Arab banks eager to boost ties with Turkish banking sector

ISTANBUL (A.A) - February 29, 2012 - The Union of Arab Banks secretary general has said that they were eager to boost ties with the Turkish banking sector. Delivering a speech at the Arab-Turkish Banking and Finance Forum in Istanbul, Wissam Fattouh, Secretary General of Union of Arab Banks, said that they appreciated Turkey's achievements in economy. Turkey's efforts were of great importance for the stability of the region, he said. Turkey is among the largest economies of the world and the Turkish government has taken important economic steps, he said. Hundreds of Arab companies have been operating in Turkey, he said.  "Arab banks have not been affected much due to the latest economic crisis," he said. Fattouh said Turkey was not affected by the economic crisis, either, stating that they were attending the forum to set a new road map between Turkish and Arab banking sectors. "Turkish banks have great knowledge and experience in terms of support to the small and medium size enterprises. We want to make good use of such experience. We want to enhance relations with the Turkish banking sector," he said. Fattouh said Turkey was an important country with its natural resources and great potential.