US-Turkey Business Council Delegation in Ankara: Concrete Steps for $100 Billion Trade Target
Ankara, April 21 – A delegation comprising representatives from 25 major American companies, led by US-Turkey Business Council Chairman Hamdi Ulukaya, concluded their two-day visit to Ankara yesterday. The visit aimed to accelerate concrete steps towards the $100 billion trade target set by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and former US President Donald Trump.
Key Discussions and Participants
The delegation, representing companies with a combined market value exceeding $3 trillion, including global giants like Amazon, Google, and Uber, engaged in critical discussions with Turkish economic management. The agenda focused on trade, investment, and strategic cooperation.
On the first day of their visit, the delegation met with Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler to explore cooperation opportunities in the defense industry. The discussions highlighted Turkey’s strategic role within NATO and addressed partnership opportunities in domestic production-oriented projects.
In the evening, a dinner hosted by Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu brought together Turkish and American business leaders, with the participation of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. The meeting emphasized investment opportunities within Turkey’s development plan and expressed confidence in the country’s macroeconomic stability program.
Focus on Trade and Technology
The second day commenced with a meeting with Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, where the $100 billion trade target was the main agenda item. Both sides agreed on accelerating concrete steps in areas such as e-commerce regulations, intellectual property rights, and the simplification of customs processes.
Hamdi Ulukaya, Chairman of the US-Turkey Business Council, underscored Turkey’s economic potential. “Our presence here with leaders from 25 major companies is the most tangible indicator of our belief in Turkey’s potential. We came not just to send a message, but with investment and cooperation plans. The $100 billion target will be achieved through concrete steps taken in the spirit of alliance,” Ulukaya stated.
Later in the day, the delegation held meetings with Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar to discuss energy security and LNG investments. Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek provided insights into the macroeconomic outlook and investment incentives.
Further discussions included talks with Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu on 5G infrastructure and digital transportation, and with Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır on artificial intelligence, R&D incentives, and technology development zones.
Future Collaborations and Investment Opportunities
Following the Ankara meetings, joint working groups are expected to be established to transform billions of dollars in new investment opportunities into concrete projects, particularly in technology, energy, and defense industries.
The visit underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties and foster strategic partnerships between the United States and Turkey, with a clear focus on achieving ambitious trade targets and fostering mutual growth across various sectors.
