Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Johan Forssell, met with Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, on 3 September. The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate discussions between the two countries as part of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).
A round-table discussion, organised in collaboration with Business Sweden and Turkey’s Foreign Economic Relations Board, focused on cooperation for the green transition and the reconstruction of Ukraine and brought together representatives from Swedish and Turkish businesses.
Minister Forssell highlighted the potential for growth in trade and investment between Sweden and Turkey. He said, “Today, Swedish and Turkish businesses have an opportunity to make valuable contacts, share experiences, and create new business opportunities. Trade and investment are a significant part of the ties between our two countries, but there is huge untapped potential.”
2023 Swedish exports to Turkey amounted to SEK 24 billion, while imports from Turkey reached SEK 17 billion. Swedish companies are firmly established in Turkey, employing 26,567 people locally.
Minister Bolat emphasised Turkey’s role in the global trade transformation.
“At a time when global trade is being reshaped around digitalisation and green transformation, Turkey is closely following economic and commercial developments in Europe and the world, guiding new developments and strengthening its position as a safe location for international investments with innovative policies and effective investment incentive instruments,” he said.
“In the face of new challenges for global trade and supply chains, it is extremely gratifying that Swedish business people have placed Turkey as a reliable trading partner at the centre of their plans and have confidence in the Turkish economy,” the Turkish Minister added.
