Greece and Turkey are seeking to boost trade ties by establishing regular cooperation, Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Wednesday.

After a meeting with Turkey's visiting minister of state for external trade, Kursat Tuzmen, Alogoskoufis told reporters that ways would be found of increasing the volume of trade.

"I reiterated to Mr Tuzmen Greece's standing policy of supporting Turkey's European outlook coupled with adherence to EU specifications. Turkey's incorporation into the EU will have a beneficial impact for both countries and for the wider region," he added.

Welcoming Greece's position over Ankara's EU entry bid, Tuzman said the two countries shared a complementary role.

He also noted that the private sector was ahead with ministries in both countries lagging slightly, welcoming National Bank of Greece's acquisition this week of Finansbank, which he said demonstrated the level of confidence between Greece and Turkey.

 Only 10 Turkish companies are operating in Greece against 228 Greek firms with a presence in the neighboring country.

"Our aim is to increase the number of firms doing business in both countries...Over the last three years, the volume of bilateral trade has doubled," Tuzmen said.

Source: Athens News Agency

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