土耳其在“一带一路”发挥重要作用

In the ancient silk road, China was the starting point, and Turkey was the end. As China now launches its "One Belt, One Road" initiative, Turkey is again taking the position as a key investment and cooperation partner that will help bridge East and West.

Located in both Asia and Europe, Turkey has long held a unique role as a cultural and economic center.

During the times of the ancient silk road, trade flourished between continents and across regions, with Turkey serving as the central exchange post. China's finest goods and products were sent to Europe, while advanced western technologies made their way to China and were accepted by the people.

That historic bond between the two countries has survived into modern times. Turkey has risen to become the world's 17th largest economy and an increasingly important destination for Chinese companies that want to trade and invest.

According to statistics, Turkey and China’s bilateral trade in 2014 totaled US$27.7 billion. Turkish exports to China were valued at nearly US$2.9 billion, accounting for 1.8 percent of all the country's exports. Turkish imports from China also reached close to US$24.9 billion, equal to 10.3 percent of Turkey's import total.

Cultural exchanges have also remained strong. The number of Chinese tourists to Turkey has sharply increased in recent years. And it is a hub for land, sea and air transportation, acting as a gateway to the Middle East, Central Asia and Northern Africa.

Within the country, high-speed trains between the capital Ankara and Istanbul, along with a new east-to-west railway plan, have created a strong infrastructure network that mirrors China's Silk Road Economic Belt. And although Turkey is not a oil-rich nation, it is a key thoroughfare for energy resources.

China's historical, economic, cultural, strategic, and political connections with Turkey have created an invaluable partnership, which will be especially vital as China continues to promote its "One Belt, One Road" initiative.