Ambassador Ricciardone Highlights Growing US-Turkey Trade Relations in Izmir

October 21, 2011

Ambassador Ricciardone spoke to 95 students and professors at the Izmir Economy University’s American Corner

Ambassador Ricciardone spoke at the grand opening ceremony for petroleum related storage tank producer HMT’s new plant at ESBA

Ambassador Ricciardone spoke at the grand opening ceremony for petroleum related storage tank producer HMT’s new plant at ESBAŞ where he highlighted growing U.S.-Turkey trade relations. “Turkey is unique because of its growing market and strategic location that can serve as a hub to reach third countries.  I fully expect this trend to continue,” Ambassador Ricciardone said. “We are on pace to set records for U.S.-Turkey bilateral trade. In the first 8 months of this year, bilateral trade has increased by 45% compared to 2010, reaching almost $12 billion.” 

Ambassador Ricciardone visited the Ets Hayim (Tree of Life) Synagogue, which was renovated with financial contributions from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, in Izmir's historical Kemeralti Bazaar.  Ambassador Ricciardone, who was accompanied by Konak Mayor Dr Hakan Tartan and Izmir Sephardic Cultural Heritage Association representatives, said such initiatives were important to show the entire world Turkey's 500-year history of tolerance and for the co-existence of different beliefs, cultures and languages.  Ambassador Ricciardone also spoke to 95 students and professors at the Izmir Economy University’s American Corner during this trip. In a lively Q&A session with the students, the Ambassador discussed U.S. – Turkish relations and highlighted the strength of their business and economic ties.