Ambassador: Conclusion of free trade agreement to double Ukraine-Turkey trade

This year should be decisive for the finalization of the free trade agreement between Ukraine and Turkey. Once it is signed, it will be easy to double trade turnover up to $10 billion.

This was discussed at the first meeting of the recently established Joint Ukraine-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"We assume that this year should be decisive for the finalization of the [free trade] agreement. The Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry should become an important systemic informal element in the cooperation between Ukrainian and Turkish business which will ensure prompt communication between business circles, provide reliable and up-to-date information," said Yağmur Ahmet Güldere, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Ukraine.

The diplomat pointed out that the Ukraine-Turkey trade had reached $5 billion last year and there was a potential for its increase.

"Our goal is a turnover of $10 billion. The conclusion of the free trade agreement will allow achieving this figure easily," the Ambassador said.

He also stressed that 1 million Ukrainian citizens had visited Turkey last year despite the pandemic, being not only the result of the tourism sector activity but also a sign of Ukrainians’ commitment.

In his speech, Co-Chair of the Ukrainian side Serhiy Savchuk outlined the tasks of the Ukraine-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including the collection of new ideas for trade, investment, and joint Ukraine-Turkey activities in various areas.

Co-Chair of the Turkish side Özer Matlı noted in his speech that the relations at the level of heads of state, at the level of business between the countries were built in a very positive and active way and continued to strengthen. According to him, construction is the most successful areas of bilateral cooperation so far.

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