added: "TUSKON represents 7 business federations, 202 business associations and over 50, 000 entrepreneurs in the country. TCBC is the best bridge to Turkey and TUSKON for Lankan biz."