Ruhsar Pekcan

The landmark Turkey-U.K. free trade agreement set to be signed on Dec. 29 will usher a new era in bilateral economic and trade ties starting Jan. 1, Turkey's trade minister said on Dec. 28. 

"This new era in our relations will be mutually beneficial for both Turkey and the U.K.," Ruhsar Pekcan tweeted.

Turkey and Italy are aiming to reach a bilateral trade volume of $30 billion from the current $20 billion, the Turkish trade minister said on Dec. 10.

Italy is an important trader partner serving as the third-largest export destination for Turkish goods and is the fourth-largest importer for the country, said Ruhsar Pekcan at the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting.

Turkey is focused on macroeconomic stability with transparent policies as well as fast and comprehensive reforms in the economy and law fields, as part of confidence-building measures, the country's industry and technology minister said on Dec. 7.

Turkey has the potential to utilize opportunities stemming from changing global supply chains due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the country's top trade official said on Nov. 23.

Turkey and Libya signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost trade and economic ties, the Turkish trade minister said on Aug. 13. 

The deal will lay the groundwork for resolving ongoing issues between Turkish firms and Libyan employers, setting new investments and undertaking new projects, Ruhsar Pekcan said at a meeting held in Turkey's capital Ankara.

Turkey on June 12 said that it seeks to make its trade with China more sustainable and balanced by enabling high value-added exports.

Turkey has launched a new free-trade zone specializing in R&D, high technology, and high added-value activities, the nation's trade minister said on June 9.

The Trade Ministry will provide incentives for companies that take part in the zone such as tax exemptions, breaks on rent, and qualified employment support, Ruhsar Pekcan stressed.

Turkey on June 4 reopened its customs gates with Iran and Iraq after months of closure due to COVID-19, Turkey's trade minister said onTwitter.

The Habur and Gürbulak customs gates have been reopened for international freight transport, said Ruhsar Pekcan.

Turkey's exports hit $10 billion in May, down 40.9% from the same month last year amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to the preliminary Trade Ministry data on June 2. 

Turkey will back and support firms financially in their move toward digital transformation, thus preparing the economy for further digitalization amid the coronavirus pandemic, Turkey's trade minister said on May 27.