Japanese firm interested in nuclear plant construction in Turkey

A major Japanese firm expressed interest in constructing Turkey's second nuclear power plant during Minister of State for Foreign Trade Mehmet Zafer Çağlayan’s recent visit to Tokyo.

During the last stop of his tour of the Far East on Thursday, Çağlayan told the Japanese Business Federation that Toshiba had expressed interest in becoming involved in the development of Turkey’s energy sector. “Toshiba officials told me that they wanted to participate in nuclear power plant projects (in Turkey),” he said.

During the talks he called on Japanese businessmen to invest in Turkey. "We have started cooperation with Russia for Turkey's first nuclear power plant. Many companies are interested in the construction of the second plant. We previously held talks on the issue with businessmen in the U.S., Canada and China," he said.

Following the talks, the minister told a press conference that Turkey is currently diversifying its energy policy. "Turkey was unable to carry out its energy policies accurately in the past. Today, we are diversifying our energy resources and we are starting to use hydroelectric, wind, geothermal and solar energy," he said.

During the talks the business leaders discussed nuclear energy, sustainable energy and satellite issues. He also spoke about the construction of a third bridge spanning the Bosphorus in Istanbul, railway projects and cooperation opportunities in contracting business with the Japanese minister.

Çağlayan said the investment environment and new incentive system had also been on the agenda of his talks with Toshiba executives and the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akihiro Ohata.

"Japan, especially its foodstuff sector, is a big market for Turkey. We are neglecting this country and our businessmen do not extend the necessary support to Japan,” he said.

"We want to work together with you. Most of you are owners of the world's leading companies. Let us increase the number of our areas of cooperation," Çağlayan told the Japanese businessmen’s group.

During his trip the minister has so far met officials from Toshiba Corporation, members of the Japanese Business Federation, Minister Ohata and Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, Japan.