The Japan-Turkey Business Forum organized by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), which plays a bridging role in the development of economic relations between Japan and Turkey, took place on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus. The opening speeches of the Forum, which was held in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of JETRO’s Istanbul Office, were delivered by Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan Yasutoshi NISHIMURA, and JETRO President Kazushige Nobutani.
JETRO’s 60th Anniversary and Japan-Turkey Business Forum – Celebrating 100 Years of Economic Cooperation and Investment
The Japan-Turkey Business Forum, organized by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) to support mutual trade and investment between Japan and other countries, took place at the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of JETRO’s Istanbul Office. The Forum aimed to strengthen economic relations between the two countries, including collaboration in new sectors and different geographies. High-level officials from both countries’ ministries, economic organizations, and business leaders participated in the Forum. In the Japan-Turkey Business Forum, opening speeches were delivered by Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan Yasutoshi NISHIMURA, and JETRO President Kazushige Nobutani. Ömer Bolat expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support during the February 6 earthquake and emphasized the goal of advancing economic and trade cooperation between Japan and Turkey. He stated that the signing of the Joint Declaration aimed to strengthen trade relations between the two countries, with the aim of surpassing $6 billion in trade volume by the end of 2023. He also highlighted the potential for collaboration in various areas, including alternative energy technologies, the electric car ecosystem, infrastructure projects, digital economy, and smart cities.
Support and Collaboration Messages from Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry to Turkey
In his speech, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Yasutoshi NISHIMURA expressed his condolences to the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those affected by the February 6 earthquake. He acknowledged Turkey’s support during Japan’s earthquake in 2011 and expressed Japan’s readiness to reciprocate the support. NISHIMURA believed that seismic isolation and resilient technologies in disaster prevention would be beneficial. He emphasized Turkey’s potential with its large population and strategic location as a gateway to Europe and the Middle East. Japan aims to increase the number of Japanese companies operating in Turkey and leverage its high technology to contribute to Turkey’s growth. Collaboration in disaster prevention, earthquake resilience, thermal energy, and other areas was also discussed. Japan is interested in supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine, and efforts to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement between Turkey and Japan will continue.
JETRO President Kazushige Nobutani expressed his pleasure at hosting the event in Turkey’s 100th year and the 60th anniversary of JETRO’s Istanbul Office. He mentioned that JETRO continues to implement various projects to strengthen relations between the two countries. He hoped that the Forum would be beneficial for enhancing economic relations between Japan and Turkey, increasing future business potential, and contributing to the recovery efforts following Japan’s destructive February earthquake.
Japan-Turkey Business Forum: Collaboration, Trade, and Investment Opportunities
The Japan-Turkey Business Forum, with contributions from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Trade and the Turkish Ministry of Trade, featured the participation of high-level government officials, economic organizations, and company executives from both Japan and Turkey. In various sessions, participants shared their views on topics such as the appeal of the Turkish market, collaboration with Japanese companies, and the potential of Turkish companies. Panels also discussed Turkey’s position in the development of trade between the two countries, collaboration with third countries, and opportunities for cooperation in supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction.
In another panel discussion titled “New Collaboration Opportunities in Turkey,” participants discussed collaboration possibilities with Turkish companies in new areas, cooperation with Japanese companies, and various business opportunities, including support for the region’s reconstruction after the earthquake. The panel was moderated by Toshihiro Nakajima, Director of Research at JETRO Istanbul, and featured speakers from Mitsubishi Corporation Turkey Representative Yasunori Sakamoto, Rönesans Holding Chairman Erman Ilıcak, Yanmar Turkey General Manager Mustafa Kemal Erdoğan Shoshi, and Tosyalı Toyo Çelik Board Member Kadir Tosyalı.
