June 19, 2000BYRD UNVEILS ATTP WEBSITE
WASHINGTON, D.C.... As part of an effort to help West
Virginia take advantage of emerging economic opportunities in the Republic of Turkey, U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., Tuesday unveiled a new Internet page to promote the Appalachian-Turkish Trade Project (ATTP).
"This Internet page will provide West Virginia business representatives with information about the ATTP and, more specifically, the investment opportunities that exist in the Republic of Turkey," Byrd
explained.
"The new Internet site features an analysis of the Turkish market, potential areas for Appalachian investment, and links to more detailed information about Turkey. In addition, visitors can
learn about the ATTP, its activities and events," Byrd explained.
This spring, Byrd and Members of Congress from other Appalachian states launched the ATTP to help expand trade, advocate for Appalachian
businesses, and build a mutually beneficial relationship between the states and the Republic of Turkey.
"This initiative is a unique opportunity for West Virginia and the other Appalachian states to build
ties with a country that the U.S. Department of Commerce has identified as one of the world's top ten 'Big Emerging Markets.' Great potential exists for West Virginia enterprises, and I hope that they will take
the time to examine the opportunities presented by the Republic of Turkey," Byrd said.
According to a preliminary analysis by the Commerce Department and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC),
West Virginia's best export opportunities are coal, building products, auto parts, and high-technology and information systems. Other West Virginia sectors that might benefit from an export relationship with
Turkey include general industrial equipment, mining machinery, specialty metal products, and industrial chemicals.
The ATTP Internet address is http://byrd.senate.gov/attp_welcome.html.
Also
Tuesday, Byrd and other Members of Congress from Appalachian states hosted a Congressional reception for the Turkish Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Baki Ilkin.
"As we work to improve ties between
Appalachia and the Republic of Turkey, this event provides Congressional representatives with the opportunity to get to know the ambassador. As the chief representative of his government to the United States,
Ambassador Ilkin is in a position to better identify potential areas for cooperation between the Turkish Republic and the Appalachian region," Byrd said.
The new U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Mr. W. Robert
Pearson, also attended the Congressional reception.
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