"Izmir will expand cooperation with Xiamen," said Aziz Kocaoglu, mayor of Izmir in Turkey in an exclusive interview with China Daily during his visit to the 18th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) held in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Sept 8.

Aziz Kocaoglu, mayor of Izmir, Turkey, sits down for an interview with China Daiy in Xiamen, Fujian province, Sept 8.[ Photo by Lin Ting for China Daily.]

"CIFIT is a vital platform for investment and global cooperation," Aziz Kocaoglu said, adding that the two cities should expand mutual investment and deepen their cooperation.

Izmir is located near the Aegean. It's a coastal city like Xiamen with beautiful scenery and port advantages. "The two should join together and provide favorable opportunities for the development of their oceanic economies," he said.

He added that Izmir is open to foreign investment and is doing everything to create a prosperous environment for foreign investors.

"Both Xiamen and Izmir are holding world famous international stone fairs," he said, adding that the event has provided attendees across the world with unrivaled access to information, intelligence, contacts and experience in the stone industries.

He further explained that Izmir is located in a semi-tropical area and is abundant in renewable energy resources, and agricultural products such as olive, cotton, turkey fig and raisins.

As one of Turkey’s largest tourism destinations, Izmir also aims to attract more Chinese to explore its culture and history.

"The famous philosopher Heraklit lived in Ephesus, Izmir and the first church built for the Virgin Mary is still in Ephesus Selcuk Izmir," he added.

A letter of intent between Izmir and Xiamen to build a ‘sister-relationship’ for further cooperation was signed during the 18th CIFIT.

"It is our expectation that Izmir can expand more cooperation with Xiamen, and China in other industries, such as textiles and steel," said Aziz Kocaoglu.