Dutch Minister: Europe Will Bring Production from Asia to Turkey
Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Klever stated that the Netherlands is the most important direct foreign investor in Turkey, saying, "Turkey's geographical location between Asia and Europe is very important. In addition, Turkey has a strong manufacturing industry. This means that Europe will bring production from Asia to Turkey, bringing it closer to Europe."
Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Reinette Klever, who held meetings with Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Turkish and Dutch companies in Istanbul as part of her visit to Turkey, made statements about Turkey-Netherlands trade relations.
Emphasizing that the Netherlands and Turkey have strong economic ties, Klever said, "The Netherlands is the most important direct foreign investor in Turkey. There are 3,000 Dutch companies in Turkey. Likewise, we have 1,500 Turkish companies in the Netherlands. So we have a strong trade relationship. I discussed this with Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, and we value developing this trade relationship."
Minister: Europe Will Bring Production from Asia to Turkey
Klever stated that they discussed trade relations, challenges, and opportunities with Bolat during their meeting, saying, "We have many opportunities in construction, logistics, and manufacturing. Turkey wants to digitize the manufacturing industry, and the Dutch are very good at this. So, there is a significant opportunity to work together. We had many discussions on this matter."
Klever noted that they identified new initiatives in different areas of trade with Minister Bolat, emphasizing the importance of continuing these discussions.
'EXPORTS FROM THE NETHERLANDS TO TURKEY HAVE DOUBLED IN THE LAST 5 YEARS'
Klever recalled that they hold annual trade talks between the two countries, saying, "We have been doing this for five years already. Exports from the Netherlands to Turkey have doubled in the last 5 years. Imports from Turkey to the Netherlands have also increased by 50%."
Klever stated that they want to continue these trade talks, saying that she invited Minister Bolat to the Netherlands, and Bolat will visit the Netherlands next year.
Regarding the question of what was discussed at the meeting they held with Turkish and Dutch company officials, Klever said, "The message that Mr. Bolat and I gave to these companies was, 'We want to help you with your trade.' There were 17 Dutch companies. There were also many Turkish companies, and they discussed the problems, challenges, and opportunities they face with us. So we had a very productive meeting with all these CEOs."
Klever stated that companies from the logistics, energy, manufacturing, consulting, and banking sectors attended the meeting, adding that trade relations between the two countries show a great diversity.
'TURKEY HAS A STRONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY'
Klever stated that they discussed areas where Turkish and Dutch company officials can work together and evaluated opportunities, saying, "Turkey's geographical location between Asia and Europe is very important. In addition, Turkey has a strong manufacturing industry. This means that Europe will bring production from Asia to Turkey, bringing it closer to Europe. So there are many opportunities. There are also opportunities in the construction sector."
When asked about the priorities of trade with Turkey, Klever said, "We have a very good relationship, and I want to protect this relationship and cooperate in more areas."
Klever drew attention to Turkey's experience, especially in the construction sector, saying, "Turkey and the Netherlands are good at this. So we can work together on this. At the same time, like the digitalization of the manufacturing industry, Turkey is very focused on this. Dutch companies are also very good at this. So there are many opportunities to improve our cooperation."
'WE BRIEFLY DISCUSSED THE RECONSTRUCTION OF SYRIA'
In response to the question of whether the issue of cooperation between Turkey and the Netherlands in Syria was discussed during the meeting with the Minister of Trade, Klever said, "(Minister Bolat and I) briefly discussed the reconstruction of Syria. There is a lot to be done, but it is still in the initial stages. But of course, there are also opportunities where we can work together and help Syria."