Ankara: Trkiye's Trade Ministry has undertaken a significant diplomatic initiative by conducting 125 high-level meetings in 57 countries during the first half of the year. This effort aims to boost export volumes, enhance the investment climate, and facilitate access to emerging global markets.
According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry utilized cooperation frameworks like Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Joint Economic Trade Committees (JETCOs), Joint Economic Commissions (JECs), and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) to achieve its objectives. Trkiye also had a strong presence at important global gatherings, such as the OECD Ministerial Meeting and the economic summits of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
Officials engaged in bilateral meetings with countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Syria. High-level visits to key partners like Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia were carried out to solidify economic ties, while FTA negotiations remained a priority.
During the fifth round of FTA update negotiations with the UK in Ankara, both sides committed to accelerating and expanding the scheme. Successful discussions also set the stage for initiating FTA negotiations with Canada and Costa Rica. Technical talks aimed at broadening the scope of existing PTAs with regional allies Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan were also held.
Institutional mechanisms like JETCOs led to concrete policy results. Trkiye and the UK signed an agreement on mutual authorized economic operators' recognition at their eighth JETCO meeting. Similarly, Trkiye and Hungary agreed to increase transit permit quotas and streamline visa and work permit procedures. Through a new JETCO mechanism with Norway, both countries established a framework for cooperation in green transition and the digital economy.
Additionally, Trkiye and Syria signed a comprehensive protocol covering areas such as customs, energy, banking, and construction. Trkiye and Germany outlined a roadmap for economic relations and identified concrete areas of cooperation. Regional business forums, like the Trkiye-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum, played a role in integrating the private sector.
The ministry also focused on strengthening alternative trade routes, logistics, and supply chains, especially considering developments in the Strait of Hormuz and their impact on trade. The top trade diplomacy agenda included engagements with Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia in the Balkans, promoting regional economic integration and supporting the Turkish construction sector.
The Turkish Trade Ministry intends to sustain this diplomatic momentum throughout the rest of the year to ensure continuous market access for Turkish exporters.