| * A chain of visits to Turkey made by Armenians last year
inspires a joint project concerning Anatolia’s cultural heritage
Parallel to the steps being taken by politicians to build a
relationship, stage by stage, between Turkey and Armenia,
important developments are taking place for the improvement of
economic contacts between the two countries.
A chain of visits to Turkey made by Armenians last year has
inspired a joint project concerning Anatolia’s cultural heritage.
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanyan had a half-hour long meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland, which
is expected to lay the groundwork for further discussions.
According to business circles, approximately 150 historical
monuments will be restored with financial aid from the United
States.
The monuments are mainly located in cities, such as Kars, Erzurum
and Kayseri, sources said.
Several institutions appealing for aid for the restoration of the
monuments were previously faced with hesitation, however the
Turkish-Armenian Business Development Council (TABDC) has acted as
a bridge between the Turkish authorities and the business circles
willing to become involved in the restoration process, diplomatic
sources said.
Relations to be formed between Armenia and Erzurum, Kars
The TABDC and the Anatolian Business Development Center (ABDC)
paid a visit to Kars and Erzurum between May 8-11 to form
partnerships between Turkish and Armenian companies in the fields
of agriculture and tourism.
The proposed agriculture project is known as the Virtual
Agricultural Wholesale Market, sources said.
Faith tourism expeditions, organized by the TABDC and ABDC in June
2001, caused significant interest in the region.
Businessmen target the improvement of tourist trips to the region,
with a capacity up to 50,000 visitors each year.
Every year, 100,000 visitors arrive in Armenia and after the
opening of the border gate between Turkey and Armenia, 50,000 of
these visitors are expected to travel to Kars and Erzurum as well.
Tourism Minister Mustafa Tasar was quoted as saying that the
region would be a very suitable place for houses to provide “bed
and breakfast services.”
The group was received by the top state officials in Erzurum and
Kars and a follow-up visit is expected.
A business network, to include Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia is
the final target for the business circles.
Ankara – Turkish Daily News |
Akgün Medya