Turkey, a new market for our waning gem, jewellery industry

By Rohan MATHES

The Hony. Consul General of the Republic of Turkey Ms. Bharathi Wijeratne, was one individual who had toiled relentlessly for an extremely productive and fruitful official visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his entourage to the Republic of Turkey recently. Here are some of the sentiments expressed by Bharathi Wijeratne at an interview with Sunday Observer Staffer Rohan Mathes, on the Turkish tour, at her residence in Colombo recently.

Q. In your view as the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey, what has been the overall significance of the visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his high-level delegation to Turkey recently?

A: The historical visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his delegation to Turkey has been of immense benefit to both Sri Lanka and Turkey, especially to Sri Lanka. This has been the first official invitation and a visit of a Sri Lankan Head of State to Turkey, following the establishment of Sri Lanka-Turkish Consular Relationships which dates back to 1907. The documented evidence for this could be obtained by reference to the 20th Century impressions of Ceylon, printed in the British era in 1907, in pages 137 and 138. Turkish President Abdullah Gul had also referred to it.

This visit has beyond doubt, consolidated the already existing links between the two friendly states for their mutual benefit.

President Rajapaksa realising its true potential and its significance for Sri Lanka, was eagerly awaiting this tour.

He had extended an invitation to his counterpart Abdullah Gul to visit Sri Lanka, and it had been accepted by him.

Q: How will the visit help in the enhancement of trade between the two countries?

A: The trade volume between the two countries is to reach Rupees 100 million by year 2008 end. Turkey is buying our tea, rubber tyres, desiccated coconuts and some other non-traditional items from us. Nonetheless, Turkey will in no wise enter into ad hoc agreements and MoUs solely for the sake of providing assistance. They would be meant for long-term implementation only. High-level committees would be appointed from both Sri Lanka and Turkey, for the purpose of monitoring and implementation of the decisions taken in several spheres on trade.

Q: Has there been any talks specifically in enhancing the sale of tea to Turkey?

A: Of course, yes. Turkey has offered their optimum assistance in the crisis situation in which our tea sales have drastically dropped. They have been a leading buyer of our tea. Nevertheless, it should be noted that Turkey too produces a variety of teas, although not of the same quality as ours. Therefore, Turkey has imposed a tariff of 145 per cent on our tea, to protect their tea industry. However, on the request of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his delegation, the Turkish authorities have discussed at length on the matter, and a communique would be released soon on their proposals which are bound to be favourable to us.

Q: What are the agreements which have been inked on this tour?

A: Agreements pertaining to Direct Air Transport and Tourism, Extradition Treaties for the Exchange of Criminals between the two countries, have been inked already. On the exclusive request of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, an MoU for the Development of Agriculture, has also been signed. This would be of paramount interest to Sri Lanka. Agreements in Avoiding Double Taxation and Investment Protection, are in the pipe-line for early conclusion. An MoU on Housing and Construction is also to be inked shortly, on a priority basis.

Q: Would you elaborate on the MoU signed for the Development of Agriculture?

A: Turkey is highly developed in its Agriculture programmes. With the agreement signed, Turkey would help Sri Lanka in the provision of Agriculture equipment and in the know-how. As for the plantation side of it, the Agriculture Ministries of the two countries would discuss further on how assistance could be provided as per the MoU signed. President Rajapaksa had also sought concessions on their exports of lentils, a product of high consumption in Sri Lanka.

These concessions would be forthcoming soon. Committees would hold further talks to decide on the permissible levels of concessions which could be granted.

Q: What are the other new vistas in trade relations of mutual benefit to both countries?

A: Our indigenous Gem and Jewellery industry is to receive a shot in its arms. Very little has been known in this field, about our Sapphires and Rubies. This industry would be promoted in Turkey, especially in Anatalia, a Turkish State which is densely populated by tourists and has over 178 Five Star hotels.

Sri Lanka will gain immensely by tapping this potential market. Turkish Tea Companies have been invited to establish value-adding Centres for its tea. Their industrialists in the Garments sector too have been invited to invest in our Industrial Zones and make their contributions. Taking account of the parity in the 'Labour Rates' of the two countries, both countries could benefit by it.

Q: What would be the benefits accruing out of this tour in the field of Housing and Urban Development?

A: A high-level Turkish delegation would be arriving here shortly, on the request of President Rajapaksa and Minister Dinesh Gunewardena, for matters pertaining to Urban development.

Q: What were the agreements signed in the sphere of Tourism and Air Transportation?

A: The Sri Lanka delegation headed by President Rajapaksa signed a Direct Air Transportation agreement between Sri Lanka and Turkey, for SriLankan Airlines and Turkish Airlines. This would undoubtedly be a stepping stone in enhancing the volume of tourist traffic coming into Sri Lanka. Turkey with a huge population of over 73 million, could contribute largely to expand our tourist industry.

Q: What agreements have been reached in the field of combating terrorism from which both countries are plagued with?

A: Combating terrorism would be of paramount importance to both countries. All measures would be taken to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They will fully cooperate to eradicate the threat of terrorism in toto. In this regard, they had agreed for the early conclusion of agreements in dealing with the illicit trafficking of narcotics and counter terrorism activities. It is well-known that the LTTE is hand in glove with the Kurdish guerillas. The Turkish Government in no uncertain terms, have condemned terrorism in any part of the globe. President Rajapaksa and his Turkish counterpart have vowed to cooperate to their optimum, to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the face of this earth. There have been intense discussions on this subject by the two Presidents, who have both agreed that there are no good or bad terrorists. Terrorists are terrorists anywhere. However due to security and other untold reasons, the contents of these discussions have not been divulged to the media yet.

Q: Much has been spoken of the tsunami aid provided by the Turkish government to Sri Lanka. What is your view on it?

A: Yes. Turkey was one of the first countries to have responded to Sri Lanka's call for international help, following the tsunami devastation. The Turkish Red Crescent Society and Turkish doctors were the first to arrive with medical aid. After a tour of the devastated areas, the Turkish government understood the grave human problem with regard to housing. Having decided to gift 500 houses, the Turkish government was unfortunately able to build only 450 housing units, due to land problems. This place was known as the 'Turkey Village' and has all facilities such as a shopping complex with 22 shops, a medical centre, a library, a community centre, a pre-school, a playground and a fully-fledged Temple built by a Muslim nation. It also has a 'Holiday Home' known as the 'Turkish Lodge'. Special mention should be made here of our President Mahinda Rajapaksa (then Prime Minister), who nominated Matara for this project, despite the fact that Hambantota was the most affected by the tsunami tragedy. The Turkish Prime Minister came to Sri Lanka personally to lay the foundation stone for the Village. It had been declared open by the Turkish Deputy Premier and President Mahinda Rajapaksa.