Turkish economy minister says Turkish exports to Syria down in Oct. and Nov.

ISTANBUL (A.A) - November 17, 2011 - Turkish economy minister said on Thursday that Turkish exports to Syria rose by 3.7 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2011, however the country's exports decreased in October and November compared to the same months of last year. Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan held a meeting on Syria with participation of ministry officials and businessmen in Istanbul. Turkey was the country having the most investments in Syria and those investments contributed to development of Syrian economy, he said. Turkish companies made business in several areas such as food, textile, tourism and fuel oil in Syria, he said. Caglayan said the current difficult period in Syria was not permanent. "We believe in future of Syria. I am sure that Turkish businessmen will have an important place in Syria's future," he said.