Türkiye, Netherlands set roadmap to deepen economic ties

Türkiye and the Netherlands agreed on a comprehensive roadmap to expand commercial ties during the sixth meeting of their Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) in The Hague, with both sides pledging to build on a decade of rapid trade growth, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said Thursday. The session was co-chaired by Bolat and Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, bringing together public officials and business representatives from both countries. "We successfully held the 6th Meeting of the Türkiye-Netherlands JETCO today in The Hague," Bolat wrote on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, adding that the two sides "outlined the roadmap for commercial and economic cooperation" for the coming period.

Trade volume doubles amid investment surge

Bilateral trade between the two nations has surged from $6.3 billion in 2015 to $13.3 billion in 2025, more than doubling over the past decade, Bolat noted. The Netherlands maintains its position as Türkiye’s largest foreign investor with a stock of $39.2 billion, while Turkish investments in the Netherlands have reached $24.3 billion, according to the minister. The Dutch market serves as a critical gateway for Turkish companies expanding into Europe, with strong existing ties in logistics, finance and agricultural technology.

Sectoral priorities and EU agenda

Under the JETCO framework, delegations examined cooperation in strategic areas including energy transition, water management, transportation infrastructure, financial services and the circular economy, alongside support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises. The ministers also exchanged views on EU agenda items, particularly the modernization of the Customs Union and green transformation policies. Bolat stated that both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the partnership based on mutual benefit while expanding into new sectors.

Investment outlook and private sector ties

The 6th JETCO Protocol signed at the meeting established a common vision that will "pave the way for new opportunities in trade, investment, and technology," Bolat said, emphasizing stronger partnerships between Turkish and Dutch firms. The mechanism provides a structured platform for addressing trade barriers and fostering private-sector collaboration. JETCO gatherings convene regularly to review progress and identify emerging areas for joint ventures.