Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Representatives of the business community requested that various tariff-extraneous obstacles present in bilateral trade relations as well as emphasizing the development of cooperation in third countries and relations based on exports.

It was expressed during the meeting that France’s support in Turkey’s membership process with the EU would positively impact bilateral trade between the two countries.

Prior to the French President François Hollande’s Turkey visit on the 28th and 29th of January, 2014, Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekçi held a consultation meeting in preparation with TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, TİM President Mehmet Büyükekşi, MÜSİAD President Nail Olpak as well as representatives of French companies operating in Turkey.

During the meeting subjects such as bilateral investments and suggestions for increasing economic cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

The meeting drew attention to the fact that Hollande’s visit will be the first visit from France to Turkey after 22 years on the presidential level and it was stated that this will be an important opportunity for the development of bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

The positive impact of France in quickly bringing the chapters being negotiated as a part of the EU membership process to a resolution was emphasized, as well as the need for the relevant parties to work together and follow up on the results.

Also noted during the meeting:

“The removal of France’s blockade to the 22nd Chapter is a positive development. The lifting of political blocks on 4 other chapters will not only aid in shifting the negative view of the Turkish populace towards France, but is also important in achieving progress in bilateral relations. The support of French companies active within Turkey has been helpful in Turkey’s EU membership as well as other political matters in addition to economic progress.

Historical matters and their interpretation should be left to historians and scientists, not be fodder for politics; these should not be let to endanger the relations - especially economic and trade. Both countries should show good will, joint and transparent efforts in these matters.

A trade volume of 13 billion USD between the 2 countries and the investments of 1135 French companies in Turkey points to the significance of the economic relations between the two countries. This situation calls for raising awareness to Turkey in France by the French companies operating in Turkey.

Various extra-tariff obstacles still need to be eliminated in regards to bilateral relations, work needs to be done on problems found in customs procedures.

Turkish and French companies should develop their cooperation in third countries.”

“Considering the demographical characteristics of both countries, sectors such as healthcare tourism should be prioritized, ensuring that investment opportunities are created in Turkey.

The cooperation of Turkish and French companies in our relations with France in regards to strategically important fields such as defense, communications, transportation, energy, automotive, finance, insurance and banking should be encouraged.

Turkish Prime Ministry’s Investment Support and Promotion Agency should intensify its work in promoting investment in Turkey by French SMEs and the Agency’s help towards French companies in Turkey should be increased.

The subjects touched on during the meeting should also be reiterated during the Business Forum which will be held by TOBB.”