Love thy neighbour – Ukraine/Turkey
July 16, 2011Turkey is major regional player in this neck of the woods.
Not only does it have a massive military capability and by far the strongest navy in he Black Sea region, it is the only Muslim NATO member and an established democracy as far as free and fair elections are concerned.
It also happens to have a booming economy and have a significant amount for trade with Ukraine. This is all rather fortunate with Istanbul only half a days sailing across the Black Sea from my front door and a quicker flight than that to Moscow.
There is a reasonably sized Turkish community in Odessa and many people in Odessa choose Turkey as a holiday destination. She that must be obeyed is a big fan of Istanbul’s markets and bizarres.
Anyway, it seems Turkey is getting involved in the LNG plant that will be built in Odessa and is interested in developing a free trade area with Ukraine which is excellent news for Odessa. Talks on Visa-free travel for Turkish citizens to Ukraine continue.
All interesting stuff and quite wise considering its dominance of pretty much all things in the Black Sea region. Time to blow the dust of the business cards I was given when the last Turkish trade delegation were in Odessa. Well, you never know, I may be able to eek out a few pennies by way of consultancy. It all helps you know!
Is there much trade between Russia and Turkey, do you know? I could always look it up, but asking a local is a good option. I’ve always liked the look of Istanbul in travel magaziney-type presentations, but I’ve never visited.
When I was last chatting to a Turkish trade delegation they claimed it was around $30 billion. Whether that is accurate or not is a different matter and not something that I bothered to corroborate.
Whatever it is, there would certainly be room for improvement just as there is between Ukraine and Turkey.
As for Istanbul, being so close and with such easy access from Odessa, for me it is a highly enjoyable get away for a few days.