By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA

Turkey's Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MUSIAD) has opened a new representation office in Kenya as part of a 2018 drive to extend presence in Africa.

According to a statement from MUSIAD, the number of its contact points in 76 countries reached 206.

Ibrahim Uyar, head of MUSIAD's organizational structure abroad, said the association is aimed at having a representation in 30 African countries by the end of this year.

Uyar noted that new representation offices will be launched in Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana and Ethiopia soon.

"We believe that trade volume between Turkey and Kenya will be increased to a considerable level with the help of our new office," Uyar said.

Last year, Turkey's exports to Kenya totaled $152.3 million while the country's imports from Kenya were $17.1 million, according to Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) data.

*Tuba Sahin contributed this story from Ankara