Brussels, 27/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) has opened regional representation offices in Ankara and Istanbul in Turkey to further strengthen the EIB's responsiveness to the financing needs of public and private clients in Turkey and reinforce its cooperation with the local institutions and partners. 'Investments in efficient infrastructure, ranging from the large-scale trans-European transport corridors to improved local infrastructure by municipalities are essential to underpin Turkey's significant economic growth and will contribute to closer trading links with EU members and global markets or support the prosperity of the country,' explains the EIB. The EIB has formed partnerships with national and foreign industrial investors and is cooperating with an extended network of local banks in order to support the vibrant SME sector in Turkey. 'While the Bank is deepening its activity in the above fields, it also progressively expanding into other priority areas, such as support to sustainable, competitive and secure energy and Research & Development and Innovation, which will be essential for future prosperity,' said EIB President Philippe Maystadt. (O.L. trans fl)