As China's Belt and Road Initiative gains momentum, the Association brings together talent and professionals from different sectors all over the world, and seeks to promote business, education and cultural links between Turkey, China and Hong Kong. Guided by the aim of promoting the exchange, cooperation and development of culture and trade between Turkey and China, the Association intends to strengthen ties with Turkish, Chinese and Hong Kong organizations, exchange cultural and commercial information and experiences, establish exchange programs, initiate delegation visits and evaluate projects in order to mutually benefit the two countries.

Dr. David Lan, President of IIM, Honorary Adviser of CTECEA, said, "With its advantageous geographical location, Turkey has historically been a crossroads between Europe and Asia and acts as a gateway between Europe and the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. As Turkey has been a political and economic center of attraction, CTECEA can play an important role in offering numerous opportunities in five key areas under the Belt and Road initiative: (i) planning and supporting large-scale infrastructural development projects; (ii) building facilities to enable connectivity along the Belt and Road area; (iii) facilitating cross-border investments and supply chain cooperation; (iv) enhancing monetary policy coordination and bilateral financial cooperation and (v) promoting people-to-people bonds and cooperation."

Mr. Christopher Chan, Chairman of CTECEA, said, "According to the research conducted by the International Monetary Fund, Eurostat and Turkish Statistics Institute, Turkey's GDP is expected to grow 4% in 2018. Moreover, the Centre for Economics and Business Research, a leading UK economics consultancy, predicted that Turkey will become one of the top 15 economies in the world this year, and among the top 12 in 2028. The market expectation is positive, and the country has compelling investment advantages that include well-established transport facilities and infrastructure, domestic market expansion, solid consumption growth, a high-quality workforce, and, last but not least, the country's strategic location for creating an efficient entry base to major markets for investors. Thus we firmly believe that companies from China and Hong Kong can recoup high returns from investments made in Turkey."

Mr. Alan Hung, Secretary General of CTECEA, added, "Free and open economic policies and a favorable financing environment without foreign exchange restrictions offer substantial advantages for enterprises investing in Turkey. Chinese enterprises have recently participated in several investment projects in the country including railway and power generation infrastructure, telecommunications services across the Middle East and the Caucasus region, as well as construction of steel-production facilities. Looking ahead, we believe the relationships and cooperation between Turkey and China will become closer and more companies will seize the investment opportunities in Turkey in the near future."

The Association is currently planning a series of activities to enhance public awareness of Turkish markets and the country's strong economy. Highlights include participating in the Turkey Business Exhibition, arranging professional exchange activities for China, Turkey and Hong Kong, and organizing the Investment Seminar on 5 May 2018 to introduce the role of Turkey in the Belt and Road Initiative and the opportunities available in the country. The International Institute of Management is the Main Organizer of the seminar; while CTECEA is a Co-Organizer. Supporting Organizations include The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government's Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, The University of Hong Kong's School of Professional and Continuing Education, The Open University of Hong Kong, Dashun Foundation, and Turkish Airlines.

In addition, the Association will arrange a Turkish Culture and Investment delegation in June this year. The delegation will visit Istanbul, Bodrum and Ankara in Turkey to meet with Turkish Government representatives and local enterprises, including the Energy and Natural Resources Department, the Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Department, Ali Agaoglu (one of Turkey's largest real estate developers), Dogus Group (one of the top three largest private-sector conglomerates in Turkey) and Akfen Holding (one of Turkey's top infrastructure investment holdings enterprises). The excursion will provide an excellent opportunity for participants to gain a first-hand appreciation of the enormous development potential in Turkey. To support the delegation activity, two of the corporate members of the Association, Aurum Pacific (China) Group Limited (HKG: 8148) and Evershine Group Holdings Limited (HKG: 8022) have sponsored HKD200,000 to the Association respectively, and presented cheques during the press conference.

With the expanding business ties between China and Turkey, and Hong Kong's strength in financial services, the Association intends to play an active role in promoting investments across the two countries and facilitating Turkish enterprises to secure investment and listing in Hong Kong. The Association expects one or two Turkish companies to gain access to Hong Kong's capital-raising platform and greater global exposure in the next two years.

About Chinese Turkish Economic and Cultural Exchange Association

The Chinese Turkish Economic and Cultural Exchange Association (CTECEA), is a non-profit organization formed by a group of professionals with a shared mission of promoting and contributing to the long-term interests and sustainable development of relations between Turkey and China. As China's Belt and Road Initiative gains momentum, CTECEA brings together talent and professionals from different sectors, and seeks to promote business, education and cultural links between Turkey, China and Hong Kong. The Association also explores suitable opportunities for companies and plays the role of a bridge to connect enterprises with business partners between both Turkey and China.

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