In recent years, Japanese firms have increased their direct investment in Turkey, while many other investors are looking for fresh investment opportunities in the country, not only for its domestic potential but also for its role as a regional trade hub.

Japanese companies are looking forward to the conclusion of the bilateral Economic Cooperation Agreement between the two countries, which is still being negotiated.

According to Kenichiro Yamanishi, chair of the Japan-Turkey Economic Committee and executive corporate adviser of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, there are three main reasons for the Japanese business community's interest in Turkey.

"One of the causes is that Turkey has a large population, with the bulk of the population being young generations. In an interview with Hürriyet Daily News, Yamanishi said, "They have potential."

The second point he made was on Turkey-Japan historical ties, emphasizing that both countries' people have sympathy for one another. According to Yamanishi, this emotion stems from the Erturul Gazi incident as well as the evacuation of Japanese citizens from Iran by a Turkish Airlines plane during the Iraq-Iran war.

"The third and most important aspect is Turkey's geographic location, which connects European and Central Asian countries, as well as the Middle East and African countries," he said.

"Turkey's internal market has promise, but it can also serve as a doorway for European, African, and Central Asian countries, therefore it can serve as a gateway to other countries," he said.

Yamanishi emphasized that the two nations' ties must be strengthened, stating that Turkey and Japan each have distinct assets that should be combined.

"If we can combine the excellent qualities of the two countries, we may expect more success." For the Japanese, we may use our technology and investment potential, as well as Turkey's historical expertise [in the region], as well as its potential production capacity and geographic advantage. If we can combine these, we'll be able to make even more progress," he remarked.

Many Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Electrics, have air-conditioning factories in Turkey, according to the businessman. "Once Mr. Hayakova from Toyota and vice president of the Japan Business Federation remarked that the quality of products manufactured in Turkey is extremely good," he added, adding, "Toyota has been in Turkey since the early eras." This assertion was made a number of years ago. When asked the same subject six months ago, he said, "These days, Turkish items are superior to Japanese ones."