Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

While Turkish companies were informed about investment opportunities by US state officials, US service sector companies that could also provide support in the areas of law, finance, visas, accounting, business development, construction, and location selection were also present at the event.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, TOBB Deputy Secretary General Mustafa Bayburtlu stated that the United States is one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Türkiye, adding, “At the same time, Turkish companies are increasingly investing in the US. Türkiye’s investments in the US are mainly focused on the food and beverage, textile, logistics, software, energy, automotive, and defense industries. US investments in Türkiye are concentrated in the energy, finance, pharmaceutical, technology, and consumer goods sectors. Our capacity and the international developments we face require stronger, deeper, and broader cooperation. Mutual investments form the core element of this cooperation,” he said.

Bayburtlu emphasized that Turkish companies can use SelectUSA to compare US states and regions for investment opportunities, receive official guidance on taxation, incentives, company formation, visas, and labor issues, communicate directly with US state economic development agencies, and connect with legal, financial, and investment advisory firms.

Stating that many Turkish companies take advantage of these opportunities every year, Mustafa Bayburtlu said, “These companies focus on production, sales and distribution centers and technology-oriented investments in the US. Please take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of today’s meeting.”

Bayburtlu spoke about TOBB’s vision for Türkiye-US relations: “When we look at Türkiye-US relations, we see an alliance that is not only strategic but also increasingly important for global stability and economic resilience. The regions connecting Europe, the Middle East, the Black Sea, and Central Asia play a critical role in global energy flows, food security, and trade routes. Stability in this region supports global markets.

Instability affects us all very quickly. For us, decisions made in Washington on trade, tariffs, sanctions, and security have an immediate impact on our companies, supply chains, and investment climate.

Today, Türkiye is at the center of major geopolitical developments. Developments in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, and Iran directly affect global energy, food security, and trade. Despite these challenges, Türkiye continues to act as a stabilizing force through diplomacy, humanitarian aid efforts, and regional engagement. This role is further strengthened by the close cooperation between Türkiye and the United States. There is also an important economic dimension in today’s global environment,” he said.

Referring to the impact of US tariffs on China, which have altered global trade flows, Bayburtlu continued: “Low-priced Chinese products entering Türkiye and nearby markets are putting serious pressure on local industries. In many cases, this pressure is even greater than that faced in the United States. Therefore, Türkiye is seeking reliable partners to build resilient and diversified supply chains. Security and economic stability are inseparable. U.S. policies toward Russia, the Middle East, Iran, and China directly affect Turkish companies, which are forced to adapt quickly and often at high cost. Therefore, closer cooperation between our private sectors is no longer optional, but essential. Despite global uncertainty, the opportunities ahead are significant. There is strong potential for cooperation in energy security, supply chains, digital trade, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.

Mustafa Bayburtlu stated that the Turkish business community is ready to contribute to the joint goal of $100 billion in bilateral trade and requested the support of the US business community in this regard.

- Frank Joseph, Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara

Frank Joseph, Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, also thanked TOBB for its efforts to support trade and investment between the two countries.

Joseph stated that innovation and entrepreneurship are the driving forces of prosperity, and that courageous companies, motivated people, and great ideas make this possible.

Expressing his views on Turkish companies, Joseph said, “We see your companies as competent in their fields and ready to be global leaders. We want the US to be part of this story with you. We offer you a resilient US market with deep capital, universities, and deep technology, supported by a transparent and rules-based system. This is a system that enables the development of Turkish innovation.”

Joseph pointed out that Turkish companies investing in the US not only gain access to a market but also strengthen their brand credibility and global reliability, stating, “What we call ‘Freedom 250’ is an initiative by President Donald Trump. It is a plan that encompasses economic freedom and alliances with reliable allies such as Türkiye in the 250^th year of the United States’ independence. It is a vision that invites Turkish investors who believe in fair competition and shared prosperity. We invite you to succeed with us in the United States, not only for these 250 years, but also for the next 250 years.”

- SelectUSA facilitated over $390 billion in investments

Stephanie Rothman, Director of the SelectUSA Program for Europe and Eurasia, also said that there has been a remarkable increase in investments from Türkiye to the United States in recent years.

Rothman noted that 10 sectors stood out in terms of investment size during the 2015–2025 period, stating, “The energy, electronic equipment, metal, manufacturing, chemical, plastics, transportation, communications, construction materials, and industrial equipment sectors were at the forefront during this period. Similar sectors also topped the list in terms of the number of projects. This picture presents significant opportunities for Turkish companies in priority sectors across the United States. Since its establishment in 2011, SelectUSA has facilitated over $390 billion in investments by international companies in the United States. This process has contributed to the creation of more than 265,000 jobs.”

Rothman emphasized the importance of companies not only finding the right state or economic development agency when entering the US market, but also establishing the right legal, tax, and advisory teams, noting: “Companies can achieve success in the US this way. We support ‘greenfield’ (from scratch) investments in the US. We work with companies of all sizes, from innovative start-ups to multinational corporations, and across all sectors. We also offer a separate support mechanism for women entrepreneurs. SelectUSA is an organization that is active year-round. Our ‘dream team’ is here to provide you with consulting support throughout the year.”