Istanbul: The two-day World Cooperation Industries (WCI) Forum opened on Wednesday, bringing together Turkish and African business communities in Istanbul. Utku Bengisu, president of the forum, emphasized the importance of investing in Africa, stating that it equates to investing in the future. He noted that the event has positively contributed to Turkish-African relations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Bengisu highlighted the forum's role in increasing the popularity of Turkish products and technologies across the African continent. He proudly mentioned that their database includes 450,000 Turkish companies operating in Africa. The forum continues to focus on small- and medium-sized enterprises, with support from the Turkish Trade Ministry, by prioritizing production and exports.

Bengisu also discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening Trkiye-Africa ties. He cited the opening of a Digital Transformation Center last year, which employs AI-powered export solutions alongside field-oriented approaches. He announced that Turkish and Libyan business communities are set to meet in Benghazi, Libya in December for a significant event.

Highlighting Turkey's export achievements, Bengisu stated, "Turkish exports reaching the level of $400 billion in the 101st year of the (Turkish) Republic is a sign of our success." Ahmet Gulec, deputy chair of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly, stressed the importance of trade between Trkiye and Africa for the peaceful development of the region. He emphasized that this trade provides a win-win situation for both regions.

Gulec remarked, "Trkiye has always extended a helping hand to Africa - our trade and cooperation-focused approach shows that our relations are growing economically, socially, and culturally." Abdulkadir Develi, executive chair of the WCI Forum, added that the event comes at a time of global uncertainty, highlighting the critical nature of economic security and the increasing significance of trade diplomacy in the current geopolitical landscape.