INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR INVITES TURKISH CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

ATO PRESIDENT BARAN: "WE AIM TO DEVELOP COMMERCIAL RELATIONS AND ESTABLISH INVESTMENT RELATIONS WITH INDONESIA"

BARAN: "NEGOTIATIONS FOR A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND INDONESIA ARE CONTINUING"

02-02-2025 - Gürsel Baran, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), stated that Turkey and Indonesia have commercial relations in various sectors, particularly in the defense industry. Baran emphasized, "We aim to further develop our commercial relations with Indonesia, the largest economy in Asia, which aims to become one of the world's top 10 economies by 2030, and establish investment relations." He also mentioned that negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Turkey and Indonesia are ongoing.

Indonesian Ambassador Achmad Rizal Purnama visited ATO President Gürsel Baran at his office. During the visit, Ambassador Purnama shared information about Indonesia's economy, stating that the country aims to become the fourth-largest economy in the world by 2050. He also provided information about trade between the two countries, noting that Turkey imports rubber from Indonesia and manufactures tires for export to Europe.

Ambassador Purnama pointed out the necessity of signing a Free Trade Agreement to increase the trade volume between the two countries and cited Turkey's FTAs with South Korea and Malaysia as examples. He also highlighted Turkey's position as the second-largest country in the world in the construction sector and invited the Turkish construction sector to invest in Indonesia.

In his speech during the visit, Baran provided insights about Ankara's economy and the activities of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce. He stated that Turkey and Indonesia have commercial relations in various sectors, especially in defense, and emphasized, "We aim to further develop our commercial relations with Indonesia, the largest economy in Asia, and establish investment relations. The trade between our countries, which is currently below 2.5 billion dollars, must be increased to 5 billion dollars as soon as possible."

In response to Ambassador Purnama's remarks, Baran conveyed Turkey's positive approach towards Indonesia and confirmed that negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and Indonesia are continuing.

Baran also mentioned the ongoing defense industry cooperation between Turkey and Indonesia, saying, "Our countries cooperate in the joint production of land and sea defense vehicles, such as tanks, armored vehicles, and fast assault boats. An agreement was signed between the defense industries of both countries for the production of 18 tanks within two years for the Indonesian Army. Ten of these tanks are produced in Turkey, and eight are produced in Indonesia. We believe that by combining the defense capabilities of Turkey and Indonesia, we will achieve even greater successes."

Accompanying Ambassador Purnama during the visit were Indonesian Trade Attaché Banny Ratno Ramahani and Economic Counselor Ika Permata Sari Silalahi. ATO Vice Chairman Temel Aktay also attended the meeting.