Minister of Trade Bolat met with Turkish business people in Czechia

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat met with Turkish business people during his official visit to the Czech Republic. Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat arrived in the capital city of Prague within the scope of the official visit. Bolat met with representatives of the World Turkish Business Council (DTİK) Czechia and European Representatives Board. In his speech, Bolat stated that within the framework of trade diplomacy with the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), they bring together representatives of Turkish business world organizations with business people of the countries engaged in mutual investment, trade, and economic relations during these meetings.
Bolat emphasized that the trade volume with Czechia has increased by 13 times in the last 20 years, reaching nearly 6 billion dollars. He mentioned the target of 10 billion dollars set by the valuable ambassador as achievable. Bolat pointed out the importance of increasing Turkey’s exports in both goods and services to reduce the foreign trade deficit and current account deficit. He shared that 60% of the ministry’s budget is allocated to exporters, and they will make more efforts to support them with Eximbank and other support instruments.
Bolat expressed the desire to further enhance investment, trade, and tourism relations with Czechia. He highlighted the significant support, contributions, and investments of Czech companies in the energy sector in Turkey. Bolat emphasized the importance of energy and green economy in Turkey-EU relations, mentioning the need for investments in green energy production to reduce carbon emissions.
Minister Bolat also mentioned the proposal to establish a high-level trade committee between Turkey and the EU. He stated that the close contacts with the European Commission will continue, and they will open the Brussels office of the Turkish Exporters Assembly next week. Bolat pointed out the constructive and sincere proposals in the report submitted to the EU Council by the European Commission to develop relations with Turkey, modernize the Customs Union, include the services sector in the Customs Union, facilitate visa facilitation, and address transportation issues.
Bolat underlined the importance of Turkey as a significant partner for the EU and discussed the country’s commitment to achieving a zero-carbon life by 2053. He also mentioned the preparations for the Emission Trading System under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment to ensure that companies in the real sector do not incur losses due to the carbon tax. Bolat provided information on trade figures with the EU, emphasizing the importance of Western Europe and North America as Turkey’s major trade partners.