Türkiye intensifies trade diplomacy in first half of 2026

Türkiye has significantly ramped up its trade diplomacy efforts in the first half of 2026, engaging in extensive high-level interactions with multiple countries to bolster exports and enhance the investment environment. According to the Turkish Trade Ministry, officials conducted 152 high-level contacts with representatives from 57 nations between January and June. These engagements reflect a strategic push to deepen Türkiye’s involvement in global trade systems and open doors to emerging markets. The ministry's initiatives included leveraging various cooperation frameworks, such as Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), Joint Economic and Trade Committees (JETCOs), and Joint Economic Commissions (JECs). These mechanisms were employed to foster closer economic ties and streamline trade processes. Türkiye participated in major international events, including the OECD Ministerial Meeting and the Organization of Turkic States Trade and Economy Ministers Meeting. Bilateral discussions took place with a wide array of countries, notably Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Syria. High-profile diplomatic missions also played a role in these trade efforts. The Turkish government participated in presidential-level visits to Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia, attending numerous high-level economic summits abroad. A focal point of the trade diplomacy agenda was the negotiation of FTAs. The fifth round of talks aimed at modernizing the existing FTA with the United Kingdom occurred in Ankara, where both parties reiterated their dedication to expediting the agreement and broadening its scope. Additionally, Türkiye reached preliminary agreements with Canada and Costa Rica to initiate FTA negotiations after initial exploratory discussions. Ongoing technical work sought to widen the scope of PTAs with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Institutional reforms to solidify economic partnerships were also addressed through JETCO and JEC meetings. Notable agreements included a mutual decision with Hungary to raise transit permit quotas and ease visa and work permit procedures. A new JETCO mechanism established with Norway laid the groundwork for collaboration in green technology and the digital economy. Türkiye and Syria inked a comprehensive protocol spanning customs, energy, banking, and contracting services. Concurrently, Türkiye and Germany pinpointed key sectors for economic collaboration and outlined a strategy for bilateral economic relations. Trade forums were central to these efforts, featuring events such as the Türkiye-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum, the Türkiye-Syria Business and Investment Forum, and sessions organized under the Belgian Economic Mission. Discussions with regional counterparts emphasized enhancing alternative trade corridors, logistics infrastructure, and supply chains, particularly in response to disruptions in shipping via the Strait of Hormuz. In the Balkan region, talks with Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia concentrated on regional economic integration and supporting the Turkish contracting sector. The Trade Ministry anticipates maintaining this active trade diplomacy approach for the rest of the year, aiming to reinforce enduring cooperation structures that will assist exporters in tapping into new markets.