Turkey is interested in Belarusian investments, Economy Minister of Turkey Zafer Caglayan said at the ceremony of honoring Chairman of the Board of EMSAS Construction (Turkey) Ali Riza Arslan with the Order of Honor of the Republic of Belarus in Istanbul. “Turkish investments in various countries total $26 billion. Belarus accounts for $1.1 billion of the sum. The Turkish government invites Belarusian companies to invest in Turkey since it is a big and promising country,” said Zafer Caglayan. A decade ago the trade between Turkey and Belarus totaled $40 million. In 2012 this figure reached $454 million, up 11 times. In January-October 2013 the mutual trade increased by more than 10%. “However, it is still far from the potential we have. We can reach billions in trade,” the minister said. Zafer Caglayan stressed the countries enjoy a longstanding friendship. He added that the signing of the visa-free regime agreement was an important step in developing mutual relations. “A visa-free regime is essential for Turkish businessmen. Visas are a technical barrier. Their cancelation will bring additional advantages for ordinary citizens as well,” the minister believes