Türkiye Pushes to Triple Trade Volume With the US to $30 Billion

Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen called for a major expansion of bilateral trade between Türkiye and the United States during a speech at the 25th Annual Conference of the American-Turkish Council and the Turkish-American Business Council, held in Washington, D.C. in March 2006.

Tuzmen argued that recent progress in defense and security cooperation had created favorable conditions for deepening commercial and economic ties, setting a target of 30 billion USD in two-way trade.

He highlighted Türkiye's growing economic stature, noting the country ranks as the world's 22nd largest exporter and 14th largest importer. General Electric's investment of 1.8 billion USD in the Turkish economy was cited as an example of existing engagement.

Tuzmen urged private-sector businesses in both countries to press their governments to remove barriers to commerce, saying fresh thinking and imagination would be key to realizing the potential of the relationship over the coming decade.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in March 2006, in its own words.