Turkey's Ministry of Trade has published data on efforts aimed at expanding the external trade and investment environment in the first half of 2026.
In the past six months, Turkey has held 152 high-level meetings with representatives from 57 countries to enter new markets and strengthen its positions in the global trade network.
It has been noted that free trade agreements (STA), preferential trade agreements (TTA), and formats for joint economic and trade commissions (JETCO/KEK) have been actively implemented.
Specifically, the fifth round of negotiations to update the existing agreement with the United Kingdom has taken place in Ankara. An agreement has been reached to start STA negotiations with Canada and Costa Rica, while the scope of preferential trade (TTA) has been expanded with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Meetings have been held with representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, the UAE, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Syria.
A mutual recognition agreement for authorized economic operators has been signed with the UK, transit transport and visa issuance conditions have been simplified with Hungary, and a comprehensive protocol covering sectors from energy to banking and construction has been signed with Syria.
In light of developments in the Hormuz Strait, Turkey has paid special attention to strengthening alternative trade routes, logistics, and supply chains with neighboring countries.
The Ministry of Trade of Turkey intends to continue its active trade diplomacy in the second half of the year.
