The "Leadership Circle" reception, jointly organized by the Association of European Turkish Brands (ATMB) and the UK Asian Business Council, was held at the Churchill Hall of the Palace of Westminster of the UK Parliament.
During the event, commercial relations between the two countries, partnership opportunities and new period targets were discussed in detail. Osman Koray Ertaş stated: "Technical negotiations to update the existing FTA will start very soon. We have been preparing for the process for over a year." Ertaş emphasized that the support of Afzal Khan, the UK Trade Representative to Türkiye, was important. He also noted that parliamentary support, the Turkish diaspora and British investors have played a critical role in strengthening relations between the two countries.
Ertaş stated that although Türkiye and the United Kingdom are not members of the European Union, they are two strong and influential countries in NATO and added: “This cooperation will not only increase economic prosperity, but will also contribute to the overall security and stability of the European continent.”
ATMB President Vehbi Keleş stated that most of the Turkish businesses in the UK are managed by second and third generation leaders and that the trade volume between the two countries could increase up to GBP 50 billion in the medium term with the update of the FTA.
Tahir Ali, Chairman of the UK Parliamentary Group on Türkiye, stated that interest in Turkish businesses has increased across the UK and added: “We will continue to build this bridge and establish an exemplary relationship.” Ali also drew attention to the more than 400 thousand people of Turkish origin living in the country.
Afzal Khan, the UK Trade Representative to Türkiye, referred to the more than 450 years of diplomatic history between the two countries and noted that the updated FTA will be one of the new cornerstones of this relationship.
Baroness Uddin, Member of the UK House of Lords, drew attention to the transformation of global trade and added that the relations between Europe and Asia are being reshaped through the digitalized Silk Road. “If Turkish craftsmanship and Asian innovation combine, a new economic corridor can be built,” she added.
Taha Coburn-Kutay, Chairman of the UK Asia Business Council, stated that Turkish brands should be more visible not only in London but across the UK. Coburn-Kutay called for new collaborations in regions such as Northern Ireland, Manchester and Birmingham, emphasizing that geographical diversity offers great opportunities.
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