Fuat Oktay’s F-16 Message
Vice President Fuat Oktay sent a video message to the Turkish-American Business World Awards Ceremony organized by the Association of American Businesses (AmCham Turkey/ABFT).
“THE TURKEY-US TRADE VOLUME. IT REACHED 34 BILLION DOLLARS IN NOVEMBER”
Noting that trade and investment relations between Turkey and the US have increased over the past 10 years despite differences of opinion, Oktay said, “We reached the level of $31.4 billion in bilateral trade volume between Turkey and the US. USA last year. With this level, the US has become one of the important partners with which our country has achieved a high volume of trade. Compared to 2019, the approximately 50% increase in our foreign trade volume indicates progress towards reaching the goal of a trade volume of US$100 billion between the two countries. The $34 billion level that we reached in November 2022 is also an important step.
Pointing to the goal of increasing trade volume through product diversification and balance, Oktay said that this can be achieved not only by increasing tradable products, but also by expanding existing trade and investment in the region.
“US COMPANIES TO TURKEY; IT IS ATTRACTED IN THE PRODUCTION, EXPORT AND QUALITY OF THE REGIONAL CENTER”
Oktay continued his words as follows:
* “For example, the US is one of the important suppliers of natural gas to our country and LNG is one of the fields that can cooperate in the region. On the other hand, when we look at investments, the investments of American companies in our country have exceeded 14 billion dollars. With the Ukraine-Russia War, American companies that left the Russian market; We observe that each time they show more interest in positioning themselves as a productive, exporting and regional center. We also provide the necessary facilities to new American companies that prefer our country due to regional crises.”
Stating that they attach particular importance to projects that will accelerate technological transformation, create employment and contribute positively to the current account balance, Oktay stated that they support investments by companies in this direction, saying: “Cooperation with business partners of THY in various fields such as GE, Boeing and Pratt & Whitney is nice. We hope that such collaborations will turn into more joint investment and production. Industries such as aerospace, defense, digital economy, textiles, jewelry, home appliances and construction materials are considered the most important potential areas in the short and medium term, within the scope of our US$100 billion trade volume target.
“Announced by the G7; The support policy of 600 billion dollars for the realization of infrastructure projects opens a serious window of opportunity for American companies and Turkish contractors”, said Oktay, and stressed that this initiative to renew the infrastructure in regions such as Africa and Central Asia it should be running. the agenda of Turkish and American companies.
“WE SEEK TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE TURKISH BRAND”
Noting that with the Far Countries Strategy, he aims to bring more export products to the US market and increase Turkish brand awareness in this market, Oktay said, “We have carried out our work for the US, which It has a significant part of our exports between distant countries. In addition to traditional marketing tools, such as trade delegations, fairs and promotional organizations, we have implemented many actions, such as establishing a logistics and business development center within our US strategy, with the aim of increasing visits from USA to Turkey in the field of health, a series of policies have also been designed that cover both insurers and operators in this field.
Oktay continued his words as follows:
“At the same time, in addition to the works that will ensure the entry of our TV series and movies to streaming platforms in the US, actions were also carried out that will bring our companies closer to the US market included. We believe that it will be beneficial for you to participate in trade fair and promotional organizations as well as trade delegations, and we look forward to AmCham members adding new initiatives to US-Turkey economic relations.”
Noting that the disagreement with the US on terrorism continues, Oktay said the Russia-Ukraine war and developments in the region once again reveal Turkey’s importance and key role it plays in NATO.
“WE WILL CONTINUE DESTROYING THE TERROR THAT IS A THREAT TO OUR COUNTRY”
Oktay said: “In this delicate period that we are going through, the allies impose sanctions and restrictions on each other; It’s a wrong move at the wrong time. It is also a mistake to expect help from bloody terrorist gangs like the PKK/YPG. Especially in the context of the fight against another terrorist organization such as DAESH. We will continue to destroy terrorist nests that pose a threat to both our country and our region, one by one, inside and outside our borders,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of defense cooperation between Turkey and the US, Oktay said, “Our F-16 acquisition and modernization request is an opportunity to further strengthen our relations in the defense field. Approval of our request as soon as possible is critical not only for Turkey but also for NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities.
Oktay stated that they believe in developing relations and solving problems with the US-Turkey Strategic Mechanism, agreed upon by President Erdogan and President Biden.
OKTAY SPOKE WITH BUSINESSES
Oktay told American businessmen: “Take your place in the business and investment climate of Turkey, the safe harbor of the region. Position your centers in the Turkey region, which is also the region’s center of attraction.
Drawing attention to the support of the President’s Office of Investment and ministries, Oktay stated that the work of the Association of American Business will be reflected in all dimensions of Turkey-US relations.
Oktay congratulated the awarded companies and entrepreneurs at the end of the video message and wished them success. (DHA)