H E Dr Anthony Mothae Maruping, Commissioner for Economic Affairs, and the H E the Ambassador of Turkey accredited to AU,  Mr. Fatih Ulusoy have signed the hosting agreement regarding the organization of the Africa – Turkey Economic and Business Forum, which is scheduled to take place on November 2^nd and 3^rd, 2016, in Istanbul, Turkey.

In his remarks H E Dr Mothae Maruping thanked the Ambassador for Turkey’s continuing co-operation extended to the African Union. He pointed out that the active participation of the private sector is one of the key pillars in pursuit of achieving the goal of economic transformation of Africa by way of strengthened productive capacities, enhanced competitiveness, diversification in all sectors and substantial value addition. This would be reflected in accelerated and inclusive real economic growth with equity towards eradication of poverty and strong, resilient and sustainable socio – economic development. He emphasized that Agenda 2063 is Africa’s vessel for delivering the SDGs plus much more, given its wider scope.

H E Dr Maruping pointed out that for realization of the aspirations and goals in Agenda 2063, which is the socio-economic transformative blue print of the continent, it is imperative to actively engage the private sector, in addition to the public sector and civil society, which participated in the formulation of Agenda 2063. Logically all three are expected to collaboratively implement Agenda 2063’s First Ten Year Implementation Plan.

H E Mothae Maruping welcomed the Africa – Turkey Economic and Business Forum as an opportunity to generate investment needed in Africa through fostering partnerships among the entrepreneurs, saying increased investment is required to realize the goals of Agenda 2063.

H E the Ambassador of Turkey Mr. Fatih Ulusoy on his part re-affirmed Turkey’s commitment to partnering with Africa in her development effort and to do so following Africa’s lead. He emphasized that Turkey attaches great importance to this Forum as part of implementing the Africa – Turkey Partnership. He assured the Commissioner that Turkish material and moral support to Africa will only grow from strength to strength.