Türkiye ratifies digital economy pact among Organization of Turkic States

Türkiye's Trade Ministry announced on Tuesday that Ankara has completed its domestic ratification of a comprehensive digital economy partnership binding Organization of Turkic States members, becoming the third signatory after Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to approve the landmark trade framework.

Domestic approval complete

The law formalizing Türkiye's accession was published in the Official Gazette, the ministry said. With this step, Ankara follows Baku and Tashkent in clearing the agreement through national legislative procedures, leaving Nursultan and Bishkek to finalize their own domestic approvals before the pact enters into force.

Digital trade framework

The agreement establishes common regulations to eliminate barriers facing e-commerce, digital services and cross-border data flows throughout the Turkic world, according to the ministry. Provisions cover paperless trade mechanisms, electronic payment systems and express delivery services, with specific articles addressing small and medium-sized enterprises, cybersecurity standards, electronic signatures and personal data protection.

Bishkek summit

The deal was signed on November 6, 2024, during the 11th OTS Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joining heads of state from the four other member states. The agreement will take effect once Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan complete their ratification procedures, establishing a unified digital market across the five-nation bloc.