Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech there, Hisarcıklıoğlu provided information about TOBB’s activities. Highlighting that Türkiye-Belgium relations are rooted in a long history, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated, “Our bilateral trade volume is approaching 10 billion dollars, but the target is a trade volume of 15 billion dollars. The potential to achieve this exists in both our countries. Belgian companies’ investments in Türkiye stand at approximately 5 billion dollars. The 700 Belgian firms operating in Türkiye are also our members. Protecting the rights and interests of these firms is also my responsibility, as they are our members.”

Referring to the active role of Turks in Belgium’s business community—particularly those from the Emirdağ district of his hometown, Afyonkarahisar—Hisarcıklıoğlu expressed pride in the achievements Turks in that country have attained in politics, academia, and various other fields.

- “We see strong opportunities for cooperation”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that these achievements demonstrate the friendship and shared values between the two countries, and made the following remarks: “As the Turkish business community, we are deeply pleased that Her Majesty is visiting our country with a large business delegation. I believe this visit will make a significant contribution to further strengthening economic relations between Türkiye and Belgium. In the coming period, there will be a greater need for results-oriented cooperation projects. We see strong opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the defense industry, technology, logistics, energy, and industrial sectors.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu explained that, in addition to bilateral cooperation with Belgium, cooperation with third countries through the Türkiye-Belgium partnership holds significant importance. Hisarcıklıoğlu, who emphasized that cooperation with Belgium is possible particularly in the Middle East and North African countries, drew laughter from the audience with his remark: “We have the courage and experience. You have the money - let’s come together and do this.”

- “Made in Europe” sensitivity

Noting that this cooperation would also contribute to European competitiveness, Hisarcıklıoğlu continued: “The ‘Made in Europe’ approach is more open to debate than ever before, and it is of great importance. It must definitely be implemented. In this process, Türkiye’s Customs Union relationship with the EU holds strategic value. This is also very important for Belgian companies that have invested in Türkiye. ‘Made in Europe’ must also include Türkiye.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu, highlighting that Belgium’s Ambassador to Ankara, Hendrik Van de Velde, serves as an important bridge between the business communities of the two countries, noted: “Türkiye is a strong and reliable partner not only for Belgian companies but also for the supply chains of all EU countries. I believe that economic and trade relations between Belgium and Türkiye will grow even stronger in the coming period. In today’s world, where uncertainty and protectionist tendencies are on the rise, strong cooperation between business communities is more important than ever. In this context, we highly value Belgium’s support for Türkiye’s EU accession process and the modernization of the Customs Union. I believe this process will create new opportunities for both sides.”

- Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Prevot

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Development Cooperation Maxime Prevot also highlighted the presence of a strong Turkish community in Belgium, noting that there are approximately 270,000 people who are very well integrated.

Prevot stated that some Turkish citizens serve as members of parliament and governors, and that there are very strong ties between the two countries.

Prevot noted that when they met with Turkish officials, their visit was described as the largest economic mission to Türkiye from abroad, adding, “This is truly very important to us. Of course, this is not something that happened by chance. It truly demonstrates the importance Belgium places on Türkiye.”

Prevot emphasized that their goal is not merely to conduct business, but also to build upon the deep historical ties between the two nations, noting that the first trade agreement between Belgium and the Ottoman Empire was signed in 1838.

Emphasizing that they are building on this history and wish to shape the future together on these foundations, Prevot noted that they had made a very successful start in Istanbul and that the Belgian Economic Mission is now continuing its work in the capital, Ankara.

Prevot noted that Ankara is somewhat different from İstanbul because decision-makers are based in the capital, stating that Türkiye’s political heart beats in Ankara and that is why they are in this city.

- TOBB is a very important partner for Belgium and the EU

Prevot thanked TOBB for its close cooperation and emphasized that it is a very important partner for Belgium and the European Union (EU).

Prevot noted that TOBB brings business communities together and achieves concrete results in trade, investment, and innovation through dialogue, and highlighted that TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu has kept the economic dialogue with Türkiye alive.

Highlighting that Ankara, Türkiye’s second-largest economic hub, offers a crucial opportunity to further deepen this dialogue, Prevot explained that while economic activities in Istanbul account for approximately 30% of Türkiye’s gross domestic product (GDP), this also demonstrates that 70% of Türkiye’s economic life is concentrated in Anatolia.

Prevot stated that TOBB facilitates meetings between various business organizations and trade communities in Türkiye and thanked TOBB for opening this door to Belgium.

- “Belgium wants to be a partner for the entire country”

Emphasizing that the Türkiye of the future is not being built solely “in the Bosphorus,” but also in the Aegean Sea, Anatolia, the Black Sea, and the Southeast, Prevot stated, “Belgium also wants to be a partner for the entire country. This mission offers an excellent opportunity for that. We hope this will allow us to establish a long-term and strong partnership.”

Prevot explained that during his visit to Türkiye, he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, and numerous ministers, discussing shared priorities and what Belgian companies could contribute.

Noting that the seminars and events organized were truly very important, Prevot said, “High-level dialogues must also be supported by the business community on the ground. One cannot exist without the other.”

- “We advocate for the renewal of the Customs Union”

Prevot noted that he had consistently emphasized in his discussions with Turkish officials that the time had come to renew the Customs Union, stating, “It is impossible for us to conduct business in 2026 within a framework established 30 years ago. The world has changed significantly. In fact, the world has likely changed 12 times over this period. That is why we firmly advocate for the renewal of the Customs Union.”

Prevot noted that while they are aware of certain bilateral issues regarding the renewal of the agreement, they also wish to emphasize that updating the Customs Union would be beneficial for everyone and both parties, adding, “Because the Customs Union has, up until now, focused solely on industrial goods. It does not cover services or agriculture. That is why its update is truly very important.”

Regarding Europe’s “Made in Europe” approach, Prevot said, “I can say this on behalf of the Belgian government: We actually advocate for an approach like ‘Made with Europe,’ where products are made in collaboration with Europe. We want the process to be inclusive and a win-win situation. We also want closer cooperation with countries, including Türkiye, within this framework. “This is Belgium’s perspective on the matter,” he added.

Sharing that the trade volume between Belgium and Türkiye is expected to reach approximately 12 billion euros by 2025, Prevot said they should aim to double that figure.

Prevot emphasized that this is an ambitious yet achievable and attainable goal, adding: “We also need to update the investment agreement between Belgium, Luxembourg, and Türkiye. It was signed 40 years ago, in 1986. It definitely needs to be updated. A political message was actually sent regarding this. We will launch this process in Belgium and work to facilitate it. Along with this, we will strive to help facilitate industry in Belgium, Luxembourg, and also in Türkiye.”

Emphasizing the need to strengthen contacts to sign more agreements, Prevot said, “If we are partners and allies, this also means that sometimes we are competitors. That’s why I hope the best soccer team wins the World Cup.”

- Deputy Minister of National Defense Heybet

Deputy Minister of National Defense Musa Heybet noted that Türkiye and Belgium share deep-rooted ties.

Heybet pointed out that 2023 marks the 185^th anniversary of relations with Belgium, while 2024 marks the 60^th anniversary of the Türkiye-Belgium Labor Agreement.

Noting that these relations, drawing strength from historical ties, have evolved into high-level cooperation across political, economic, military, commercial, cultural, and technological spheres, Heybet said, “We place great importance on taking our relations with Belgium—one of Europe’s most distinguished countries—to even higher levels, based on mutual respect and shared interests.”

Heybet noted that the increased contacts in recent times have made significant contributions to further strengthening the ties between the two countries.

Emphasizing that Belgium’s decision to choose Türkiye this year as part of its annual programs aimed at developing economic investment opportunities with other countries is a concrete demonstration of the trust placed in Türkiye, Heybet said, “We sincerely believe that this visit will inject new momentum into our economic relations and pave the way for new partnerships and investment opportunities.”

Emphasizing that Türkiye and Belgium have significant potential for cooperation across a wide range of areas, from trade to the defense industry, Heybet stated: “Effectively leveraging this potential will not only contribute to the economic development of our countries but also make significant contributions to Europe’s security and stability. Our military relations with Belgium must also be strongly maintained on the basis of NATO alliance and a shared understanding of security. During the meetings held last year between our Minister of National Defense, Mr. Yaşar Güler, and his Belgian counterpart, a clear shared commitment to advancing bilateral military relations and cooperation in the defense industry was demonstrated.”

Heybet indicated that Türkiye will continue to maintain close coordination with Belgium within the framework of NATO’s collective security approach.

Noting that recent developments in the region have clearly highlighted the geopolitical importance of relations between Türkiye and the European Union, Heybet concluded his remarks with the following words: “It is evident that Türkiye and Europe are complementary strategic partners on many issues, including European security, energy supply security, irregular migration, the defense industry, critical technologies, and regional stability. We believe that Türkiye’s more active role in Europe’s defense and security relations is a strategic necessity for our shared security. This visit will make a very positive contribution. It is a fact that Türkiye is a strong and valuable partner for Europe in many respects, thanks to its strategic location, investor-friendly approach, high production capacity, advanced defense industry infrastructure, and crisis management experience.”

- Belgian companies want to invest more in Türkiye

Piet Demunter, CEO of Flanders Investment & Trade, stated in his speech at the forum that the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) plays a crucial role in bringing international companies together in Türkiye through various opportunities.

Demunter said, “Belgian companies have invested more than 8 billion euros in Türkiye to date. They want to stay here, make further investments, and grow together with their Turkish partners.”

Demunter added that the two countries are not merely trade partners but strategic partners that create value.

Johann J.L. Leten, CEO of the Voka Limburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also noted the strong economic ties between Belgium and Türkiye, saying, “Forums like this help us strengthen those ties. We want to create new opportunities, achieve sustainable growth, and collaborate. In this period of uncertainty on the international stage, we need each other, and I hope the discussions we will hold this evening will be inspiring.”

Following the speeches, Hisarcıklıoğlu presented a gift to Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Prevot.

(A.A.)