![A ship carrying 4,000 tons of food for Qatar prepares to depart from in Izmir, Turkey on 22 June 2017 [Cem Öksüz/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2017_6_22-First-ship-carrying-food-departs-Turkey-for-Qatar20170622_2_24363509_23378898.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Turkey is able to continue to fulfil Qatar’s needs after its neighbours boycotted it, the economic minister said today.
“We can continue to fulfil Qatar’s needs not only by manufacturing here [in Turkey] and sending ready-made products, but also by starting production here and completing it in Qatar, thus fulfilling all of its daily needs,” said Nihad Zibekji, Turkish Minister of Economy.
Zibekji’s statement was issued after he launched an event with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al-Thani. The event was entitled “Turkish-Qatari bilateral business meetings” and it was organised in Izmir.
Representatives of civil society organisations and businessmen from both sides attended the event.
The minister added that “70 – 80 Qataris and 150 companies from all over Turkey and from various sectors attended the event.”
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Izmir was chosen as the first aircraft and cargo ship which carried the daily needs of the people of Qatar were launched from the same province.
He explained that his country has sent 221 aircraft cargos since 5 June, about 60 of which and one vessel exactly from Izmir to Qatar to fulfil their daily needs.