Ankara: Dutch companies have invested around $34 billion in Trkiye since 2002, accounting for about 17% of total foreign direct investments (FDIs) into the country, the Dutch ambassador to Ankara told Anadolu. Ambassador Joep Wijnands highlighted that over 3,000 Dutch firms are registered in Trkiye due to its strategic geographical position, serving as a gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, and its skilled workforce and burgeoning economy provide numerous opportunities.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Netherlands topped the list of foreign investors in Trkiye last year with $2.8 billion, as reported by the Turkish Investment and Finance Office. The foreign trade volume between the two nations reached $14 billion, as per the Turkish statistical office TurkStat. Turkish exports to the Netherlands amounted to $7.2 billion in 2025, making it the ninth-largest destination for Turkish exports. This figure increased by 7.4% year-on-year to $580 million in January 2026, according to the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM).
Ambassador Wijnands emphasized that while Dutch firms are attracted by the opportunities in Trkiye, Turkish investors also see the Netherlands as a strategic gateway to Europe. The Turkish community in the Netherlands, numbering over half a million, plays a significant role in facilitating these investments. He attributed the rise in FDIs to Trkiye’s well-functioning market economy and alignment with EU economic standards, despite a global trend of 2% as per a 2025 report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Wijnands noted the effectiveness of the tight monetary policy in place since mid-2023 in stabilizing the Turkish lira, although inflation remains above desired levels. He also mentioned Trkiye’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list in 2024 as a factor boosting investor confidence. The EU-Trkiye Customs Union has played a transformative role in enhancing Trkiye’s trade and economic development, helping to modernize its economy and increase competitiveness.
Dutch investors are particularly interested in Turkish agriculture, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors. The manufacturing and services sectors are the focus of most investments, although there is untapped potential for further Dutch investments. The Dutch and Turkish investors are encouraged to collaborate on green and digital transformation initiatives.
Ambassador Wijnands pointed out that the economic program initiated in mid-2023 is starting to show results, but Trkiye’s cost-based competitiveness presents challenges for investors. He mentioned the need for more structural reforms to alleviate these challenges. The Dutch government supports investment through various programs, and organizations such as the Netherlands Innovation Network (NIN) and the Dutch Business Association (DBA) Trkiye work to enhance economic cooperation and innovation.
In terms of trade, key Turkish export items to the Netherlands include textiles, chemicals, and automotive products, while Dutch exports to Trkiye focus on iron and steel, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Open dialogue and cooperation, such as the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) meetings, are crucial for sustaining these trade relations.
The European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act aims to boost domestic manufacturing and recognizes the existing Customs Union between Trkiye and the EU. This recognition allows Turkish-made goods to carry the ‘Made in Europe’ tag when competing for European public contracts and state subsidies. Ambassador Wijnands expressed support for fair and open trade and welcomed the inclusion of Trkiye in the draft legislation. The current geopolitical climate necessitates a reassessment of strategic priorities, prompting the European Commission to propose measures to bolster the EU’s economic resilience.