Vision3 signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Turkey

Under the terms of the agreement, the partners of the Vision3 strategic alliance, Abu Dhabi Investment House, Gulf Finance House and Ithmaar Bank, along with the Investment Development Authority of Turkey will work together in the identification of innovative agricultural investment opportunities throughout the country.

The signing ceremony took place at a media briefing organized by the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT), with State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Nazým Ekren, Ithmaar Bank B.S.C. Chairman Mr. Khalid Abdulla Janahi, Gulf Finance House Chairman Mr. Esam Janahi and Abu Dhabi Investment House Managing Director Mr. Rashad Janahi in attendance.

The goal of AgriCap is to foster projects that offer solutions to the problems faced in global food production.

It will also seek to expand the existing role of agriculture through the development of new agricultural and bio-technologies.

To realize this potential, AgriCap will work with the Turkish authorities, drawing on centuries of agricultural tradition in the exploration and identification of tomorrow's agricultural solutions.

The Turkish agricultural sector offers huge opportunities thanks to highly fertile soils and abundant rainfall that allows almost any type of crop to prosper.

It is one of a few countries that can demonstrate true self-sufficiency in food production with more that 35% of its territory consisting of arable land.

Turkey is a major exporter of high quality produce, including cereals, pulses, industrial crops, sugar, nuts, fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and livestock products.

ISPAT President Mr. Alpaslan Korkmaz during his opening remarks at the briefing, said:

"As the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey, we are very proud that such an important first step targeting at our agricultural sector, definitely one of our country's strategic powers, is taken during such a time of global economic slow down. This step also translates as a confirmation of the trust towards our country."

Korkmaz also stated that the Agency's overall aim was to win value added investments to Turkey which will also provide know-how and employment. Korkmaz went on to say that the Agency has been seeking opportunities as such for Turkey also within the Gulf area.

Ithmaar Bank Chairman, Khalid Abdulla-Janahi commented today, "The Republic of Turkey has a centuries old agricultural tradition and is home to some of the most fertile arable land in the world. Given the boldness and ambition that characterizes AgriCap and the depth of agricultural know-how across this great country, there is vast amount we can achieve in the identification of visionary agriculture initiatives."

Esam Janahi, Chairman of Gulf Finance House added, "There is no time to waste in the development of visionary agricultural projects that provide effective solutions to the shortage in regional food production. Thanks to the support of the Turkish Government, in just few short months AgriCap is making tangible progress towards achieving its goals. We have the will, the expertise and now the perfect location to begin the identifying and assessing agricultural initiatives that deliver high investor returns."

Rashad Janahi, Abu Dhabi Investment House Chairman said, "We are very honoured to be here today marking what we believe will be a critical moment in the development of AgriCap and the birth of diversified agricultural initiatives across The Republic of Turkey. With one of the world's foremost agricultural sectors and the kind support and direction of the Turkish Government, we look forward to identifying investments that push the envelope of agricultural science."

AgriCap was conceived by a strategic alliance between Gulf Finance House, Ithmaar Bank and Abu Dhabi Investment House.

The alliance recognizes the contribution MENASA countries can make by investing in solutions to increase supply in agricultural products with a focus on five principal lines - food production, livestock, biomedicine, bio-fuels and agricultural technology.