Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajić said today that Serbia and Turkey have excellent potential and that the two countries will achieve their goal of a billion euros exchange of goods as early as next year.

Opening the International Textile Fair “Balkan Textile” in Novi Pazar, Ljajić recalled an upward trend in the mutual relations between Turkey and Serbia.

At the 4th International Textile Fair which will last until February 28, 36 prominent manufacturers of textiles and materials will be present, as well as companies that sell equipment and machinery for the textile industry.

This year, at the fair in the sports hall “Pendik”, new companies that have not operated in the territory of Serbia before will be presented. In addition to Turkish companies, companies from Germany and Pakistan will also be present.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Turkey in Serbia Mehmed Kemal Bozaj and the Mayor of Novi Pazar Meho Mahmutović.

Noting that there are more participants in the fair this year, the Turkish ambassador expressed his hope that one day this event will become a major international fair.

“We want for Novi Pazar to be the textile center of not only Serbia, but the Balkans and Europe as well,” said Ambassador Bozaj.

According to him, now is the time for an even more successful cooperation after the impending arrival of the Turkish Halk Bank, which will facilitate the access of Turkish investors to Serbia.

“The relations between Serbia and Turkey are improving from day to day in terms of both the economy and tourism, and we hope our relations will be even more successful. Turkey will always help and support you, as you will become an EU member in a few years,” said the Turkish Ambassador.

The Mayor of Novi Pazar Meho Mahmutović emphasized that the textile fair is not only important for the city, but also for businessmen because it gathers all those who might do business with textile producers from Novi Pazar.