BRUSSELS (AA) – Turkey’s Ambassador to Brussels Barış Tantekin stated that the trade volume between Turkey and the European Union (EU) is approximately 220 billion dollars, and that this figure could double in the next 10 years if the Customs Union is updated. In cooperation with the Presidential Investment and Finance Office and Turkey’s Embassy in Brussels, the “Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence” program was organized at the TOBB Brussels Representation on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Presidential Investment and Finance Office.
Speaking at the program, Tantekin reminded that they hosted a large business world delegation in Istanbul and Ankara last month within the scope of the economic mission chaired by Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Stating that the last similar visit was made in 2012, Tantekin stated that they were pleased to see Belgium’s economic mission in Turkey again after a long time. Expressing his belief that the mutual trust and cooperation in the fields of trade and investment between the two countries will be further strengthened after the economic mission, Tantekin said, “We were successful in both establishing new connections and signing agreements.
“Approximately 40 agreements were signed between the private sector and public institutions, including the defense industry.” he said. Emphasizing that Turkey offers important opportunities for investors with its strong economy, young and dynamic population, solid infrastructure and qualified human resources, Tantekin said that the strategic locations of Turkey and Belgium also contribute to the development of economic relations.
Pointing out the importance of updating the EU-Türkiye Customs Union, Tantekin said, “Türkiye is an integral part of European value chains and an important element of the European economy. Europe is larger than the European Union. We are part of Europe. “Updating the Customs Union is of great importance for the future of our relations with the EU and its member states.” made his assessment. Tantekin said, “Today, the trade volume between Türkiye and the EU is approximately 220 billion dollars.
It is predicted that this figure may double in the next 10 years if the Customs Union is modernized. “Such a development will provide significant benefits not only to Turkish companies, but also to EU and Belgian companies.” he said. – “280 billion dollars of international investment in Turkey in the last 20 years” Bekir Polat, Deputy Head of the Presidential Investment and Finance Office, said: “280 billion dollars of international investment has come to Turkey in the last 20 years.
This clearly demonstrates the trust investors have in Turkey and the potential of the country.” he said. Stating that Turkey is an extremely resilient country with its human resources and economy, Polat noted that the economy exhibits sustainable growth performance. Polat said, “Turkey has become one of the largest economies in the world with an economic size of 1.6 trillion dollars as of last year. In the last 20 years, excluding China and India, it has been among the fastest growing economies in the world with an average growth rate of 5.3 percent.” he said.
Stating that the anti-inflation program is adhered to with determination, Polat stated that single-digit inflation levels are expected to be reached within a few years. Emphasizing that Turkey continues its reforms to improve the investment environment, Polat said, “With the Foreign Direct Investments Law, Türkiye has become one of the countries with one of the most liberal investment legislations in the world. When you establish a company in Turkey, you have the same rights, incentives and advantages as local companies.
International arbitration is accepted.” he said. Pointing out that Turkey is at the intersection of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, Polat said that Turkey can access 56 countries and an economic size of approximately 30 trillion dollars within a four-hour flight distance. Stating that Turkey’s young, educated and talented population is an important advantage, Polat said that the country hosted 65 million tourists last year and is the fourth most visited country in the world.
Polat stated that last year, approximately 350 thousand foreign students came to Turkey to receive university education, and that this would make significant contributions to the country in the long term. Pointing to Turkey’s wide diplomatic representation network, Polat said, “Türkiye has one of the largest diplomatic representation networks in the world, after China and the USA. “Maintaining this network is costly, but it makes significant contributions to our country.” he said.
Stating that Turkey should be seen and evaluated on site, Polat stated that they, as an institution, would be pleased to guide investors. Polat said, “Twenty years ago, the number of international companies operating in Turkey was only 5 thousand. Today it has reached 80 thousand. In the last 20 years, 280 billion dollars of international investment has come to Turkey. This clearly demonstrates the trust investors have in Turkey and the potential of the country.” he said.
Within the scope of the program moderated by Ethem Tokgözlü, Benelux Countries Advisor of the Presidential Investment and Finance Office, Geert de Roovere, Petrochemical EMEA Region Commercial and Business Development Manager at Katoen Natie, Ellen Dooms, Puratos Group’s Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa Region Chief Financial Officer, and Rene Branders, President of the Belgian Federation of Businesses (VBO-FEB) shared their experiences regarding their Türkiye activities.
Following the program attended by many senior officials and business world representatives, various Turkish dishes were served to the guests within the scope of Turkish Cuisine Week events. 16There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced. 26There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced.
36There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced. 46There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced. 56There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced.
66There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced.
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