Economic powerhouse of Turkey is the place to target for business

Andrew Cahn, chief executive of UKTI, said firms in this region should target the nation following David Cameron's visit to Ankara, the capital.

Sir Andrew said: "Turkey is an economic powerhouse with enormous potential for companies across Yorkshire and Humber. With current growth levels of 11 per cent, it is tipped to be Europe's second largest economy by 2050.

"Situated at the crossroads between east and west, doing business in Turkey can provide a foothold for companies looking to do business in the Middle East, European and Central Asian markets."

He also urged businesses with an interest in Turkey to get in touch.

Mr Cameron visited Ankara on Tuesday for talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan before taking his trade push on to India.

He told business leaders that Turkey was vital for the UK's economy, security and diplomacy and went on to outline plans for the UK to double trade with Turkey over the next five years as part of the coalition's plans to make trade a bigger part of foreign policy.

The UK is the second-largest investor in Turkey and attracted 13 new investment projects from the near East nation over the last year, according to UKTI. Turkey will be the fastest-growing economy after China and India by 2017, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.