Invest News DetailDunya - Türkiye’s consistently growing economy and robust economic fundamentals proved to be a safe haven for Japanese companies seeking ways of growth overseas amid a stagnant market at home and continuing debt woes in Eurozone countries. Within the last 5 years, Türkiye saw a stellar increase in Japanese investments, up from a meager USD 2 million in 2007 to USD 227 million in 2011, according to an attaché at the Japanese Embassy in Türkiye. Turkish and Japanese peoples’ closeness to each other should be matched on the economic level as well, said Yo Takahashi in an interview with the Turkish press, adding that steps are being taken towards stronger business ties between Türkiye and Japan. “Zafer Caglayan’s visit, focusing on promoting Türkiye's new investment incentive scheme, unveiled many investment opportunities in Türkiye for Japanese companies,” said Takahashi citing Turkish Economy Minister’s visit to Japan last month. Japanese companies’ interest stems from Türkiye’s own vibrant economy and close ties to its surrounding countries, a key factor for Japanese companies to better compete with Chinese and South Korean companies operating in the region. Companies in the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors from Türkiye and Japan convened last month on developing joint projects for third countries such as Iraq, principally agreeing on joining their forces for the country’s rebuilding efforts. The agreement is expected to bring USD 4-5 billion worth of business for Turkish-Japanese partnerships. Two large lenders from Japan, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (BTMU) and Mizuho Corporate Bank have joined 140+ Japanese companies active in the Turkish market this year, with the former applying for a banking license in the country, while the latter opened a representative office in Istanbul. Bilateral trade between Türkiye and Japan reached USD 4.3 billion in 2011.