ATO PRESIDENT BARAN: "WE WANT TO INCREASE TRADE BETWEEN ANKARA AND FRANCE"

"THE GREEN DEAL PROCESS SHOULD BE DELAYED"

07-02-2025- Gürsel Baran, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), stated that France ranks sixth in both Turkey's imports and exports and noted that the foreign trade volume reached $22.5 billion by the end of 2024. Baran said, "Before the pandemic, we set a target of $20 billion for our trade volume. We see that we have reached this target. However, this figure still does not reflect the full potential of both countries. We especially want to increase trade between Ankara and France," he added. Baran also mentioned the Green Deal process and developments in the global economy, stating that this process should be postponed.

French Ambassador Isabelle Dumont, Deputy Head of the Embassy's Economic Affairs Department Orhan Chiali, Deputy Consul Valentin Allary Lacroix, and Sustainable Development Attaché Berat Durmuş visited Gürsel Baran, the Chairman of the ATO, at his office. During the meeting, ATO Vice Chairman Temel Aktay and ATO Board Members Ahmet Akça, Ali Yıldız, Halil İlik, and Yasin Özyolu also attended. The meeting focused on enhancing economic and commercial relations between the two countries.

During the visit, Baran provided detailed information about Ankara's economy to Ambassador Dumont. He explained that more than 15,000 companies in the city's 13 organized industrial zones produce for both domestic and international markets. Baran emphasized that Ankara, with its defense and aerospace industries, medical industries, renewable energy, and construction machinery clusters, is a city with high international competitiveness. He also mentioned that Ankara is a pioneer city in technology production and development, with 21 universities, 13 technology parks, 152 R&D centers, and 36 design centers. "Ankara is a leading city in technology production and development. We have 13 technology development centers, 152 R&D centers, and 36 design centers. There are more than 1,600 workplaces in technoparks, employing about 16,000 people. High-tech product commercialization and investment in these products are supported by various programs," Baran explained. He also pointed out that approximately 70% of Ankara's GDP comes from the service sector, with health and tourism being rapidly developing sectors.

Baran discussed trade and investment relations between Turkey and France, noting that France ranks sixth in both imports and exports for Turkey. He stated that by the end of 2024, the foreign trade volume reached $22.5 billion, adding, "Before the pandemic, we set a target of $20 billion for our trade volume. We see that we have reached this target. However, this figure still does not reflect the full potential of both countries. We especially want to increase trade between Ankara and France."

Baran also mentioned that around 1,700 French-owned companies operate in Turkey, either directly or through partnerships, with a total investment nearing $8.5 billion. He said, "Similarly, companies such as Beko, Eczacıbaşı Holding, and Otokar are also investing in your country. We believe we should multiply these examples. We believe that all types of investment, trade, and tourism relations between our countries can be further developed."

REQUEST FOR VISA SUPPORT

Baran also expressed that Turkey seeks France's support for its European Union membership and pointed out that the Schengen visa practices of the EU have put businesspeople traveling abroad for fairs, B2B meetings, and trade purposes in a difficult situation. He also mentioned the Green Deal process and the developments in the global economy, suggesting that the process should be postponed.

"I PROMISED $30 BILLION"

French Ambassador Isabelle Dumont, who started her duties in September 2023 after presenting her letter of credence, stated that when she met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, she promised to increase the trade volume between the two countries to $30 billion. She said, "We are pleased with the balanced development of trade between our countries. As two countries, we want to discuss in more detail how to further develop our trade volume."

Ambassador Dumont highlighted the Green Deal Agreement and stated, "We are working on how to develop investment cooperation for future industries and how to strengthen the industries of the future."

The Ambassador also emphasized that France is one of the countries supporting Turkey's rapprochement with the EU, stating, "The EU is a community of values, and it is important for us that Turkey becomes part of this community of values."