Türkiye, Belgium target deeper trade and investment ties
Officials attending the Türkiye-Belgium Business Forum in Istanbul highlighted expanding economic relations and growing opportunities for trade, investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries, with a focus on technology, logistics, defense and green transformation.
The forum, organized by Foreign Economic Relations Board, brought together senior Turkish and Belgian officials alongside business leaders and a delegation led by Queen Mathilde.
Türkiye pushes for stronger economic partnership
Omer Bolat said bilateral trade between Türkiye and Belgium reached $9.3 billion last year, with both sides aiming to increase the volume to $15 billion through balanced and sustainable growth.
Bolat emphasized the importance of reliable partnerships amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty, stressing Türkiye’s role as a strategic production and logistics hub connecting Europe, Asia and Africa.
He also called for the modernization of the Türkiye-European Union Customs Union to strengthen integrated supply chains and facilitate deeper cooperation between Turkish and European companies.
Investment and logistics opportunities highlighted
Bolat noted that Belgian investments in Türkiye have approached $5 billion, while Turkish investments in Belgium stand at around $750 million.
He said Turkish firms are expanding operations in sectors including logistics, manufacturing, advanced technology and defense, adding that Türkiye provides direct market access to more than 1.3 billion consumers through its strategic geographic position.
Officials also underlined the country’s growing logistics capacity and infrastructure network as key advantages for international investors.
Technology and green transition cooperation
Nail Olpak said the two economies offer complementary strengths, highlighting Belgium’s expertise in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, logistics and high-tech manufacturing alongside Türkiye’s industrial production and research capabilities.
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Olpak said the green transition could open major opportunities for joint investment projects by combining Belgian sustainability expertise with Türkiye’s expanding renewable energy sector.
He also pointed to increasing cooperation potential between Belgian technology firms and Türkiye’s growing startup ecosystem.
Türkiye promoted as regional economic hub
Ahmet Burak Daglioglu said more than 700 Belgian companies currently operate in Türkiye and total Belgian investment since 2003 has exceeded $8 billion.
Daglioglu highlighted Türkiye’s young workforce, infrastructure development and long-term economic growth performance, describing the country as a major global connectivity and logistics center.
He added that the government recently introduced a new package of financial and investment incentives aimed at attracting additional international capital and strengthening Türkiye’s position in global markets.
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