WT/TPR/M/439  
24 January  2024 
(24-0545) Page: 1/61 
Trade Policy Review Body   
13 and 15 November 2023  
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
TÜRKIYE  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Kingdom  of Saudi  Arabia ) 
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TÜRKİYE ................................ ..... 4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  8 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  12 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TÜRKİYE  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ........  54 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  60 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO  Member s, and the replies 
provided by  Türkiye are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 439/Add.1 and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 2 - 
 
  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The seventh  Trade Policy Review of Türkiye was held on 13 and 15  November  2023. 
The Chairperson, H.E.  Mr Saqer  Abdullah  Almoqbel (Kingdom  of Saudi  Arabia), welcomed the 
delegation of Türkiye , headed by H.E. Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu , Deputy Minister of Trade of Türkiye ; 
H.E. Ambassador  Alparslan  Acarsoy , Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the WTO; the rest of 
the delegation; and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan  (Kazakhstan ). 
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy online connection, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The Report by Türkiye is contained in document WT/TPR/G/ 439, and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/ 439. 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Kazakhstan , Philippines, Chinese  Taipei, Singapore, Colombia, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia, 
Thailand, Canada, Australia, European  Union, Russian  Federation, China, Ukraine, Argentina, 
Malaysia, United  Kingdom, Pakistan, and Dominican  Republic. The following delegations submitted 
written questions after the deadline: United  States, Ecuador, Brazil, Republic  of Korea , Japan, and 
Indonesia.  
1.5.  The Chairperson first recalled some elements  Türkiye's previous Review and developments 
since then, as well as by identif ied some key issues arising from the advance written questions 
submitted by Members for th e current  TPR.  
1.6.  During the previous Review in 2016, Members commended Türkiye for its trade and GDP growth 
over the review period. Türkiye 's "Vision  2023" was noted as an important policy initiative with 
ambitious goals regarding the economy and trade to mark the 100th anniversary of the 
Turkish  Republic.  
1.7.  At the time of Türkiye's previous Review, Members were appreciative of Türkiye's strong 
commitment to the WTO. Members welcomed measures taken by Türkiye to facilitate trade at the 
border, including the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016. At that time, Members 
invited Türkiye to bind more tariffs and reduce the relatively large gap between applied and bound 
rates. Members sought further clarifications regarding the large use of trade remedies by Türkiye 
and raised questions about its government procurement regim e, protection of IPRs, and agriculture 
and services.  
1.8.  During the period under Review 2016 -22, despite the pandemic, r eal GDP growth 
averaged  4.7% per year, the highest among G -20 countries, boosted by high consumer spending, a 
large domestic market, and strong exports. Türkiye's strategic location with close access to large 
markets and suppliers have helped firms to participate in global value chains and exploit economies 
of scale and to export. Türkiye has also taken steps to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI), 
notably through the Investment Office of  the Presidency and its FDI Strategy 2021 -23. Türkiye's 
MFN tariff is the significant change since the previous review at which Türkiye's simple average MFN 
applied tariff was 19.6% in 2022, compared to 12.8% in 2015.  
1.9.  At the current review, Türkiye is implementing its Economic Reform Package 2021 -23 to tackle 
inflation and place the country among the world's top  10 economies by fostering local and foreign 
investment, production, employment, exports, and current account surplus. In addition, Türkiye is 
implementing its Exports Strategy for 2023 and its Eleventh Development Plan 2019 -23 which aim 
to increase exports of high value -added goods as well as services, improve Türkiye's position in the 
hierarchy of GVCs, and make  the country a regional hub for trade in e -commerce.  
1.10.   In the advanced written questions for th e current  Review, Members show ed great interests in 
some trade and related measures in particular, effectiveness of the customs single window; a pplied 
MFN tariffs exceeding bound rates; import licensing certification requirements; pending WTO 
notifications, notably on export subsidies on agriculture products, applied quantitative export 
restrictions, and state -trading enterprises; strategy and procedure of harmonization of SPS and TBT 
measures with international stand ards; timeframe for the implementation of regulatory reforms on WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 3 - 
 
  competition; transparency in the government procurement regime and tendering procedures; IPR 
protection; and sectoral issues.  
1.11.   In total, Türkiye received 612 advance written questions from 24  delegations for the current  
Review, out of which 495  questions from 19  delegations were sent within the established deadline. 
Prior to th e meeting, Türkiye provided written replies to all questions submitted within the 
established deadline.  
1.12.   The meeting w as a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson looked 
forward to a fruitful exchange.  
1.13.   The Chairperson closed his introductory remarks by wishing Türkiye a very successful 
seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 4 - 
 
  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TÜRKİYE 
(H.E. MR MUSTAFA  TUZCU ) 
2.1.  It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to lead the Turkish delegation in the seventh  Trade 
Policy Review of Türkiye.  
2.2.  We would like to express our appreciation to the Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body, 
H.E. Ambassador Saqer  Almoqbel (Permanent Representative of Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia to the  
WTO) for his introduction, as well as to H.E.  Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan of Kazakhstan , for 
accepting the role of discussant in Türkiye 's Trade Policy Review . 
2.3.  We would also like to thank the Secretariat TPR team for their hard work in the preparation of 
the clear and comprehensive Trade Policy Review Report for Türkiye.  
2.4.  I would like to note that today 's Trade Policy Review has a special importance for us, as we are 
at the centenary of the Republic of Türkiye. During the 100 years we have left behind, our Republic 
has written an exemplary story of economic and social development, leading our country to build an 
economy of USD 1 trillion and a trade volume of more than USD 600 billion. Türkiye continues its 
journey on this solid basis towards its second century, as an isle of stability in the region.  
2.5.  Türkiye considers the Trade Policy Review Mechanism as one of the essential pillars of the WTO, 
enhancing transparency and exchange of information among the Members about their respective 
trade and economy policies. In this sense, we are very much pleased to be here today.  
2.6.  We are thankful to those Members who have shown interest in trade and economy policies of 
Türkiye under our  seventh  Review. We received more than 500 detailed questions, and we have 
made our best efforts to reply to  them in detail before this meeting. Certainly, we will provide our 
answers also for the questions we have received after the deadline, in due course.  
2.7.  As you know, although this meeting was originally scheduled for March this year, due to the 
tragic earthquake disaster in Türkiye in February, we had to postpone it for today. On this occasion, 
we would like to underline our sincere appreciation for the so lidarity extended by the international 
community.  
2.8.  Before getting into the details of the trade policy, I would like to note that in parallel to the 
transformation our world has been passing through, Türkiye has experienced a deep administrative 
reform process during the review period.  
2.9.  With the referendum on constitutional amendment, the Presidential System of Government 
was introduced to replace parliamentary system in Türkiye from July  2018. The constitutional reform 
aimed faster, more effective and orchestrated functioning of the public institutions. More efficient 
governmental and administrative processes have been targeted for cutting the red tape and making 
doing business easier, thu s increasing job creation and supporting economic growth.  
2.10.   The period under review, has been particularly difficult for global trade. In the seven years 
since our last review meeting, the whole world has witnessed new challenges and adverse shocks in 
international trade and the global economy. Unilateral protectionist measures, the paralysis in the 
WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism, the pandemic, logistic troubles and geo -political conflicts have 
created an extremely problematic environment for international trading system. In addition, 
persisting instabilities in t he surrounding regions of Türkiye have added extra pressure and created 
additional challenges for Turkish economy and trade.  
2.11.   Within this context, disruptions in global supply chains, high transportation costs, world food 
and energy price inflation, increasing protectionism and conflicts in export markets have been 
particular challenges for Türkiye during the review period.  
2.12.   In spite of these adverse shocks and some short -term fluctuations, Turkish economy has 
continued its steady growth performance during the review period, while remaining open and 
well-integrated with world markets. Türkiye pursued an accommodating policy and maintained an 
enabling environment for investments, especially in high tech and strategic sectors. Also, the WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 5 - 
 
  employment and social welfare have been prioritized in economy policies through fiscal and 
monetary stimulus measures.  
2.13.   From 2016 to 2022, Turkish economy grew in an average annual rate of 4.8%, and the GDP 
reached near to USD 1 trillion. In the same period, Turkish exports in goods increased from 
USD 149 billion  to USD 254 billion, while imports increased from 202 to USD 363 billion. In 2022, 
the share of Türkiye in the world exports reached 1% for the first time.  
2.14.   In this period, while adjusting its economy and trade policies in the face of the global 
challenges, Türkiye remained committed to the principle of openness.  
2.15.   Indeed, thanks to its open economy and its geopolitical position, as well as its strong 
manufacturing and logistics infrastructure, Türkiye has become an important hub for global supply 
chains.  
2.16.   Accordingly, Türkiye has attracted approximately USD 80 billion ( USD 78.4 billion) of foreign 
direct investments between 2016 to 2022 in various sectors. This is a clear sign of open and 
competitive trade and investment regime of the country. Within this context, in the last 20 years, 
FDI has reached nearly USD 250 billion.  
2.17.   Adjusting the economy and trade policies in the face of pressing global challenges such as 
climate change, have encouraged Türkiye to put the environmental sustainability within key 
components of its economy policy agenda. Thus, recognizing the urgency, Tü rkiye has accelerated 
its efforts in green transformation in the past few years. In this respect, the Paris Agreement was 
ratified in  2021, and Türkiye declared its renewed nationally determined contribution at COP27 
in 2022.  
2.18.   In parallel , Türkiye adopted its detailed and ambitious Green Deal Action Plan for transition 
to a green, more sustainable and resource -efficient economy. Works are ongoing for adoption of a 
Climate Law.  
2.19.   During the review period, Turkish industries made strategic progress in terms of green 
transformation. First, the share of renewables increased from 44% to 54% in terms of installed 
electric production capacity. Second, for accelerating the green transitio n of manufacturing 
industries, Türkiye launched the project of "Green Industrial Zones ". Third, the launch of electric 
vehicles production in Türkiye, especially the "TOGG " of a Turkish technology consortium, has been 
a game changer thanks to the ecosystem  that is being shaped.  
2.20.   As another pillar of the twin transition, Türkiye has put forward comprehensive strategies and 
regulations with regard to digital transformation. A special Digital Transformation Office has been 
established and specific strategies have been prepared with r egard to e -government services, 
development of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, for the pioneering role of the public 
institutions in digital transformation.  
2.21.   Also, different policy tools have been developed across ministries for ensuring data protection, 
combatting disinformation, and maintaining competition in digital markets. In this vein, with the 
amendments in the Law on the Regulation of E -Commerce in 2022, we have put in place a number 
of measures to ensure fair competition, protection of consumers and facilitating the access of 
SMEs  in digital markets.  
2.22.   On the other hand, with regulation of electronic markets for protection of consumers, in 2021 
Türkiye adopted a modern Law on Product Safety and Technical Legislation. In parallel, an effective 
Market Surveillance mechanism has been put into practice both for goods on the physical and digital 
markets.  
2.23.   Digitalization of international trade procedures is also part of the digital transformation 
strategy of Türkiye. In this sense, as part of its national trade facilitation strategy in line with the 
WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, Türkiye has taken major s teps for achieving paperless trade and 
successfully  performing Single -Window System.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 6 - 
 
  2.24.   National Committee on Trade Facilitation of Türkiye  has served an effective platform with 
strong private sector engagement.  
2.25.   Besides trade facilitation measures, during the review period, major steps were taken with 
respect to infrastructural development in terms of trade logistics. Especially, thanks to the new 
bridges and railway connections, the trade between Asia and Europe is much better connected than 
before, and uninterrupted railway transportation between two continents has been made possible, 
crossing under the Bosphorus Strait.  
2.26.   Due to its geographical location, as well as the steps we have taken to increase the logistics 
connectivity and to reduce trade costs, Türkiye has become a vital transit country in most of the 
transportations carried out between Central  Asia, Middle  East, Africa , and Europe. Therefore, every 
step Türkiye takes in the field of logistics and customs creates an impact on a broader geography. 
This has become more visible recently with the Grain Deal Initiative, brokered by Türkiye and the  UN. 
2.27.   Services sector continued to be a critical component of the economic activity and employment 
in Türkiye. The services sector in Türkiye grew at an annual average of 5 .9% in the review period 
and its share in the GDP stood at 56% as of 2022. The services exports of Türkiye increased from 
USD 47 billion  to USD 89 billion in the review period.  
2.28.   Türkiye highlights the diversification of its services exports in terms of subsectors and 
geography, to include creative industries, information technologies and software production, health 
and education services among its leading services exporting sector s. 
2.29.   Also, in order to level the playing field and address the obstacles faced by our business 
community abroad, we are increasingly including the trade in services in our trade agreements.  
2.30.   With regard to main architecture of our trade policy, regional and bilateral partnerships have 
continued during the review period.  
2.31.   Türkiye continued its efforts to diversify its trade within a larger geography and developed 
partnerships around the world through increased cooperation, free trade agreements and its 
generalized system of preferences, which is one of the most generous aut onomous preferential trade 
scheme implemented by a developing country.  
2.32.   Türkiye has currently 23  FTAs and 4  Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and stands among 
the top  10 countries with respect to the extent of its free trade network. We continue our efforts to 
further extend our free trade network, and accordingly, during the review period, we have concluded 
our FTAs with the Republic  of Moldova , the United  Kingdom, the Bolivarian  Republic  of Venezuela , 
and the United  Arab Emirates, while we have updated and enlarged our existing FTAs with EFTA, 
Bosnia  and Herzegovina, Monte negro , and Georgia. In modernizing our free trade agreements, we 
are working with our partners to extend the scope of agreements to cover new disciplines in a 
number of areas, such as IP rights, investments and trade facilitation measures.  
2.33.   In addition to this FTA network, the Customs Union between Türkiye and the EU lies at the 
centre  of our trade policy. The EU accounts for 41% of the exports and 31% of the imports of 
Türkiye. We continued to work with the EU to smooth functioning of this special arrangement.  
2.34.   Taking into account the high concentration of our trade within neighbouring  and 
geographically closer regions, we have launched the "Far Countries Strategy " for further promoting 
our trade and economic relations with overseas.  
2.35.   Given the special importance Türkiye is according to its partnership with African Continent, 
we also implement a special dialogue mechanism with our African partners including cooperation in 
manufacturing, agro -industries, energy, investments, tourism , and transportation. We also designed 
strategic roadmaps with in our economic relations with Gulf States and Turkic countries.  
2.36.   Türkiye also sees essential to sustain dialogue and cooperation under structured platforms 
and regional organizations. For this purpose, we are actively participating in the discussions under 
the OECD, G -20 and MIKTA about the current issues of global trade and economy. On the other 
hand, we maintain our efforts to achieve better trading conditions in our region, to support economic WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 7 - 
 
  development and stability in our region, under the framework of regional organizations such as 
Organization of Turkic States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Developing -8. 
2.37.   During the review period, considering the essential role of SMEs in the economy, we have 
implemented supportive mechanisms to facilitate SMEs' integration into global supply chains through 
high value -added production. Financing supports for business development and trade capacity 
building of SMEs and advantageous export financing for women -led SMEs are among these special 
supportive mechanisms.  
2.38.   In this regard, as part of its strategies, Türkiye implemented active strategies for inclusion of 
women entrepreneurs into the foreign trade. For this purpose, special networking, experience 
sharing and training program mes have been implemented. This program me has been also awarded 
among the best practices in this area by the ITC. The increasing importance of the e -commerce in 
recent years, also had positive impact for women entrepreneurship. Thanks to active policies 
implemented by our authorities, in the last 10 years, the rate of women labour  participation 
increased from 28% to 35%, despite the negative effects of the pandemic on this particular issue.  
2.39.   While working hard for advancing our bilateral and regional partnerships and extending our 
free trade network, we firmly believe that the current challenges of our world need global efforts 
and deep international cooperation at multilateral fora. Therefore , we think that while individual and 
domestic measures can provide short -term relief and solutions to the challenges we are facing in 
today 's world, structural solutions to our global and common problems can only be provided by 
multilateral efforts.  
2.40.   Therefore, the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its centre , keeps its essential role 
for Türkiye.  
2.41.   In this regard, we see the adoption of the first part of the Fishery Subsidies Agreement in 
MC12 as an important achievement of the multilateral system. We are pleased to inform you that 
the Agreement has been ratified in our Parliament.  
2.42.   During the review period, Türkiye also actively contributed to all discussions in the WTO 
including but not limited to agriculture and food security, fisheries, trade and environment, services 
and trade facilitation.  
2.43.   Also, Türkiye contributed some joint statement initiatives and declarations, such as services 
domestic regulations, e -commerce, MSMEs, TESSD, and women 's empowerment.  
2.44.   In addition, during the review period, Türkiye actively used the WTO Dispute Settlement 
Mechanism as party to seven disputes and third party in various cases.  
2.45.   In this period, we also participated the WTO reform discussions for keeping the multilateral 
trading system relevant in the face of changing global environment and pressing global challenges. 
We believe that these discussions should serve as a basis for a successful MC13 in Abu  Dhabi.  
2.46.   Besides long -standing issues, Türkiye is of the view that the WTO should constantly review 
its agenda especially with respect to its deliberative function, to better address global issues that 
are being faced in the international trade.  
2.47.   More critically, Türkiye is of the view that the current paralysis in the WTO Dispute Settlement 
Mechanism is not sustainable for keeping the WTO relevant. Therefore, we expect that the MC13 
should provide a steppingstone  for reforming and re -establishing all three functions of the WTO.  
2.48.   In concluding, I would like to highlight once again that Türkiye attaches great importance to 
the TPR Mechanism and would like to thank all Members for their contributions. We look forward to 
hearing  the comments of the Members today. We will be pleased to address the comments and to 
provide any further information or clarification that may be needed in addition to our written 
answers.  
  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 8 - 
 
  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  Let me start by extending a warm welcome to the delegation of Türkiye led by Deputy  Minister 
Mustafa  Tuzcu. It is symbolic that we are discussing the country 's trade policy developments during 
the year of celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. We wish the people of 
Türkiye even greater achievements, peace and prosperity in the century to come. Our countries 
historically share common cultural values and enjoy strong political, economic and trade relations.  
Hence, I am honoured  to act as the discussant in the Trade Policy Review of Türkiye.  
3.2.  The peer review is an important tool for ensuring transparency in global trade. In this regard, 
I commend the Government of Türkiye and the WTO Secretariat for the high -quality and in -depth 
reports that form a solid basis for our discussions of the trade policy developments of Türkiye during 
the review period.  
3.3.  I would like to structure my comments around three broad issues that I hope will facilitate our 
review today and on Wednesday. First, I will begin by providing general observations of the country 's 
economic growth and trade policy since 2016. Then, I will explore how Türkiye addressed the 
recommendations made during the last TPR. Finally, I will try to highlight the main issues and areas 
of interest in this review based on the Members' advanced questions.  
Türkiye's economic growth and trade policy developments  
3.4.  Türkiye is the 19th largest economy in the world with a GDP of approximately  USD 906 billion.  
Türkiye  is a member of the OECD and the G -20, and an increasingly important donor of official 
development assistance (ODA).  
3.5.  During the review period, the COVID -19 pandemic was a major challenge for world economic 
growth and global trade. According to the OECD, despite the pandemic, Türkiye witnessed the 
highest GDP growth rates among G -20 countries from 2016 -2021.  
3.6.  The World  Bank has also acknowledged that the economy of Türkiye demonstrated a 5.6% 
growth in 2022 as part of its swift recovery from the COVID -19 pandemic.  
3.7.  International trade plays an important role in the economy. In this regard, strong goods and 
services exports contributed to almost half of the increase in GDP in recent years.  Thanks to its 
resilient manufacturing industry and logistics infrastructure combined with its strategic location with 
close access to large markets, Türkiye is steadily positioning itself as an important hub for global 
supply chains.  
3.8.  According to the WTO statistics  database , in 2021, Türkiye ranked 23rd among world 
merchandise exporters and 17th among importers. Türkiye's foreign trade volume witnessed an 
impressive growth of 75% during the review period . 
3.9.  Both the Secretariat and Government reports emphasize Türkiye's New Economic Reform 
Package (ERP) 2021 -23, aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability, increasing competition and 
efficiency in the economy, encouraging high value -added production, and promoting its further 
integration into global value chains.  
3.10.   At the same time, among the challenges that remain acute for economic growth of Türkiye , 
analytical reports  mention dependence on import s of energy  products  and intermediate goods, high 
inflation and local currency fluctuations, and vulnerability resulting from high -level or short -term 
private external debt, and low-level of gross international reserves . The strategic geographic location 
of Türkiye , proximity to key export markets, highly  diversified manufacturing industry, strong 
production knowledge, youn g population, educated workforce, and renewables reaching more than 
half of Türkiye 's total installed power capacity  are highlighted as key advantages for the country's 
future socio -economic development.   
3.11.   It is important to highlight the following three main areas that have made the strongest 
contributions to the economic growth of Türkiye.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 9 - 
 
  3.12.   The services sector  is the main contributor to GDP with a share of 59% in 2021. In services 
trade, according to the WTO statistics database, Türkiye  ranked 14th among exporters and 24th 
among importers. Despite the pandemic, tourism was the most important sector contributing 43 .5% 
of total services exports in 2021, followed by transport with 39 .8%. Imports of services are led by 
transport, accounting for 36 .9% of total services imports in 2021, followed by other business 
services with 20 .3%. 
3.13.   Services exports, mainly tourism, are also a significant source of foreign exchange earnings. 
Türkiye ranked 7th among the top  10 European countries for tourism FDI between 2016 and 2020 
thanks to the implementation of 36 FDI projects .  
3.14.   The value added of financial and insurance services activities more than doubled during the 
review period, and foreign presence in the banking subsector increased , as of October  2022, 3 of 
the top  10 banks are foreign -owned . 
3.15.   The manufacturing industry 's contribution to the GDP experienced a notable increase 
from 18.8% in 2016 to 24.8% in 2021. This upward trend can be attributed to its enhanced position 
within global value chains, particularly during the COVID -19 pandemic. In 2020, Türkiye ranked 28th 
out of 154  countries in terms of its Manufacturing Competitive Industrial Performance, above the 
average of world and emerging industrial economies.  
3.16.   The agriculture sector  continues to play a fundamental role in Türkiye's economy and 
accounted for 5.5% of GDP and 17.2% of total employment in 2021. Türkiye is the world's 
seventh -largest agricultural producer and exports nearly 2,000  agricultural products to more than 
190 countries.  
3.17.   The role of the SMEs in the economy . Türkiye implements  policies to facilitate SMEs' 
integration into global supply chains through high value -added production.  According to the 
Government Report, 36.4% of total exports and 24% of imports for 2020 were carried out by SMEs 
in Türkiye.  
3.18.   Let me also highlight some of the latest developments in reforming Türkiye 's trade policy 
since the last Review.  
Trade facilitation  
3.19.   Türkiye accepted the 2014 Protocol concerning the TFA and fully implemented its 
commitments by launching a series of trade facilitation measures such as the introduction of 
electronic and digital solutions within its border procedures and initiation of ful l automation of all 
export procedures as part of the implementation of the "Digital Customs in Export" project.  
E-commerce  
3.20.   Türkiye is ranked 57th out of 152 economies included in UNCTAD 's B2C E -commerce 
Index  2020 and is among the top  10 developing and transition economies in the West  Asia region. 
Significant legislative reforms were implemented to ensure a well -functioning and fair competition 
environment in digital markets and e -commerce.  
Intellectual property rights  
3.21.   In 2017, a new Industrial Property Code entered into force to harmonize national legislation 
with the EU standards and introduce a number of new provisions on matters relating to trademarks, 
geographical signs, designs, patents and traditional product names . The Copyright Law was 
amended to cover all works, performances, phonograms, productions, and broadcasts. In 2021, 
Türkiye ratified the WIPO Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who 
are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwis e Print Disabled.  
3.22.   Türkiye has made concrete progress in developing its capacity for innovation. In 2022, Türkiye 
was the 3rd top innovation economy in Northern Africa and Western Asia Region and ranked 37th 
among the 132 economies featured in the Global Innovation Index of WIPO, entering the top 40 for 
the first time.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 10 - 
 
  3.23.   During the review period, Türkiye submitted to the WTO a solid number of notifications, with 
outstanding notifications in the areas of agriculture, intellectual property rights , and certain regional 
trade agreements . 
3.24.   I also would like to emphasize Türkiye 's commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system and its constructive engagement in the work of the WTO. Particularly, I would like to note 
with appreciation Türkiye 's contribution to the negotiations on agriculture and acknowledge 
Ambassador  Acarsoy 's leadership as a Chair of the Committee on Agriculture in the Special Session.  
3.25.   Türkiye actively participates in the ongoing discussions on Fisheries Subsidies and Dispute 
Settlement Reform and Joint Statement Initiatives on E -Commerce and Investment Facilitation for 
Development. Türkiye 's engagement was also instrumental in the conclusion of negotiations on 
Services Domestic Regulation in 2021.  
How Türkiye implemented recommendations and addressed concerns made at the 
last TPR 
3.26.   During the last TPR of Türkiye, Members raised several issues in relation to its trade regime, 
including business climate and conditions for promotion of FDIs, harmonization of SPS regulations 
with the relevant EU laws, applied MFN tariffs, frequent use of trade remedies and contribution of 
women to trade, among others. Overall, Türkiye  has provided substantive responses to the questions 
posed by Members.  Let me briefly address each of them.  
3.27.   First, during the last TPR, Members made a recommendation to the Government of Türkiye to 
continue reforms aimed at improving the business climate and consider measures that would 
contribute towards increasing the FDIs.  
3.28.   In this context, Türkiye has taken steps to facilitate foreign direct investment , notably through 
the adoption of its FDI Strategy 2021 -2023 and the development of public -private partnerships for 
major infrastructure projects.  
3.29.   In addition, with the objective of creating favourable conditions for foreign direct investments, 
Türkiye has also implemented measures under the New Economic Reform Package  2021-23 to 
encourage investments. These measures include enacting a law to protect private sector investments 
and enhance the predictability of investments, reduce the red tape, and offer solutions to issues 
encountered during the investment process.   
3.30.   In my capacity as Chair of the Special Session in Services, I also would like to note that, 
according to the Secretaria t Report, there are still restrictions remaining for foreign direct 
investments in certain key  services  sectors .  
3.31.   Second,  in 2016, some Members emphasized the efforts made by Türkiye to align its 
SPS measures with those of the European  Union. Questions remained on barriers to trade in certain 
subsectors, and adherence international standards. In this regard, I would like to emphasize that 
Türkiye continued to harmonize its national SPS regulations with the EU acquis .  
3.32.   Third, tariffs were another area of significant interest to Members. Some Members noted that 
applied MFN rates exceeded bound rates on 47  tariff lines, with particularly high import duties for 
several agricultural goods. Based on the Secretariat  Report, during the review period the applied 
MFN rates exceeded bound rates for 31 tariff lines .  
3.33.   Fourth,  Members noted with some concern the frequent use of trade remedies, particularly 
because Türkiye is one of the top  10 WTO users of anti -dumping measures. Thus, some Members 
called upon Türkiye to reduce the use of such measures or to terminate investigations where they 
had a particular trade interest.  
3.34.   In this context, during the review period, Türkiye initiated 44  anti-dumping investigations and 
imposed 1  provisional and 33  definitive measures. As of July  2022, Türkiye was enforcing 131 
anti-dumping definitive measures, which is less than in previous years.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 11 - 
 
  3.35.   On a positive note, I would like to highlight that in 2022, Türkiye refrained from initiating any 
anti-dumping investigations and implemented a single anti-dumping  measure, while over the review 
period, Türkiye undertook one countervailing investigation, which was terminated without  
application of a measure.  
3.36.   Fifth, Members were interested in learning more about plans and actions of Türkiye to promote 
women 's contribution to business and trade. According to the Government Report, the Women 
Entrepreneurs Network Program was developed to form a robust B2B network at the national level 
among women entrepreneurs in all 81  provinces of the country. In 2019, the Turkish Export 
Academy in cooperation with an international logistics firm UPS  implemented the initiative on support 
of women -owned small businesses. The prog ramme was designed to offer practical information on 
how to increase exports of goods using online platforms.  
3.37.   Furthermore, the National Women Exporter Network Platform was created to integrate 
women -owned businesses into international trade activities by developing corporate capacity and 
building a network. The platform includes a mentorship module through which experienced women 
entrepreneurs share their knowledge and know -how with women who are at the start of their work . 
Key issues highlighted at the current TPR  
3.38.   Moving forward, I would like to highlight the key issues that have been raised at this TPR. 
Based on the questions submitted by more than 20  Members, they can be categorized into the 
following main areas.   
3.39.   First, Members seek more information about Türkiye 's plans to implement its Green Deal 
Action Plan. In particular, certain Members have expressed concerns regarding Türkiye's intention 
to align its regulations with the EU CBAM and whether any modifications have been made regarding 
import/export requirements, cross -border trade limitations, or establishing foreign businesses in its 
jurisdiction.  
3.40.   Second, Members are interested in e -commerce -related matters. Specifically, several 
Members sought clarification on the scope of new e -commerce legislation, its provisions addressing 
unfair trade practices, and the practical implications for e -commerce ope rators. Members are also 
interested in the reforms that Türkiye intends to enact to eliminate barriers and enhance the 
provision of e -commerce services in the country.  
3.41.   Third, Members  are asking for detailed information on Türkiye 's agricultural support measures 
as well as for notifications with information regarding the nature and duration of applied export 
restrictions.  
3.42.   Lastly,  Members asked Türkiye to provide more data on women entrepreneurs in science, 
technology, engineering, and mathematics , and on the challenges women entrepreneurs and 
women -owned businesses face in trade. The request was made to share data on the proportion of 
women -owned SMEs that benefit from the State grants.  
3.43.   In conclusion, I would like to make the following points.  First, during 2016 -2021, Türkiye 
enjoyed positive GDP growth despite the challenges caused by COVID -19 pandemic. As part of its 
robust post -pandemic recovery, exports of goods and services increased significantly and 
contributed to the country 's economic performance.  
3.44.   Second,  Türkiye has undertaken significant trade -related reforms and implemented a set of 
concrete measures to address concerns raised by Members during the previous Review . 
3.45.   Third,  Members are interested in areas such as trade and environment, e -commerce, 
agriculture and women in trade.  
3.46.   I believe that the outcome of this review will contribute to enhancing Türkiye's economic 
benefits from participation in international trade as well as in the  work of the WTO.  
3.47.   I wish Türkiye every success in its seventh  Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 12 - 
 
  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
PHILIPPINES  
4.1.  The Philippines welcomes and congratulates the delegation of Türkiye led by 
H.E. Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Trade , as well as Permanent 
Representative  H.E. Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy  on their seventh  Trade Policy Review. We also 
thank Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan  of Kazakhstan for her perspectives as discussant, and the WTO 
Secretariat for its comprehensive Report.  
4.2.  The Philippines has a long -standing relationship with Türkiye and celebrated the 
74th anniversary of our diplomatic relations this year. As part of strengthening bilateral economic 
relations, the Philippines and Türkiye established a Joint Committee for Economic and Technical 
Cooperation (JCETC) which convened for the first time in  2018. The JCETC is a confidence -building 
platform where cooperation engagements such as in trade and investment promotion, market 
access, and investments and value propositions, among others, are discussed.  
4.3.  Türkiye is our 34th largest trading partner, with a total bilateral trade valued at USD  500 million 
in 2022. Among the top Philippine exports to Türkiye in 2022 are desiccated coconuts, semiconductor 
devices, watches, other parts of airplanes or helicopters, and carrageenan.  
4.4.  Turning to the TPR reports, as noted in both reports by the Secretariat and the Government, 
Türkiye 's economy posted consistent growth despite the outbreak of the COVID -19 pandemic and 
remained resilient amidst subsequent external shocks. The economy even posted a notable 11.4% 
real GDP growth in 2021, driven by consumer spending and strong exports. As highlighted in the 
Government Report, Türkiye introduced the Presidential System of Government following the 
constitutional amendment to replace its parliamentary system during the review period. Similarly, 
the Secretariat Report noted key strategies have been introduced su ch as the Eleventh Development 
Plan (2019 -2023) and more recently the Economic Reform Package (ERP) 2021 -2023 to tackle 
inflation, promote de -dollarization, and improve Türkiye's  global economic ranking by encouraging 
investment and trade. Significant economic policies and laws in almost all aspects of the economy 
have also been instituted.  
4.5.  Equally, Türkiye is a firm supporter of the multilateral trading system and an active Member of 
the WTO, demonstrated by its active participation in the discussions as well as in various joint 
statement initiatives (JSIs) including the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured 
Discussion (TESSD) and supported the Buenos  Aires Declaration on Women and Trade. We, of 
course, appreciate as well the contribution of Türkiye in the ongoing agriculture negotiations with 
Ambassador  Acarsoy as the Chair of th e CoASS . 
4.6.  Since the last Trade Policy Review in 2016, Türkiye added new regional trade agreements 
(RTAs) to its network, with 25  agreements notified to the WTO to date. We note from the 
Secretariat 's Report that four  new RTAs and two amended RTAs have not yet been notified to 
the WTO. We highly encourage Türkiye to notify these agreements in exercise of Members ' 
transparency commitments.  
4.7.  We note the significant developments in the economic policies of Türkiye, and we appreciate 
the opportunity to learn more about these policies through this Trade Policy Review. Our delegation 
has submitted 37  advance written questions, including on growth and challenges, export strategies, 
specific sector policies, and economic impacts of crises. We thank the delegation for its timely 
responses.  
4.8.  In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhancing our strong economic relations 
with Türkiye.  
SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY OF TAIWAN, PENGHU, KINMEN AND MATSU   
4.9.  The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu would like to extend 
its warm welcome to Deputy  Minister Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu from Ministry of Trade and his delegat ion to 
Türkiye 's seven th Trade Policy Review . We would  also like to recognize  Ambassador  
Alparslan  Acarsoy 's great  contribution  and leadership  in the agriculture  negotiation  and to recognize  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 13 - 
 
  his Geneva  team for the active  participation  and contribution  in WTO negotiations . We would  express 
our gratitude to Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan  (Kazakhstan) for her valuable discussions . We 
commend the high -quality reports prepared  by the Secretariat and the Government  of Türkiye. 
4.10.   On economic performance and WTO participation , Türkiye ranks among the top  20 largest 
economies in the world. We witnessed Türkiye 's strong economic resilience despite the pandemic 
and headwinds in the recent global economy. We commend  Türkiye on its performance.  
4.11.   In the context of the WTO, Türkiye has shown a strong engagement to support the multilateral 
trading system by fulfilling notification obligations and contributing to the discussion of key issues.  
4.12.   We highly recognize Türkiye 's continuous efforts to facilitate trade and simplify customs 
procedures, including the implementation of Single Window System, after joining the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and Information Technology Agreement (ITA).  
4.13.   We commend Türkiye 's efforts in participat ing in some  JSIs, such as e-commerce and the 
Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD), with the aim of respond ing 
to emerging trade issues.  
4.14.   On our bilateral relations , Türkiye has been our important partner in trade and investment. 
Our trade with Türkiye continue s to grow substantially in recent years, with an annual trade volume 
reaching over US D 1.9 billion. Both sides enjoyed surging growth rate of 23% in 2021 and 11% in 
2022 respectively.  
4.15.   Meanwhile, our businesses have been involved in several important investment projects in 
Türkiye, including  those  in the field of industrial computers, stainless steel and electric vehicles. 
Türkiye 's outward FDI to our economy has also been increasing.  
4.16.   This positive momentum demonstrates our enhanced economic relationship. It also shows 
mutual  growth in our manufacturing and services sectors.  
4.17.   On the questions we raised, we pay particular attention to the fact that Türkiye's average 
applied MFN tariff rate becomes considerably higher in 2022 (19.6%) than that of its previous Review 
(12.8%), due to the combination  of additional  financial  liabilities  (AFLs) and additional  customs  
duties  (ACDs ) onto the customs  duties . We also notice that the applied MFN rates of about 30 tariff 
lines seem to exceed its bound rates. We appreciate clarifications and welcome any plans  for the 
improvement of import  charges . 
4.18.   Besides, Türkiye 's Government Report mentions its close dialogues with the EU to ensure that 
new measures such as carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) do not run contrary to the 
requirements related to the Türkiye -EU Customs Union. We are interested  in this field and appreciate 
for the elaborations on this in Türkiye 's reply. 
4.19.   Also, we are interested in better understand ing the development of Türkiye Electric Vehicle 
(EV) industry and its infrastructures. Given the vital role of our businesses in automotive electronics 
and EV -related systems, we look forward to enhancing our supply chain resilience through 
strengthened cooperation.  
4.20.   In conclusion, w e thank again for Türkiye 's commitment to the Trade Policy Review and wish 
Türkiye every success for this Trade Policy Review . 
SINGAPORE  
4.21.   Let me begin by extending a very warm welcome to the delegation from Türkiye, led by 
Deputy  Minister of Trade Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu. I would like to express our appreciation to Türkiye for 
the comprehensive Government Report and statement, as well as the Secretariat for its detailed 
Report. I would also like to thank the Chair, Ambassador Saqer  Almoqbel ( Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia), 
and the discussant, Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan (Kazakhstan), for their insightful statements.  
4.22.   Allow me to make three points.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 14 - 
 
  4.23.   First, Singapore and Türkiye enjoy strong bilateral relations, stretching back to 1865 when 
the Ottoman  Empire established its first Consulate in pre -independence Singapore. As Singapore 
and Türkiye are strategically located in close proximity to the Malacca  Strait  and the 
Bosphorus Strait, we serve as gateways to our respective regions. More importantly, both Singapore 
and Türkiye have leveraged our strategic geographic locations to become trading hubs and 
supporters of the rules -based multilateral trading  system. Singapore and Türkiye also enjoy robust 
and growing economic ties that are underpinned by the Türkiye -Singapore FTA (TRSFTA), which is 
one of Türkiye 's most comprehensive and broad -based FTA undertakings, and include new areas of 
cooperation like intellectual property rights and e -commerce. This has helped bolster the strong 
business interest between both sides and expanded the range of sectors from agrifood to 
manufacturing, and from logistics to fintech. Since the entry into force of the Türkiye -Singapore FTA 
in 2017, our bilateral trade has grown an average of 8 % annually, with bilateral goods trade 
exceeding US D 1.5 billion in 2022.  
4.24.   Second, Singapore welcomes Türkiye 's efforts to achieve greater economic diversification; 
trade facilitation; and in strengthening its business climate.  These efforts, which were highlighted in 
both the Government and Secretariat reports, have borne fruit, with Türkiye 's GDP -to-trade ratio 
increasing substantially, from 48 % in 2016 to 70 % in 2021. Under Türkiye 's Far Countries Strategy, 
trade with distant countries and new markets are well poised for greater growth. We are also 
encouraged by Türkiye 's trade  reform initiatives, and are optimistic that they will deliver sustained 
economic growth. Furthermore, we are confident that Türkiye active pursuit of greater market 
diversification will help mitigate risks of supply chain disruption, such as through its E xports Strategy 
for 2023 and its Eleventh Development Plan (2019 -2023). A small but good example is the recent 
announcement that Singapore 's regulators have approved the import of chicken eggs from Türkiye. 
This will help Singapore to maintain a stable and  accessible food supply.  
4.25.   Third, Singapore welcomes Türkiye 's commitment in developing new sectors to support its 
economic growth. Türkiye 's journey towards green transition – supported by its Green Development 
Revolution plan and net zero strategy – has the potential to generate green collaboration 
opportunities between many countries. We are also heartened by Türkiye 's aspirations to transform 
itself into a regional hub for e -commerce and digital trade. In the same way that Türkiye has 
leveraged the Bosphorus  Strait to facilitate the movement of goods and services between the East 
and West, we encourage Türkiye to similarly serve as a conduit for the digital world, including by 
building on its FTA commitments to facilitate international data flows. We urge Türkiye to support a 
durable solution to the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions, which will 
demonstrate Türkiye 's determination and willingness to embrace digital trade. Singapore further 
appreciates Türkiye 's active contributions to the Joint Statement Initi ative (JSI) on E -Commerce, 
which Singapore co -convenes with Australia and Japan, and we look forward to continued support 
from Türkiye towards our collective goal of reaching substantial conclusion later this year.  
4.26.   In closing, Singapore commends Türkiye 's strong support for the multilateral trading system 
as embodied by the WTO. This is underscored by the willingness of my good friend Ambassador 
Alparslan  Acarsoy to respond to the call of duty by taking on the chairmanship of the Committee on 
Agriculture, Special Session (C oASS). Singapore will continue to work closely with Türkiye and its 
Mission to the WTO led by Ambassador  Acarsoy to support the rules -based multilateral trading 
system, and we wish Türkiye every success in its seven th Trade Policy Review.  
KAZAKHSTAN  
4.27.   Kazakhstan warmly welcomes the delegation of Türkiye led by H.E. Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, 
Deputy  Minister of Trade of Türkiye. We express our gratitude to the Government of Türkiye for their 
informative Report and statement. We also thank Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan for her insightful 
comments as a discussant and the WTO Secretariat for its comprehensive Report.  
4.28.   Kazakhstan enjoys strategic bilateral cooperation with Türkiye and attaches high importance 
to further deepening economic and trade relations.  
4.29.   Türkiye is a key and fourth -largest trading partner of my country. In 2022 our bilateral 
merchandise trade increased by more than 50% despite the uncertainties in the global trading 
environment and constituted USD 6.3 billion. Dynamic growth also continues this year: in the first 
three quarters, trade volume between our countries exceeded USD 4.4 billion.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 15 - 
 
  4.30.   Aside from trade, Türkiye is one of the top  10 largest investors in the economy of Kazakhstan, 
accounting for almost USD 4.6 billion  over the past 15  years, while investment from Kazakhstan to 
Türkiye reached over USD 1.2 billion.  
4.31.   More than 4,000  enterprises with Turkish capital are successfully operating in Kazakhstan, 
including leading companies such as Yildirim Group, Koç Group, Tiryaki Holding, TAV Havalimanlari 
Holding, Sembol  and Göknur Gida, among others.  
4.32.   Transit and transportation links are critical in developing bilateral trade potential. In this 
regard, the further expansion of the Trans -Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) 
is an important component of Kazakhstan's foreign economic relations with Türkiye.  
4.33.   The implementation of the Roadmap for the elimination of bottlenecks and the development 
of the Middle Corridor for 2022 -2027, which is signed last year by our Ministers will allow to increase 
the capacity along the corridor to 10  million  tons per  year by 2025.  
4.34.   We believe that the approved document will play a significant role in improving international 
transport connections and fostering a growth in mutual trade turnover.  
4.35.   We commend Türkiye for its sound and resilient economic performance despite challenges in 
a global economy, reflected in the real GDP growth averaged 4.7% per  year, the highest among 
G-20 countries, boosted by high consumer spending, a large domestic market, and strong exports.  
4.36.   Particularly, we note a strong focus on the Türkiye's New Economic Reform Package (ERP) 
2021-23, aimed at ensuring macroeconomic stability, increasing competition and efficiency in the 
economy, encouraging high value -added production, promoting further integration into global value 
chains and positioning the country among the top  10 global economies.  
4.37.   Kazakhstan is pleased to acknowledge and welcome the ongoing comprehensive reforms 
initiated by Türkiye as part of the Export Strategy for 2023 and Eleventh Development Plan 2019 -23. 
These reforms focus on increasing the export of high -value -added goods and services, and 
positioning the country as a regional cent re for e-commerce trade.  
4.38.   From the WTO perspective, we welcome Türkiye 's strong commitment to the multilateral 
trading system and the rules of the WTO.  
4.39.   Particularly we commend Türkiye 's contributions in the discussions on agriculture, fisheries 
subsidies, agriculture, fisheries subsidies, and dispute settlement reform . We also appreciate 
Türkiye 's active participation in major JSI negotiations on E -commerce, Services Domestic 
Regulation, and Investment Facilitation for Development and MSMEs.  
4.40.   Having said that, we look forward to Türkiye 's notifications on agriculture, intellectual property 
rights, and regional trade agreements to ensure that its transparency obligations at the WTO are 
met. 
4.41.   Kazakhstan thanks Türkiye for the written reply to our question addressing trade remedies 
issues.  
4.42.   In conclusion, we would like to congratulate the delegation of Türkiye and the WTO Secretariat 
for the hard work and efforts that went into preparing for this TPR. We also would like to express 
our appreciation to Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy and his team in Geneva.  
4.43.   Taking this opportunity, we also would like to extend our congratulations on 
the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, describing the century as a journey 
of peace, security, prosperity, and development.  
4.44.   We wish the delegation of Türkiye every success for their seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 16 - 
 
  COLOMBIA  
4.45.   I would like to thank the discussant, Ambassador Ms  Zhanar  Aitzhan of Kazakhstan; 
Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade of Türkiye; his delegation; and 
Ambassador  Alparslan  Acarsoy. On behalf of Colombia, we extend our thanks to the Government of 
Türkiye for the details provided on its economic and trade policy objectives and strategies.  
4.46.   Our bilateral relationship with Türkiye is of the utmost importance, and we are pleased to note 
the remarkable growth in trade between our two countries, which topped USD  2.5 billion in 2022, 
up 58% on the previous year. This achievement is a testament to our commitment and joint efforts 
to strengthen our economic partnership.  
4.47.   Colombia regards Türkiye as a special partner in our foreign trade and reindustrialization 
policy. We recognize and appreciate Türkiye's efforts to provide detailed information on its trade 
policies and future objectives.  
4.48.   Regarding trade liberalization and the technological solutions implemented, we value Türkiye's 
Easy Export Platform initiative, which utilizes artificial intelligence to assist exporters in finding 
alternative markets. We are also interested in learning more about the Digital Customs in Export 
procedures and how these have contributed to trade.  
4.49.   The growing number of tourists travelling between our nations, combined with the prospect 
of establishing direct flights between Bogotá and Istanbul, has allowed us to exceed pre -pandemic 
tourist flows considerably. Colombia reaffirms its commitment to dee pening bilateral cooperation 
across all areas for the benefit of our citizens and believes that this cooperation can have a 
substantial global impact.  
4.50.   Lastly, we commend the efforts of Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy as Chair of the Special 
Sessions of the Committee on Agriculture, and we invite Türkiye to support our domestic support 
negotiations initiative (JOB/AG/243). This initiative aims to implement f ully the mandate under 
Article  20 of the Agreement on Agriculture, employing the principles of fairness, proportionality and 
progressiveness. Colombia also extends a cordial invitation to Türkiye to consider joining the 
Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitrati on Arrangement (MPIA). We believe that its involvement would 
be beneficial for the functioning and credibility of the World Trade Organization, as well as for the 
WTO dispute settlement system.  
4.51.   To conclude, Colombia appreciates Türkiye's commitment to promoting international trade 
and eliminating trade barriers. We look forward to continuing to work together and to share our 
experiences in the economic and trade spheres for mutual benefit.  
4.52.   We wish Türkiye success in its Trade Policy Review.  
OMAN  ON BEHALF OF T HE GCC  
4.53.   It is a great pleasure to participate in the seventh Trade Policy Review of Türkiye and deliver 
this statement on behalf of the member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). I wish to 
extend a very warm welcome to H.E.  Mr Mustafa T uzcu, Deputy Minister and head of the delegation 
of Türkiye and his distinguished delegation.  
4.54.   I would like to seize this opportunity to extend our sincere congratulation to the Government 
of Türkiye on the centenary of the foundation of the Republic.  
4.55.   I would like to thank Government of Türkiye and the WTO Secretariat for the detailed and 
comprehensive Trade Policy Review Report. I also thank the discussant H.E.  Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan , 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the WTO in Geneva for her insightful 
remarks.  
4.56.   The GCC and Türkiye enjoy a brotherly relationship supported by shared membership within 
the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The geographical proximity between our countries 
is one of the most prominent factors  in the success of our trade, as well as our political relations.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 17 - 
 
  4.57.   To enhance economic relations, Türkiye 's institutional relations with the Gulf Cooperation 
Council commenced with the "Framework Agreement for Economic Cooperation between Türkiye 
and the GCC " signed on 30  May 2005 in Manama, Kingdom  of Bahrain. This framework aims to 
monitor existing economic cooperation activities as well as designate new areas of cooperation. A 
Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation was also established to this end.  
4.58.   Notably, the GCC countries account for 7.1%  of foreign direct investment in Türkiye 
since 2020, with USD 15.8 billion  in stock as of 2022. Qatar has provided Türkiye with the most 
foreign direct investment from the GCC countries with the UAE coming second, and the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia third.  
4.59.   Over the review period, Türkiye demonstrated positive GDP growth rates despite the 
pandemic. Indeed, Türkiye was one of the few countries with a growth performance in 2020 
estimated at 1.9%.  
4.60.   The GCC would like to commend Türkiye for the impactful reforms undertaken in its trade and 
investment regimes, by launching in March  2021 the Economic Reform Package for 2021 -2023, 
which placed Türkiye among the world's top  10 economies in 2023. Türkiye has also taken steps to 
facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI), and the development of public -private  partnerships for 
major infrastructure projects. Such efforts resulted in improving Türkiye 's rankings in several world 
and regional indicators.  
4.61.   In 2022, Türkiye was the third top innovation economy in Northern  Africa and Western  Asia 
Region and ranked 37th among the 132 economies featured in the Global Innovation Index (GII), 
entering the top  40 for the first time.  
4.62.   The GCC values Türkiye 's commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading system and its 
active participation in the WTO negotiations. We also welcome Türkiye 's acceptance of the 
Trade  Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2016.  
4.63.   I would like to seize this opportunity to say few words on behalf of my delegation.  
4.64.   Oman believes that there are vast opportunities for partnership with Türkiye. Relations 
between Oman and Türkiye assume significance due to their deeply rooted historical ties. Bilateral 
relations have been developing on the basis of common interests and m utual benefits, which are 
also shaped by the unique and important geostrategic positions of the two countries.  
4.65.   Trade exchanges between Oman and Türkiye has been witnessing continuous growth and 
reached nearly USD 2 billion in 2022.  
4.66.   Our joint efforts go a long way in strengthening cooperation and exchange of experiences in 
the fields of electricity, mining, renewable energy and alternative energy sources.  The main products 
that Oman exported to Türkiye are nitrogenous fertilizers, raw aluminium, and propylene polymers . 
4.67.   In the end, I would like to thank H.E.  Mr Alparslan  Acarsoy, Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of Türkiye to the WTO and his distinguished team for the excellent cooperation 
between our two Missions here in Geneva which serve our mutual interests.  
4.68.   To conclude, on behalf of the GCC delegations, we appreciate the responses from Türkiye to 
our question and wishes the delegation of the Republic of Türkiye a very successful seventh 
Trade  Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 18 - 
 
  KINGDOM OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.69.   The Kingdom  of Saudi  Arabia  is pleased to take part in the seven th Trade Policy Review of 
Türkiye and would like to extend a very warm welcome to the distinguished delegation of Türkiye 
headed by H.E.  Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy  Minister of the Ministry of Trade.  
4.70.   We thank Türkiye and the WTO Secretariat for their detailed and comprehensive Trade Policy 
Review reports. We also thank the discussant H .E. Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan , Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of Kazakhstan to the WTO for her insightful comments.  
4.71.   The Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia commends Türkiye for its real GDP growth at 11.4% in 2021 
which was the highest rate among G -20 countries.  
4.72.   The period under review was marked by Türkiye's Economic Reform Package (ERP) launched 
in 2021 with the objective to place the country among the world's top  10 economies in 2023.  
4.73.   We congratulate Türkiye for its Exports Strategy for 2023 and its Eleventh Development Plan 
(2019 -2023) which seek to increase exports of high value -added goods as well as services and make 
the country a regional hub for trade in e -commerce.  
4.74.   The Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia also praises Türkiye for its engagement in the multilateral 
trading system through discussions, initiatives and joint proposals in many areas of the WTO. Türkiye 
also has 26  RTAs in force with 63  trading partners.  
4.75.   Trade exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia and Türkiye exceeded SAR  16 billion 
in 2021. Plastics and articles thereof are the major commodities exported by the Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia to Türkiye. On the other hand, articles of iron or steel are the main commodities 
imported by the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia from Türkiye. In addition, the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia 
has a strong trade relation with Türkiye supported by the shared membership in the G -20 and the 
OIC. Moreover, Saudi  Turkish Business Council remains very active in paving the way for closer 
economic cooperation and generating valuable business opportunities between the two countries.  
4.76.   Before I conclude, we would like to express our thanks to H.E . Mr Alparslan  Acarsoy , 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the WTO, and his delegation for the 
excellent cooperation between our two missions.  
4.77.   Finally, the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia congratulates Türkiye for its solid economic performance 
and wishes the delegation of Türkiye a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
THAILAND  
4.78.   Thailand is pleased to participate in the seven th Trade Policy Review of Türkiye , extending a 
cordial welcome to the distinguished delegation of Türkiye  led by H .E. Mustafa  Tuczu, 
Deputy  Minister of Trade.  
4.79.   We express our sincere appreciation to Ambassador Saqer  Abdullah  Almoqbel from the 
Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia for the introductory remarks and H .E. Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan  from 
Kazakhstan for her insightful analysis of Türkiye 's economic and trade policies. Additionally, we 
commend the diligent efforts of the WTO Secretariat and Türkiye  in preparing the comprehensive 
reports.  
4.80.   I would like to share my observations on Türkiye 's trade policies as follows.  
4.81.   Firstly, Thailand shares commonalities with Türkiye  as both countries are classified as 
upper -middle -income economies with strategic locations serving as gateways to their respective 
regions. Agriculture and tourism play pivotal roles in our economies and trade balances, and both 
nations share a similar structure in the manufacturing sector, producing maj or goods such as 
automobiles, textiles, and jewellery . 
4.82.   We acknowledge Türkiye  as a substantial market with a population of approximately 83  million 
and significant tourist influx. Its strategic location positions it as a key trade connection point WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 19 - 
 
  between Asia and Europe, making it an important link in the global trade network. Although it is 
understandable for Türkiye  to look west and focus on the EU as its primary trading partner, we 
encourage Türkiye  to look east and explore opportunities to strengthen trade relations with us as 
well. 
4.83.   Thailand and Türkiye  enjoy friendly relations, and enhancing economic and commercial ties is 
a priority for both nations. Cooperation in trade and investment, particularly in tourism -related 
industries, food processing, automotive, and electrical appliances, holds promise.  
4.84.   Over the past five years, Thailand's trade with Türkiye  has amounted to USD  1.54 billion and 
USD 1.80 billion in 2022, solidly expanding by 6% per  annum on average from 2018. Major traded 
products include automobile and parts, rubber products, air conditioning machines, and chemicals. 
Notably, we believe that the full bilateral trade potential between our countries has yet to be realized.  
4.85.   Secondly, Thailand congratulates Türkiye  for its impressive economic performance, exhibiting 
positive GDP growth even during the pandemic. In 2021, Türkiye's real GDP growth was 11.4%, the 
highest rate among G -20 countries. Despite the earthquake in February this year, the Turkish 
economy is still projected to grow by 4.4% in 2023. Despite current challenges such as high inflation 
and a depreciating exchange rate, we are confident in Türkiye 's resilience and anticipated strong 
growth.  
4.86.   We applaud Türkiye 's active participation in various aspects of the WTO's work, particularly 
in various Joint Statement Initiatives and the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured 
Discussions. In particular, we commend Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy 's exceptional leadership in 
the Committee on Agriculture Special Session and Sub -committee on Cotton. We look forward to 
collaborating closely with Türkiye  for meaningful outcomes in the upcoming MC13.  
4.87.   Negotiations for the Thailand - Türkiye  Free Trade Agreement were launched in July  2017, with 
seven rounds completed and ongoing talks. Thailand eagerly anticipates the resumption of 
negotiations in due course, firmly convinced that the FTA will substantially enhance trade and 
economic relations between the two nations.  
4.88.   Finally, as I am concluding my remarks, I would like to underscore that Türkiye  still maintains 
relatively high tariffs. The average customs duty rate on all imported products stands at 11.1 %, 
with an average tariff rate of 43.1 % on agricultural products and 6.1 % on non -agricultural products. 
Only half of Türkiye 's tariffs are bound and significant tariff overhangs exist. Additionally, there are 
instances where applied tariffs surpass corresponding bound rates.  
4.89.   It is also noteworthy that Türkiye  remains a prominent user of trade remedies, implementing 
anti-dumping measures on 10  product items from Thailand and safeguard measures against 
Thailand 's 3 product items. We express our readiness to collaborate closely with Türkiye  on 
addressing these issues.  
4.90.   Thailand has submitted a list of questions for this review about the Turkish trade and economic 
policies, including the Green Deal Action Plan, tariff regime, anti -dumping measures, and 
state-owned enterprises. We wish to express gratitude to Türkiye  for its responses, which we will 
examine with keen interest.  
4.91.   In conclusion, Thailand is honoured  to participate in the seven th Trade Policy Review of 
Türkiye  and extends our best wishes to Türkiye  for a successful Trade Policy Review.  
AUSTRALIA   
4.92.   Sitting at the cross -roads of Asia and Europe, Türkiye has long been one of the world 's great 
trading nations. Its contribution to global trade continues to be strong through its important role 
here in the global trading system.  
4.93.   Australia values our close and productive bilateral relationship with Türkiye, underpinned by 
our substantial people -to-people links and growing investment and business partnerships. Our 
trading relationship covers a number of key sectors - resources, cotton, education services, WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 20 - 
 
  horticulture, manufactures, services, and construction materials. And we look forward to further 
enhancing this relationship.  
4.94.   Our joint commitment to a predictable and open global trading environment is demonstrated 
by our cooperation in a range of international fora, including the WTO, G -20 and MIKTA. Our 
economies also play increasingly important roles in global supply chains. We recogni ze Türkiye 's 
ongoing improvements to investor protections and domestic regulatory environment, to enhance its 
competitiveness and market orientation, which underline Türkiye 's commitment to WTO principles 
and OECD standards.  
4.95.   Türkiye 's recent growth and performance is underpinned by the global rules -based trading 
system, with the WTO at its core. Australia appreciates Türkiye 's commitment to strengthening this 
institution through the WTO reform agenda to ensure the WTO is well positioned to respond to 
modern trade challenges.  
4.96.   Like Australia, Türkiye values compulsory and binding resolution of trade disputes between 
WTO Members. We share the priority of having a fully functioning Dispute Settlement System 
by 2024, as agreed by Ministers at the Twelfth Ministerial Conference. We also value Türkiye 's 
constructive engagement in the current informal discussions on dispute settlement reform process 
seeking to meet that mandate. To further support the rules -based multilateral trading system, we 
encourage Türkiye to join the Multi -Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement as an interim 
solution while those discussions continue.  
4.97.   Australia appreciates Türkiye 's contributions to new rulemaking efforts, including the Joint 
Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce and in the Informal Working Group on MSMEs. Türkiye 
also plays an active role in discussions on environmental sustainability and gender equality.  
4.98.   Australia also welcomes Türkiye 's active and constructive engagement in the second wave of 
fisheries subsidies negotiations, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Türkiye as 
we pursue our shared objective of concluding the negotiations ahead of the Abu  Dhabi Ministerial 
Conference. Australia further encourages Türkiye to continue its efforts to ratify the landmark 
WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.  
4.99.   Australia thanks Türkiye 's Ambassador, H .E. Alparslan  Acarsoy, for his leadership and service 
to the WTO  Member ship as Chair of the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session. The agriculture 
negotiations remain fraught, marked by entrenched positions and continued lack of political will for 
long-term reform, particularly of trade -distorting domestic support. It is critical however, both for 
the health of the multilateral trading system and for global food security, development, and 
environment goals, that  we make progress. Australia and the Cairns  Group continue to advocate for 
a holistic and comprehensive approach, and we look forward to Türkiye 's continued constructive 
contributions.  
4.100.   We would welcome Türkiye playing a more constructive role in the agricultural trade reform 
effort in its national capacity to match the strong role it plays here in Geneva. As noted in the 
Secretariat 's Report, Türkiye is the world's seventh -largest agricultural producer, is self -sufficient in 
food production, and is a net exporter of agricultural products. OECD reports show that Türkiye 's 
transfers to agricultural producers were at about 16 % of gross farm receipts in 2020 -22. We would 
welcome stronger lead ership at home from Türkiye on agriculture trade policy, including through 
reduced levels of distortionary -domestic support and protection.  
4.101.   Australia values highly Türkiye 's support in ensuring the WTO 's Thirteenth Ministerial 
Conference is the first genuine reform Ministerial. We will continue to work together to navigate the 
significant challenges facing the WTO, so that this Organization can continue to underpin economic 
growth, resilience, and development into the future.  
RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
4.102.   Let me start by acknowledging and commending Türkiye 's perseverance in light of tragic 
event that led to this TPR rescheduling. The Russia n Federation  stands ready to provide further 
assistance to our Turkish friends in overcoming the effects of natural disasters, as we did so in the WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 21 - 
 
  aftermath of the February  2023 earthquake, as well as during the recent forest fires on the Aegean 
Sea coast.  
4.103.   Bilateral relations between our countries are developing rather dynamically. We note with 
satisfaction that the current intensive political dialogue, based on mutual interests, trust and respect, 
rests upon deep -rooted economic and trade ties. In 2022, our bilateral trade demonstrated a 
significant year -on-year increase of around 90%, amounting to over USD  62 billion. Türkiye was 
ranked top -two in Russia n Federation's  exports and top -eight in imports.  
4.104.   Our joint trade and economic projects, among else, in the energy field, are making good 
progress. the Russian  Federation  stands true to all commitments on boosting exports of natural gas, 
including through the initiative of the Presidents of our two countries to create an integrated gas 
distribution hub in Türkiye.  
4.105.   We consider these strong upward trends in our economic relations especially impressive in 
light of the current bleak global economic outlook. In large part they became possible due to 
Türkiye 's determination to maintain its reputation of a reliable trading partner, as well as strict 
adherence to the core WTO principles of predictability, accountability, transparency, and 
non-discrimination.  
4.106.   We note with satisfaction the similarity of positions of our countries on key WTO issues. 
These extend to strategic approaches, such as the support for restoration of the two -tiered dispute 
settlement system, as well as to specific aspirations and concerns on the WTO reform and on various 
negotiating tracks.  
4.107.   The Russia n Federation  thanks Türkiye for its active participation in the multilateral trading 
system . Personal contribution to the WTO work of Ambassador  Acarsoy, in his capacity as the CoASS 
Chair, are invaluable. We stand ready to continue our engagement with Türkiye, including on 
preparation of the MC13 outcomes.  
4.108.   The Russia n Federation  has submitted a number of advance written questions, covering the 
Green Deal Action Plan, FDIs, e -commerce, customs procedures, support for SMEs, promotion of 
competition, public procurement and other issues. We thank our partners for the replies and look 
forward to studying them in greater detail.  
4.109.   Finally, let me conclude by wishing our Turkish friends a successful TPR.  
UKRAINE  
4.110.   At the outset Ukraine would like to welcome the delegation of the Republic of Türkiye headed 
by Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye H.E.  Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu at this Trade Policy 
Review and thank the discussant, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Zhanar  Aitzhan for her comprehensive 
analysis. Ukraine also would like to congratulate Türkiye with 100th anniversary of the foundation of 
the Republic of Türkiye.  
4.111.   Ukraine welcomes the opportunity to participate in the seventh  Trade Policy Review of 
Türkiye.  
4.112.   The period covered by the current review is marked by the important changes in the 
structure of Türkiye's economy and the role of trade. We note the increase in the share of the 
manufacturing sector in country 's GDP, reaching 24.8% in 2021 and the resilient economic 
performance, demonstrated by Türkiye during the period under review. The GDP growth rates of 
Türkiye are positive despite the COVID -19 pandemic and existing polycrisis. Indeed, Türkiye was 
one of the few countries with a positive growth performa nce in 2020. In 2021 Türkiye's real GDP 
growth was also the highest among G -20 countries. Exports of goods have grown considerably over 
the last few years supported by external demand.  
4.113.   We would also like to mention the considerable progress by Türkiye in developing capacities 
for innovation as shown by improved rankings in international indexes. As the result of such positive 
developments, the review period saw an overall growth in the u se of most forms of intellectual 
property and R&D, allowing Türkiye to become the third top innovation economy in the Northern WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 22 - 
 
  Africa and Western Asia Region and to enter the top 40 in the Global Innovation Index for the first 
time in 2022.  
4.114.   We are grateful to Türkiye for its unwavering support of Ukraine and readiness to continue 
to stand by the people of Ukraine in the fight against the Russian armed aggression. We highly 
appreciate the assistance and contribution, provided by Türkiye to Ukr aine in this difficult period in 
our history to ensure global food security and stability, including in the Black Sea region.  
4.115.   Türkiye is one of the largest trading and economic partners of Ukraine. As of 2022 it ranks 
the first among countries of the Middle East region. Unfortunately,  the devastating consequences of 
the Russian war extremely negatively influence volumes of our bilateral trade. In 2021, our trade in 
goods and services amounted to USD  8.5 billion exceeding more than one and a half times the 
previous year indicators. Last year, because of the disastrous repercussions of the Russian war of 
aggression against Ukraine, the volume of trade between Ukraine and Türkiye decreased by 23 .4% 
to USD  6.5 billion. The impact of the Russian war on our bilateral trade in services was even more 
noticeable - it dropped by 80 .1% in 2022.  
4.116.   Nevertheless, during the last seven  months of the current year, the volume of our bilateral 
trade in goods started to bounce back, both in terms of export and import, and increased totally up 
to USD  4.5 billion. We are confident that despite the Russian war of aggression and existing 
challenges associated with it there is a clear potential for our trade to growth further and we should 
continue to work together to enhance further our trade and economic par tnership.  
4.117.   As relations between Ukraine and Türkiye are of strategic nature, we are ready for a 
comprehensive dialogue on wide range of issues to expand economic and trade cooperation and to 
launch joint projects in areas of mutual interests. In this context, we consider as indispensable the 
mechanisms provided by the Intergovernmental Ukrainian -Türkiye Commission on Trade and 
Economic Cooperation.  
4.118.   Ukraine recognize Türkiye 's strong commitment to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system and its stance on safeguarding a transparent and predictable trade and investment 
environment. We appreciate Türkiye 's active contribution to the WTO, its engagement in numerous 
negotiations within the Organization on agriculture and fisheries subsidies, electronic commerce, 
participation in various Joint Statement Initiatives and in the Trade and Environmental Sustainab ility 
Structured Discussions, its support of t he Buenos  Aires Declaration on Women and Trade. Türkiye 
maintains a solid record of notifications in some WTO disciplines. We are ready to continue our 
effective partnership within the WTO bodies to promote further the global food security agenda.  
4.119.   Both Türkiye and Ukraine place great importance on trade, considering it as the critical tool 
to develop economy, industrialize, promote innovation, strengthen supply chain resiliency, and 
attract investments. Ukraine shares Türkiye 's view on the significance of the WTO reform agenda.  
4.120.   Given the importance of this Trade Policy Review exercise, we continue careful examination 
and analysis of the reports, prepared by Türkiye and the WTO Secretariat. In our submissions to this 
review we expressed our interest in a number of areas. In particular , we would appreciate more 
details about implementation of the Türkiye 's Green Deal Action Plan and green transformation 
initiatives, its investment incentive schemes and specifics of free zones operation, particularities of 
taxation, support measures in metallurgical sector, development of new EU -standard businesses in 
rural areas, policies towards sustainable and resilient food systems.  
4.121.   We take note of the gradual narrowing in 2018 of the scope of beneficiary countries under 
Türkiye 's scheme of preferences, with elimination of unilateral preferences for more than 
20 economies (from 88 economies in 2015 to 66 economies in 2022), including for Ukraine. Besides, 
in 2018 Türkiye introduced additional customs duties to imports from all trading partners to whom 
a zero  rate is applied, except certain partners with which Türkiye has RTAs. Together, those 
measures led to substantial increase in applied duties and complexity of Türkiye 's MFN tariff, 
compared with the previous Trade Policy Review . Türkiye 's simple average MFN applied tariff rate, 
including the customs duty, AFLs, and ACDs, was 19.6% in 2022, compared to 12.8% in 2015. Some 
applied MFN rates exceed bound rates in certain instances.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 23 - 
 
  4.122.   The issue of trade liberalization, including through preferential tariff treatment, is of 
paramount importance for Ukraine, especially in terms of recovery of our economy and in face of 
daily increases in destructions brought by the Russian war. Therefore,  we believe it is reasonable 
under those circumstances to propose to our Turkish partners to review further the tariff regime for 
Ukraine and resume previous unilateral preferences provided by Türkiye under its GSP scheme, for 
instance for countries that h ave already signed the FTAs with Türkiye till such agreements enter into 
force.  
4.123.   Ukraine is thankful for the delegation of Türkiye for providing already the written answers to 
many of our questions, which we will examine in detail and may come back for further clarifications 
if needed.  
4.124.   In conclusion, Ukraine would like to wish Türkiye a very successful Trade Policy Review and 
is ready to contribute constructively to this end.  
EUROPEAN UNION  
4.125.   On behalf of the European  Union, I would first of all, like to welcome the delegation of 
Türkiye, led by Deputy  Minister, Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu (Ministry of Trade), as well as my colleague 
Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy and his team here in Geneva. I would also like to thank 
WTO Secretariat and the Government of Türkiye for their reports and the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Aitzhan, for her remarks.  
4.126.   The EU would also like to extend its congratulations to Türkiye on the 100th anniversary of 
the foundation of the Republic.  
4.127.   Türkiye remains a key partner for the European  Union and a candidate country. The efforts 
to align to the EU acquis  significantly support Türkiye's implementation of the relevant WTO legal 
framework.  
4.128.   The EU and Türkiye have shared a Customs Union for almost 30  years. In this timespan, our 
bilateral trade has grown more than fourfold and reached almost EUR  200 billion last year. The EU 
remains by far Türkiye 's largest export and import market. The Customs Union has opened huge 
opportunities for companies based in Türkiye and enabled their integration with the European supply 
chains.  
4.129.   The EU is also the key investor in Türkiye. Total net foreign direct investments (FDI) into 
Türkiye were 0.9% of GDP in 2022. Geopolitical uncertainties, the build -up of macroeconomic 
imbalances and an unpredictable business and regulatory environment at times remain the main 
obstacles to attracting foreign investment.  
4.130.   In this context, we very much welcome the new economic team and the first decisions aiming 
to tame inflation and address some macro -economic imbalances. We expect that equivalent 
"rules-based " approach will be applied to both bilateral and multilateral trade.  
4.131.   The European Commission proposed to modernize the Customs Union and extend it to 
services, agriculture and public procurement in 2016. In June  2021, European Council reiterated the 
EU's readiness to engage with Türkiye  in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner and recalled 
the need to address current difficulties in the implementation of the Customs Union, ensuring its 
effective application to all member States. We would, therefore, like to convey our strong 
encouragement to Türkiye to take the neces sary measures to fully implement the Customs Union 
vis-à-vis all EU member States without delay and in all its aspects.  
4.132.   The particularly worrying trend is an increase in the MFN applied tariff, as set out in the 
Report, from 12.8% in 2015 to 19.6% in 2022. This increase is caused by the application of additional 
customs duties by Türkiye, which is a systemic breach of the C ustoms Union. In addition, the import 
surveillance measures result in a minimum import reference price for a large number of products.  
4.133.   We welcome Türkiye 's legislative alignment with the EU acquis  in areas such as technical 
regulations and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures. At the same time, in certain areas this 
alignment is not fast enough or only partial, including in the area of SPS, as evidenced in the Report.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 24 - 
 
  4.134.   Regarding Competition Policy, we welcome the fact that legislative alignment with the EU 
acquis  continues in areas such as antitrust and mergers . At the same time, there is backsliding and 
serious concerns in relation to the legislative framework, enforcement capacity and transparency in 
the field of State aid. In that context, it remains important to achieve an operational legal framework 
on the control of State aid and to make available an inventory of all aid schemes.  
4.135.   We note that Türkiye has updated its laws on e-commerce . The EU highlights the importance 
of ensuring that these rules facilitate cross -border digital trade, that they are implemented in a 
transparent and objective manner, and that they do not involve unjustified data locali zation 
requirements or other unjustified restrictions to the development of digital trade.  
4.136.   The EU also notes the prominence of transport services, especially maritime transport, in 
economy of Türkiye. In this regard, the EU would like to stress the importance of maintaining fair 
and open conditions of access to the Turkish Straits for foreign ve ssels, including through the 
application of reasonable and non -discriminatory fees and services.  
4.137.   We invite Türkiye to re -evaluate its stance vis-à-vis the WTO Government Procurement 
Agreement (GPA) and to consider acceding to the agreement to allow non -discriminatory access to 
its procurement market for other GPA Parties. Meanwhile, we regret to see further increase in use 
of protectionist measures in Türkiye, in particular domestic preferences, price advantages for local 
suppliers and the use of offsets  promoting local production in public procurement in Türkiye.  
4.138.   While we welcome the recent and positive legislative changes, there is still room for 
improvement in protecting Intellectual Property Rights in Türkiye 's territory. Türkiye is a major 
transit hub and country of provenance for counterfeit goods coming into the European market.  
4.139.   The EU sees Türkiye as a close and important partner in addressing broader economic and 
sustainability challenges of today. Therefore, our cooperation needs to support the reform of the 
WTO and ensuring that the MC13 is a success. The rules -based multilateral trading system with a 
moderni zed and effective the WTO at its core is the best guardrail against economic fragmentation, 
and the most direct way for us all to benefit from global trade.  
4.140.   In particular, Türkiye would be a very welcome addition to the Multi -Party Interim Appeal 
Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). I would also take the opportunity to welcome the announcement 
by the Deputy  Minister this morning on the ratification of the Fisheries Subsides Agreement, agreed 
at the MC12.  
4.141.   The European  Union looks forward to continuing working with Türkiye to strengthen our 
productive bilateral relationship and the multilateral trading system. On behalf of the EU, I wish 
Türkiye a successful seven th Trade Policy Review.  
ARGENTINA  
4.142.   Argentina is pleased to take part in this Trade Policy Review of Türkiye, and I would like to 
take this opportunity to share a few brief comments about our trade relations.  
4.143.   We congratulate Türkiye on its commitment to transforming its economy in favour of the 
export of high value -added goods and services. In addition, as stated in the Secretariat's report, 
Türkiye was actively involved in WTO discussions and initiatives durin g the review period, such as 
its support for the Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade and its participation in the Joint 
Initiatives on E -commerce and on Investment Facilitation for Development.  
4.144.   I would now like to turn to bilateral trade. While Argentina has a surplus in trade in goods, 
Türkiye's trade in services is in surplus. My country's exports to Türkiye in 2022 are largely 
concentrated in the following products: flour and pellets resulting  from the extraction of soya bean 
oil, maize in grain form, and dried, shelled white pea beans. In 2022, Argentina's imports from 
Türkiye consisted mainly of gasoline, excluding that for aviation, anhydrous disodium carbonate and 
chromium sulphate.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 25 - 
 
  4.145.   Building on Argentina's existing economic and commercial ties with Türkiye, we believe that 
their potential  could be further developed, bearing in mind, among other factors, the considerable 
foreign investment capacity of Turkish companies.  
4.146.   I would also like highlight the creation of the joint venture, GSATCOM Space Technologies, 
in Ankara in 2019, bringing together INVAP and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) to develop 
telecommunication satellites. The project is moving forward in Bariloche , Argentina, and in Ankara. 
GSATCOM has already participated successfully in international tenders.  
4.147.   Lastly, we are grateful for the opportunity to share thoughts on Türkiye's trade policy within 
the framework of this important WTO transparency mechanism.  
4.148.   Our country contributed to this exercise by submitting questions that were duly forwarded 
to the Secretariat. Thank you very much.  
MALAYSIA  
4.149.   At the outset, please allow me to warmly welcome H .E. Deputy  Minister Mustafa  Tuzcu  and 
his delegation, as well as Ambassador Alparsan  Acarsoy to Türkiye 's seventh Trade Policy Review.  
4.150.   I would like to record our appreciation to the Government of Türkiye and WTO Secretariat 
for the comprehensive reports, which are very helpful to guide us in this review exercise. On this 
note, we also like to thank Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan of Kazakhstan for her thoughtful assessment 
of Türkiye 's trade policy development, since its last Review in March  2016.  
4.151.   Malaysia considers Türkiye as a very important economic partner. Malaysia would like to 
commend Türkiye 's sound and strong economic policies, including its Eleventh Development Plan for 
the period of 2019 -2023, which are instrumental in mitigating the negative impacts of the pandemic, 
as well as the geopolitical and global uncertainties.  
4.152.   Türkiye 's diversified trade and economic development and strategic location have facilitated 
the ability of its firms, to participate and contribute to the global supply chain by supplying key 
products such as base metals, textiles and textile products, machinery and electrical equipment, as 
well as transport equipment to the world.  
4.153.   Bilaterally, Malaysia and Türkiye enjoy deep economic and political ties for decades; with our 
trade value has reached almost USD  5 billion last year, an increase of 19%, from USD  4.1 billion in 
2021. In the same period, Malaysia 's exports to the Türkiye increased by 23% to USD  4 billion, while 
imports reached USD  690 million last year.  
4.154.   It is important to note that Malaysia and Türkiye have established a free trade agreement in 
the area of trade in goods since 2015, and the scope of this agreement has been extended last year 
to include trade in services, movement of businesspersons , investment and e -commerce chapters.  
4.155.   In this regard, based on current trend of our strong trade and economic linkages, we believe 
that there is huge room for both parties to increase our bilateral trade in the near future, as well as, 
to enhance cooperation to attract high -quality investment in both countries. For instance, Malaysia 
company 's investment and involvement in one of the Türkiye 's major airports reflects the trust and 
great cooperation between the two countries.  
4.156.   At the multilateral front, Malaysia recogni zes and appreciates Türkiye diligent and 
constructive participation in many WTO initiatives, particularly related to developmental aspect and 
environmental sustainability, determination in restoring the two -tier dispute settlement system, as 
well as strong call for further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of WTO bodies.  
4.157.   We also believe that Türkiye 's active participation in the ongoing plurilateral negotiations of 
investment facilitation and e -commerce will contribute to further streamlining of investment related 
procedures and enhance developments in the digital trade.  
4.158.   I would also like to take this opportunity to recogni ze Ambassador Acarsoy 's leadership in 
driving the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session negotiations. Rest assured, Malaysia will WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 26 - 
 
  continue to contribute and support all effort in finding the best possible options in CoASS to address 
the critical challenges, especially on agriculture reform and food security.  
4.159.   For this review, Malaysia had submitted written questions on areas related to economic 
policies, services development, investment regime and green transition, among others. In this 
regard, we would like to thank Türkiye for their timely responses to our qu estions, and we shall 
examine them with great interest.  
4.160.   Last but not least, Malaysia delegation in Geneva looks forward to continue our strong 
engagement with Türkiye, under the able leadership of Ambassador  Arcasoy, as we have a lot of 
common priorities and interests.  
4.161.   With that, we wish the Türkiye delegation a productive and successful seventh Trade Policy 
Review.  
CHINA  
4.162.   First of all, I would like to extend my warm welcome to the delegation of Türkiye led by 
H.E. Deputy Minister Mustafa  Tuzcu and appreciate the Government of Türkiye for the preparation 
for this review, and also sincerely congratulate our Turkish colleagues upon the 100th anniversary of 
the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. Furthermore, I  would like to express my gratitude to the 
discussant, H .E. Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan  for her insightful remarks. Let me also thank the 
Secretariat for their hard work.  
4.163.   China commends Türkiye 's efforts to implement its social economic strategy during the 
review period, including actively responding to the impact of external shocks on the economy, 
developing international trade relations, supporting the multilateral trading system, as well as 
effectively participating in regional integration processes.  
4.164.   The global economy was severely hit by the COVID -19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Türkiye has 
responded rapidly and effectively to the pandemic while adopting various macroeconomic policies to 
promote economic recovery. It is encouraging to see that Türkiye registered positive GDP growth 
from 2016 to 2021. Mor e importantly, Türkiye achieved the highest economic growth rate of 11.4% 
among G -20 members in 2021.  
4.165.   China is pleased to note that trade has contributed substantially to Türkiye 's GDP growth 
between 2016 and 2021, Its export of goods grew 47.2% in value terms while imports increased by 
31.9% over the same period. That demonstrates the remarkable progress Türkiye has made in active 
participation in global value chains. We are also delighted to see a substantial increase in the share 
of the manufacturing to Türkiye 's GDP.  
4.166.   China appreciates Türkiye 's firm commitment to the multilateral trading system and its 
substantive contribution to the WTO by accepting the Trade Facilitation Agreement. we would like 
to express our sincere thanks to Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy for his leadership as the Chair of the 
Special Session of the Committee on Agriculture. China looks forward to more active role played by 
Türkiye in JSIs, such as investment facilitation for development that has been co -sponsored by 
around 120  WTO Members. It is exp ected to incorporate JSIs negotiation outcomes into WTO 
framework at MC13 . 
4.167.   The time -honoured friendship between China and Türkiye dates back to the era of the ancient 
Silk Road, via which we learn from each other and cooperate with each other in connecting Asia and 
Europe. Since the establishment of Strategic and Cooperative Partnership b etween China and 
Türkiye in 2010, bilateral relation ha s entered into fast lanes, and we are seeing fruitful results 
achieved through mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation.  
4.168.   China is now Türkiye 's largest trading partner in Asia. According to Turkish statistics, the 
bilateral trade volume between China and Türkiye amounted to USD 44.6 billion, an increase of 64% 
compared with that of 2016. Over the same period, China 's import from Türkiye increased by over 
69% while its export to Türkiye increased by 66%. We have over 1,000 Chinese enterprises investing 
in Türkiye 's manufacturing and other sectors, which further enhances the docking of China 's Belt 
and Road Initiative with Türk iye's Middle Corridor Initiative.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 27 - 
 
  4.169.   China is willing to work closely with Türkiye to promote bilateral trade growth, enhance trade 
and investment facilitation, strengthen cooperation in emerging and key areas, and deepen 
cooperation and coordination under the multilateral framework. Meanwhil e, we regrettably noticed 
that Türkiye had applied a 40% additional tariff against electric vehicles imported from China, which 
clearly exceeds the 20% bound tariff committed in the WTO. This is a serious violation of both 
Türkiye 's commitment in schedules  of concessions and Türkiye 's MFN obligation. We urge Türkiye to 
follow WTO rules and withdraw these measures. It is firmly believed that with the joint effort from 
both sides, the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership between China and Türkiye will be further 
strengthened.  
4.170.   For this review, China has submitted the written questions to Türkiye, we appreciate the 
replies. We will study them carefully.  
4.171.   To conclude, I would wish the TPR of Türkiye a complete success.  
UNITED KINGDOM  
4.172.   Let me warmly welcome Türkiye's delegation to their seventh Trade Policy Review today, led 
by Deputy  Minister of Trade, Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu . We are grateful to the Government of Türkiye and 
the Secretariat for their insightful reports, and to our able discussant and Chair today. Please accept 
my apologies on behalf of my Ambassador, who is disappointed not to be here today.  
4.173.   The United  Kingdom and Türkiye share a genuine strategic partnership and a deep and 
storied past. Our closeness is most clearly illustrated by the benefits we draw, both economically 
and culturally, from the thousands of Turkish nationals currently residin g in the United  Kingdom, 
and the pride many more British citizens take in being of Turkish heritage. It was therefore with 
great sorrow that we received news of the earthquakes which occurred earlier this year, and I would 
like to join other Members in off ering my heartfelt condolences to the delegation present today and 
to the people of Türkiye for the terrible tragedy and loss of life.  
4.174.   The United  Kingdom provided GBP  14.5 million in emergency humanitarian assistance 
following the major earthquakes in Türkiye, and to support Turkish authorities in the earthquake 
response, the United  Kingdom deployed immediate bilateral search and rescue a nd a mobile surgical 
field hospital, along with thousands of tents and blankets. This was followed quickly by funding for 
emergency healthcare, cash transfer to displaced families, as well as ongoing wash and waste 
management, protection for women and chil dren, and rehabilitation of social services centres for 
elderly and people with disabilities. The U nited Kingdom  public were also deeply moved by the 
disaster, and I would like to commend the support they showed to Türkiye and Syria through  the 
Disasters and Emergency Committee, which raised GBP 150 million in donations to date. The 
United Kingdom  itself was also able to offer support throughout the response to the earthquake, 
offering financial aid and assistance of UK medics on the ground.  
4.175.   Turning to the economy, we recognize that Türkiye is a dynamic economy, with one of the 
fastest growth rates among OECD members and one of the youngest populations in Europe. The 
economy is moderni zing rapidly and is already the 19th largest in the world. By 2050, Türkiye is 
expected to be the 12th largest economy in the world and the fourth in Europe. Türkiye's thriving 
tech, manufacturing, transport and infrastructure sectors have generated a surge in demand for 
international expertise. As a manufacturing  powerhouse with a growing focus on digital technologies, 
half of its manufacturers are currently investing in Industry  4.0 technology, with an additional 30% 
planning to do so in the next five years. Recent policy steps taken to address high inflation and 
improve financial stability are welcome to improve the investment environment in Türkiye.  
4.176.   Turning to free trade agreements, Türkiye has been a close friend to the U nited Kingdom  in 
recent years, working closely with the U nited Kingdom  to write a prosperous next chapter in our 
shared history. I would particularly like to thank Türkiye for its close cooperation during the 
negotiation of the free trade agreement between our two countries, which was signed in 
December  2020. This 2020  FTA has already provided continuity to UK and Turkish businesses, 
safeguarded supply chains following the end of the transition period, and locked in tariff -free trading 
arrangements for a relationship worth close to GBP 24 billion in trade. We would also like to thank 
Türkiye for working closely with the U nited Kingdom  to conduct review of the FTA ahead of schedule.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 28 - 
 
  4.177.   As a result of that review, we were pleased to join Türkiye in announcing in July of this year 
that we will be negotiating an enhanced FTA. The new FTA is an opportunity to strike a 21st century 
deal that is better suited to the modern economies of both the U nited Kingdom  and T ürkiye , covering 
areas such as digital trade, services, and trade and gender equality.  
4.178.   Outside of the FTA, there are other key opportunities for the U nited Kingdom  and Türkiye to 
strengthen trade for the future. Many UK and international companies express a strong desire to 
increase collaboration with businesses in Türkiye. To maximize foreign investment and expertise in 
Türkiye, there are some key barriers which ca n be addressed. Making the best use of data, for 
instance, is fundamental to propelling trade into the 21st century. Türkiye's data protection laws 
differ from general data protect ion regulations, and this differentiation places restrictions on 
cross-border transfer of data, which negatively impacts international companies in numerous 
sectors. We welcome the work which Türkiye has previously began on an amendment which would 
align this regulation with GDPR, and encourage Türkiye to recommence this work  which has halted 
in the past year.  
4.179.   Foreign investment would also be encouraged by a more level playing field with the Turkish 
telecoms industry, with foreign companies at less of a disadvantage to state -owned companies, 
bringing the fixed exchange rate utilized by the Turkish pharmaceutical industry into line with the 
floating exchange rate would similarly create more equitable prices for foreign investment.  
4.180.   I would now like to turn to the firm commitment Türkiye has shown to the rules -based 
multilateral trading  system through its engagement with the WTO. One of Türkiye's most admirable 
contributions to the WTO was made in January of this year, with Ambassador A carsoy stepping up 
to chair one of the most challenging committees in the WTO, the Committee on Agriculture in Special 
Session. We commend the Ambassador's efforts thus far in trying to find a way forward during often 
difficult negotiations. We also commend the Ambassador's indefatigable chairing of the 
Subcommittee on Cotton, the Committee on Anti -Dumping Practices, and of the Azerbaijan 
Accession Working Party. I would also like to welcome Türkiye's overall engagement and support 
during joint initiative negotiations with the hope that ongoing domestic legislative agendas will not 
discourage Türkiye from pa rticipating in a similar fashion in the future. We would particularly like to 
encourage Türkiye to bring the same constructiveness which characterizes their overall engagement 
within the WTO to their negotiations for joint initiatives on e -commerce and inv estment facilitation 
for development.  
4.181.   On gender, the U nited Kingdom  values Türkiye's commitment and support for the Joint 
Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment agreed at the 11th Ministerial 
Conference and the WTO as an informal working group on trade and gender. We would like to draw 
attention in particular to Türkiye's Women Entrepreneurs Network and Export Academy Programme, 
which have been recognized as best practice by the ITC , and we would welcome hearing more about 
Türkiye's experiences at the informal working group on tr ade and gender. Finally, outside of the 
WTO, Türkiye has also played a constructive role in promoting global prosperity in the face of the 
Russia n Federation's  aggression against Ukraine by securing the Black Sea Grain Initiative.  
4.182.   I would like to borrow from Vodafone, one of the largest British companies operating in 
Türkiye, and their slogan, Together We Can. I would like to thank Türkiye for embodying this 
constructive spirit within their engagement both with the U nited Kingdom  and within the WTO at 
large and thank them for their engagement with this Trade Policy Review .  
PAKISTAN  
4.183.   We wish to join others in welcoming the delegation of Türkiye led by H.E . Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, 
the Deputy  Minister of Trade at this seventh Trade Policies Review of Türkiye.  
4.184.   We wish to start by thanking the discussant , H.E.  Ambassador  Aitzhan  (Kazakhstan ) for her 
analyses and insightful comments enriching the discussions at this Trade Policy Review.  
4.185.   We also wish to thank the Secretariat for their hard work in preparing the Report for this 
review.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 29 - 
 
  4.186.   We appreciate the opportunity to participate at this seventh Trade Policy Review . Türkiye is 
without contest an important global trade player as highlighted by the various trade indicators in 
the TPR reports.  
4.187.   We applaud that the results of the implementation of the Eleventh Development Plan have 
been impressive, during the period under review. Trade has increased not only as share of GDP of 
Türkiye but also in the respective sectors and industries.  
4.188.   We commend the various reforms implemented during the period under review among them 
are the Türkiye Economic Reform Package, the establishment of the Port Single Windows System, 
the amendment of the Copy Right Law , the new Industrial Property Code , etc. 
4.189.   Particularly, the swift recovery after the pandemic has been remarkable thanks to the 
relevant government actions.  
4.190.   Pakistan and Türkiye share close cultural and historical relations well beyond trade. The 
recent PTA signed between the two countries is the step in the right direction to further explore 
some trade opportunities.  
4.191.   At the WTO, we wish to commend the active engagement of Türkiye in various committees. 
We wish to particularly highlight the role of H .E. Ambassador Acarsoy in chairing the negotiations in 
agriculture. Agriculture being an important topic at the WTO, we commend his role in this challenging 
position especially in the current circumstances of polycris is including food insecurity.  
4.192.   We wish to thank Türkiye for the written answers received today and we will be reviewing 
them.  
4.193.   In concluding, we wish Türkiye every success in its path towards economic and business 
growth and a fruitful TPR . 
DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.194.   The delegation of the Dominican  Republic wishes to thank  H.E. Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy 
Minister of Trade of Türkiye, for presenting the Report, and extends a warm welcome to the 
delegation of Türkiye. We also wish to thank the discussant, Ambassador  Zhanar  Aitzhan, Permanent 
Representative of Kazakhstan, for her presentation.  
4.195.   We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the fine work of 
Ambassador  Alparslan  Acarsoy  and the entire team in Geneva.  
4.196.   The reports presented cover a period when Türkiye experienced both a constitutional change 
in the presidential system of government and the global impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. Despite 
the pandemic, Türkiye was one of the few countries with a positive g rowth performance in 2020, 
estimated at 1.9%, mainly due to large interest rate cuts, rapid monetary and credit expansion, and 
extensive liquidity support. In 2021, Türkiye's real GDP growth was 11.4%, the highest rate among 
the G20  countries, boosted by h igh consumer spending and the 41% -increase in exports.  
4.197.   With respect to trade agreements, Türkiye currently has 22  free trade agreements in force, 
and we welcome the fact that it is continuing its efforts to accelerate free trade agreement 
negotiations with several Latin American countries.  
4.198.   We also note with interest that Türkiye has a relatively young population of almost 85  million 
people, with a median age of 31.5  years in 2021. However, there is concern that, as in other 
countries, primarily developed countries, population growth has been  declining steadily in recent 
years, and currently averages 1.1% per year.  
4.199.   The Dominican  Republic and Türkiye have maintained diplomatic relations for over 70  years. 
Economic relations and cooperation between both countries grow stronger every day. Trade between 
the Dominican  Republic and Türkiye has been increasing considerably.   WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 30 - 
 
  4.200.   The main products exported from the Dominican  Republic to Türkiye include cocoa, 
pharmaceutical products, bovine hides and skins, cigars, textiles and tobacco; while the main 
products imported by our country from Türkiye are iron and steel, salt, sulphur, plaster, cement, 
ships and boats, and plastics.  
4.201.   We note that investment from Türkiye in the Dominican  Republic has also grown and 
diversified, branching into the tourism, real estate, free zones, energy, construction and medical 
services sectors.  
4.202.   The delegation of the Dominican  Republic would like to extend its thanks to the delegation 
of Türkiye for its responses to the written questions submitted by our country, which merit our full 
attention.  
4.203.   To conclude, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our thanks to Türkiye and to 
wish the country a successful Trade Policy Review. We wish the Turkish people and Government all 
the best, especially with respect to continuing to improve their quality of life and ongoing 
development.  
UNITED STATES  
4.204.   On behalf of the United  States, I am pleased to warmly welcome Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy 
Minister of Trade, and the Turkish delegation for Türkiye 's seventh Trade Policy Review. We welcome 
the Secretariat and Government reports and appreciate the opportunity to gain a clearer sense of 
the changes to Türkiye 's trade and investment policies since its last review.  
4.205.   Türkiye is an important economic partner of the United  States, and we are committed to 
expanding our already deep and robust friendship and partnership. Our Governments recognize the 
value of cooperation on a range of issues, and we look forward to increased consultation, including 
on issues noted during the TPR. Many of the questions we posed in this review touch on certain 
areas where, in our view, economic r eforms could enhance Türkiye 's efforts to attract commercial 
engagement, foreign investment, and i ncrease the overall economic welfare of consumers.  
4.206.   The United  States  would like to acknowledge Türkiye 's forward -leaning approach to 
leveraging the WTO to provide humanitarian relief in times of crises. We thank Türkiye for its 
invaluable contributions at the Committee on Trade Facilitation on this topic, including by co -signing 
the communication on Facilitating Humanitarian Relief in Emergency Situations. We hope to continue 
working with Türkiye at the WTO to influence meaningful reductions in border clearance times of 
humanitarian goods for ongoing and fu ture crises, globally.  
4.207.   However, we have identified some areas of concern in the Secretariat 's Report. For example, 
we seek additional information on various aspects of Türkiye 's additional customs duties, which 
applies to 3,206  tariff lines. Although the Secretariat identified 31  tariff lines that exceed bound tariff 
rates, numerous other lines also appear to exceed bound tariff rates when the additional customs 
duties are included in the calculation of Türkiye 's MFN applied rate. We encourage Türkiye to 
eliminate or decrease these additional customs duties that cause MFN applied tariffs to exceed bound 
rates, in accordance with its WTO commitment. In addition, the United  States also looks forward to 
hearing  Türkiye 's plans for submitting overdue notifications on export subsidies for the years 
2016-2021, and domestic support for the years 2017 -2021.  
4.208.   With regard to Türkiye 's applied customs duties, the Secretariat notes that in Türkiye 's 
Import Regime Decision No.  3350 of 2020, the listed customs duties are applied on product 
categories based on the country or country groups where the products originated. Since applied 
customs rates are differentiated by country of origin, we seek clarity from Türkiye on how this al igns 
with the most -favoured  nation principle of Article  1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, 
1994.  
4.209.   In addition, we would like to draw your attention to our question regarding the process for 
preparing the Turkish Food Codex, particularly how Türkiye determines appropriate standards for 
products where the EU acquis , FAO/WHO standards, and internationally accepted scientifically based 
approaches all might exist.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 31 - 
 
  4.210.   Finally, the Secretariat notes that "IPR cases tend to take a[t] least a year to complete and 
it is not unusual for cases to exceed the statute of limitations and therefore be dropped ". We seek 
clarity from Türkiye on whether a civil court proceeding will be dismissed if it is not concluded before 
the end of the statute of limitations period, and if so, what recourse the right holder would have, 
especially in instances where it has no co ntrol over the length of a court case.  
4.211.   Türkiye is a valued partner of the United  States, and we remain ready to work with Türkiye 
to strengthen cooperation in the WTO, plurilateral, and bilateral arenas. We thank Türkiye for its 
positive engagement here at the WTO. In particular, I  would like to thank Ambassador A carsoy for 
his willingness to undertake the chairmanship of the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session 
and all his efforts in that role , which we know is not easy . 
4.212.   Finally, I was very happy to hear that you have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. 
That is wonderful news. Congratulations on your centenary as the Republic of Türkiye. I can only 
wish you and all of us happier times in the next 100  years.  
ECUADOR  
4.213.   Ecuador welcomes the delegation of Türkiye to this meeting, in particular its leader, 
Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade, as well as members of its Mission in Geneva. We would 
like to pay a special tribute to Ambassador  Alparslan  Acarsoy, Permanent  Representative of Türkiye 
to the WTO, for his hard work in this Organization. Ambassador  José Valencia, Permanent 
Representative of Ecuador, has asked me to convey his best regards. He would have liked to be 
present at this review, but he is Chair of the Committee on Trade and Environment, which is meeting 
as we speak in another room of the WTO.  
4.214.   Ecuador would like to join in congratulating Türkiye on the centenary of its foundation and 
to support the recognition that other Members have expressed to the Turkish Government for the 
report submitted for this Review, as well as for the report prepared by the WTO  Secretariat. We also 
welcome the objective analysis of the discussant, Ambassador  Zhanar  Aitzhan, Permanent 
Representative of Kazakhstan.  
4.215.   The outstanding achievements in the Turkish economy since the last Trade Policy Review are 
worth of note. In particular, we would like to draw attention to the remarkable growth of foreign 
trade in its gross domestic product (GDP), the increasing importanc e of the services sector and the 
adoption of regulatory reforms in the area of e -commerce.  
4.216.   It is very positive that the growth rates across various sectors of the Turkish economy have 
remained constant despite the challenges arising from the COVID -19 pandemic. Those sectors that 
faced declines in growth recovered quickly once various restrictions were lifted.  
4.217.   Among the new policies reported by Türkiye in this Review, Ecuador notes with interest the 
Economic Reform Package 2021 -23, which includes specific objectives on inflation, strengthening 
the economy, as well as on fostering exports and investment, with the  aim of improving production 
and employment levels. Similarly, the Exports Strategy for 2023 and the Eleventh Development Plan 
(2019 -23) are specifically geared toward strengthening the export focus of the Turkish economy.  
4.218.   Ecuador also wishes to highlight the significant efforts made in the area of trade facilitation, 
through the launch of the single window, which includes pre -arrival processing of goods, and the 
submission and issuance of advance rulings. In this connection , it is also important to note the 
establishment of the Coordination Committee on Trade Facilitation.  
4.219.   In addition to the economic and commercial strengths I have referred to, we have to say 
that we nevertheless find that aspects of Türkiye's tariff structure, which includes a system of tariff 
reductions and exemptions, together with a unique application of  duties and charges, create 
difficulties for trading partners.  
4.220.   The questions submitted by my delegation as part of this Trade Policy Review address some 
of these concerns, as well as others linked to the implementation of the Digital Services Tax, the 
Turkish government procurement regime and steps taken with regard t o foreign direct investment 
(FDI). We look forward to hearing from Türkiye on these issues.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 32 - 
 
  4.221.   In the scope of our Organization's work, we note Türkiye's strong commitment to various 
areas of discussion at the WTO, on which we share common aspirations. In this respect, I would like 
to highlight the progress made in the agricultural negotiations, the  dialogues on trade and 
environmental sustainability, and the discussions on trade and gender. We have an intensive agenda 
with Türkiye with shared visions the purpose of which is to strengthen this Organization and shore 
up its relevance in the face of gl obal challenges.  
4.222.   At the bilateral level, between 2018 and 2022, Ecuador exported over USD  1.12 billion to 
Türkiye in non -oil products. In 2022, these exports topped USD  196 million. Ecuador's main exports 
include agricultural products – bananas account for 90% of total agr icultural exports – articles of 
wood, roses, fishmeal, and processed coffee.  
4.223.   In the same year, there was an increase of 33% in imports from Türkiye to Ecuador, which 
included garments, alloy steel, sodium sulphites, machines for manufacturing cords or cables, and 
medicines.  
4.224.   Ecuador and Türkiye share a fruitful and growing trade relationship, that is of benefit to both 
partners. We hope to strengthen this relationship further in the coming years, both bilaterally and 
multilaterally.  
4.225.   I would like to finish this statement by wishing Türkiye a successful conclusion to this 
Trade  Policy Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.226.   Let me welcome the delegation of Türkiye on the occasion of its seventh  Trade Policy Review.  
I thank both the Turkish Government and the WTO Secretariat for their reports, as well as the 
discussant, Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan (Kazakhstan), for her introductory remarks.  
4.227.   Since its last TPR, Türkiye has successfully implemented trade and investment -related 
policies aimed at further integrating the country to global value chains and to FDI flows. The 
significant increase of trade as a share of GDP – up more than 20 % from 2016, to reach nearly 70% 
in 2021 – shows just how important external markets are to Türkiye.  
4.228.   In parallel with its trade policy, investment facilitation measures and other policy instruments 
that sought to improve Türkiye 's business environment turned the country into one of the major FDI 
destinations in Europe. Brazil encourages Türkiye  to stay on that path, including by joining the WTO 's 
Investment Facilitation for Development initiative.  
4.229.   From the standpoint of this exercise, the main take -away is that Türkiye is an example of 
how a WTO  Member  can benefit from the rules -based multilateral trading system by adopting 
outward -looking national development strategies.  
4.230.   Brazil 's bilateral relations with Türkiye deepened significantly in the past two decades. 
In 2006, our countries created the High -Level Cooperation Commission. In 2009, President  Lula was 
the first Brazilian President to visit Türkiye. Building upon that visit, presidential and ministerial -
level meetings multiplied. Our bilateral relations were elevated to the status of strategic partnership 
in 2010 and, today, Brazil is the main Turkish economic partner in Lat in America.  
4.231.   In this 20 -year period, our economic relations enjoyed unprecedented growth: bilateral trade 
grew between 700 % and 900% since the beginning of the century. In 2022, trade flows reached 
USD 4.9 billion, a 10.2% increase in comparison to the previous year.  
4.232.   During the most recent visit of a Turkish Foreign Minister to Brasilia (April  2022), Türkiye 
proposed the ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade flows to U SD 10 billion in the next few 
years.  
4.233.   Let me say the Brazil wishes to continue to work closely with Türkiye, bilaterally and at the 
WTO, and my delegation would be remiss not to thank Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy for his 
leadership as Chair of C oASS, in order to strengthen our economic ties in all areas of interest to our 
Governments  and our peoples.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 33 - 
 
  4.234.   As the Turkish delegation could attest, Brazil posed very few written questions, all of them 
related to the same agricultural sub -sector. Türkiye should not interpret our brevity as lack of 
interest. On the contrary, it reflects the very fluid state of our trade relations  today , especially in 
light of auspicious recent developments.  
4.235.   On that positive note, let me conclude by wishing the delegation of Türkiye a very successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
REPUBLIC OF KOREA  
4.236.   Let me begin by congratulating the centenary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic this 
year. 
4.237.   I would like to join the previous speakers in extending a warm welcome to the delegation of 
Türkiye led by Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade. Allow me also to express sincere 
appreciation to Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy  for his significant contribution to the work here in 
Geneva. Our special thanks go as well to H.E.  Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan  (Kazakhstan) for her excellent 
comments as a discussant and to the Secretariat for its Report.  
4.238.   On overall economic policy and performance of Türkiye, we note that Türkiye has achieved 
positive economic growth over the review period despite COVID -19 pandemic. Korea also notes that 
Türkiye 's introduction of new economic policies such as "Economic Reform Package (ERP) 2021 -23" 
and "FDI Strategy 2021 -23" in efforts to increase competition and efficiency in the economy, 
encourage high value -added production, and promote further integration into global value chains. 
We see this is in right direction.  
4.239.   However, we are concerned about various economic challenges facing Türkiye for a while. 
Among others, high inflation rate and unstable value of Turkish lira have been significant factors 
that leave Turkish  economy particularly vulnerable.  
4.240.   Bearing in mind that predictability is key to economic development, the Republic  of Korea 
hopes Türkiye to work toward structural reforms to achieve economic stability in order to lay the 
solid foundation for robust economic growth.  
4.241.   Let me turn to bilateral economic relations. The Republic  of Korea  and Türkiye have 
expanded and deepened economic relations since the bilateral FTA in goods came into force in 2013. 
The effect of the FTA was clear -cut in number. The trade volume has surged by 74 % over the last 
decade, from USD 5.22 billion in 2012 to USD 9.11 billion in 2022.  
4.242.   During the review period, we are also pleased to note that the FTA between the 
Republic  of Korea and Türkiye has been expanded to the fields of services and investment in 2018. 
In addition, our economy policy makers have engaged with each other on a regular basis through 
five rounds of FTA joint committee since 2013.  
4.243.   Despite some imbalances in trade figures, the two countries have developed comprehensive 
and mutually beneficial economic partnership.  
4.244.   We would also like to note that, as a co -member of MIKTA, the two countries have made 
joint efforts to further promote our economic relationship and to tackle common challenges through 
this cross -regional consultative platform since its inception in 2013.  
4.245.   I would like to take this opportunity to make two comments on the trade measures of Türkiye 
affecting Korean companies.  
4.246.   First, we are concerned about frequent use of trade remedy measures by Türkiye. Following 
the U.S. and India, Türkiye is the third most frequent user of trade remedy measures on Korean 
exports with seven  anti-dumping and five safeguard measures in place as of June this year.  
4.247.   It is particularly worried that some Türkiye 's measures on Korean products have been in 
place for nearly 20  years or more. For instance, Türkiye has imposed anti -dumping measures on WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 34 - 
 
  imports of Polyester Synthetic Staple from the Republic  of Korea  in 2000 and maintained the 
measure to this date.  
4.248.   The Republic  of Korea  would like to kindly request Türkiye to be more cautious in its use of 
trade remedy measures and share relevant information, such as specific criteria for imposing and 
lifting of such measures, in a transparent manner.  
4.249.   Second, the Republic  of Korea  companies face difficulties in accessing Turkish market due to 
"import surveillance mechanism " introduced in 2004. This mechanism builds an additional trade 
barrier for Korean companies as it requires burdensome documents and prohibits customs clearance 
before receiving "surveillance certificate ". 
4.250.   In this regard, the Republic  of Korea would like to request Türkiye to provide relevant 
information on the operation of "import surveillance mechanism " to improve transparency and 
predictability. The Republic  of Korea looks forward to seeing improvement in its mechanism so that 
it may not serve as a trade -restrictive measures.  
4.251.   My delegation has submitted advance written questions to Türkiye regarding above 
mentioned trade measures. The Republic  of Korea  would appreciate Türkiye 's cooperation to provide 
answers in a timely manner.  
4.252.   In closing, taking note of Türkiye 's "Far Countries Strategy " to boost trade with distant 
countries, we would like to reiterate our commitment to further enhancing economic partnership 
with Türkiye in the future on a wide range of areas including trade, services and investment.  
4.253.   I would like to conclude by conveying my deep appreciation to the delegation of Türkiye for 
its hard work and wishing the delegation every success in this TPR.  
JAPAN  
4.254.   Thank you Chair, Ambassador Saqer  Abdullah  Almoqbel , distinguished delegates and 
colleagues.  
4.255.   We warmly welcome the Turkish delegation, headed by Deputy  Minister Mustafa  Tuzcu and 
his delegation. We would like to express our appreciation to Turkish Government and the 
WTO Secretariat for the respective reports prepared for today 's Review. We also thank 
H.E. Zhanar  Aitzhan , the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, for her role as discussant.  
4.256.   At the outset, Japan expresses our profound sympathy to Türkiye, which going through the 
enormous humanitarian and economic damages caused by the major earthquake in southern Türkiye 
in February this year. Japan, as a country that frequently experiences ea rthquakes, and in view of 
its century 's friendly relations with Türkiye, Japan is willing to cooperate in Türkiye 's reconstruction 
as Türkiye did for Japan in the past.  
4.257.   Now, on the trade 's subject, I would like to comment on some aspects of Türkiye 's economic 
and trade performance during the review period.  
4.258.   First, with regard to the macroeconomy, according to the Secretariat 's Report, during the 
review period, the Turkish economy recorded a positive growth rate despite the difficult situation 
amidst the COVID -19 pandemic. Inflation has remained slightly high, but Japan trusts that the 
Government of Türkiye will address inflation in the future through appropriate monetary policy and 
other measures.  
4.259.   Secondly, I would like to touch on Türkiye's trade policies in the multilateral trading system. 
Since its accession to the WTO in 1995, Türkiye has implemented the ITA and TFA. We appreciate 
Türkiye for its ongoing contributions to strengthening the multil ateral trading system, actively 
participating in various policy discussions.  
4.260.   In this regard, we also hope to see Türkiye continue their active participation in the Joint 
Statement Initiatives (JSIs) on E -commerce, Investment Facilitation for Development, and others.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 35 - 
 
  4.261.   As to transparency, it is appreciated that Türkiye has a good record in fulfilling its notification 
obligations.  
4.262.   As for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, an important contribution by Türkiye from the 
perspective of not only the WTO but also global, geopolitical and economic relations, and which was 
regrettably terminated in July of this year, Japan appreciates Türkiye for its tireless efforts in having 
launched and extended the Initiative. The Initiative was recognized as having made a significant 
contribution to global food security and free trade, and we hope in the future, it is reactivated to 
secure supply chains.  
4.263.   With regard to bilateral relations, bilateral trade between Japan and Türkiye amounts to 
more than USD  4 billion per year and the trade volume in 2022 is above pre -COVID -19 levels. We 
would like to continue to build our cooperation through bilateral trade so that our economies can 
further benefit from each other.  
4.264.   Some 275  Japanese companies have established active operations in Türkiye, with 
companies from various sectors such as construction, manufacturing, finance, food, and 
pharmaceutical industries.  
4.265.   Through dialogue with Türkiye, while there have been many improvements with respect to 
Türkiye 's trade system in general, there are still some issues to be addressed.  
4.266.   Priority areas include a number of issues related to the lengthy customs clearance process 
and import and export regulations, as well as issues related to tariff rates, including additional duties. 
With regard to import regulations, there are still major issues, which need to be addressed such as 
the clarification of inspection details and required documentation, particularly with regard to food 
imports, and the relaxation of regul ations on sample imports.  
4.267.   We anticipate further improvements by Türkiye in these areas in order to improve Türkiye 's 
trade environment, which will contribute to entire economy and development of Türkiye.  
4.268.   Before concluding, I need to express our great appreciation, H.E.  Ambassador  
Alparslan  Acarsoy  for his highly respected function in Geneva, including his revered role as Chair of 
CoASS and the Sub -Committee on Cotton. Japan remains committed to providing active and 
constructive contributions to the discussions and negotiations under his leadership.  
4.269.   We look forward to continued cooperation with Türkiye towards achieving successful 
outcomes at MC13 next year and beyond, and wish Türkiye a successful conclusion to its 
seventh  TPR.  
INDONESIA  
4.270.   I am honoured  to deliver this statement on behalf of Indonesia, and congratulate Türkiye for 
its seventh  Trade Policy Review. We extend a warm welcome to the distinguished delegation from 
Türkiye, led by Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade.  
4.271.   At the outset, we would like to once again extend our deepest condolence and solidarity to 
the people of Türkiye in light of the unprecedented natural disaster as well as its continuing 
devastating impacts.  
4.272.   Despite these challenges, Indonesia applauds that Türkiye manages to continue its 
engagement through open and constructive participation in the multilateral trading system, 
particularly in the World Trade Organization. In doing so, Türkiye  has clearly contributed to common 
efforts aimed at addressing global trade challenges and promoting a rules -based, open, and inclusive 
international trading system.  
4.273.   For this reason, we also view that the presence of Deputy Minister and his delegation at the 
WTO today demonstrates Türkiye's unwavering commitment to foster collaborative dialogue on 
international trade matters.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 36 - 
 
  4.274.   We thank the TPRB Chair, Ambassador Saqer  Abdullah  Almoqbel  of the 
Kingdom  of Saudi  Arabia, as well as our appreciation to the discussant, Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan  
of Kazakhstan, for their insightful perspectives. We also appreciate active cooperation of the Türkiye 
Permanent Mission in Geneva, led by Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy , and hope that such cooperation 
could further expand to broader areas of common interest.  
4.275.   We welcome that Türkiye economy exhibited positive growth rates despite the global 
challenges, with a notable 11.4% real GDP growth in 2021, the highest among G -20 countries. This 
is due among others to loose monetary strategy, aimed at boosting investment and exports, which 
have led to substantial export growth. Such policy is further supported by Türkiye Exports Strategy 
for 2023 and Eleventh Development Plan (2 019-23), which aims enhancing exports of high 
value -added goods and services, improve global va lue chain integration, and thus eventually 
establish Türkiye as a regional hub for e -commerce.  
4.276.   However, we also note that the Government of Türkiye continue s to face macro -financial 
challenges, including a record depreciation of the lira and inflation reaching 85.5% in October  2022. 
In this regard, we hope that the Türkiye Government will be able to address these enormous 
challenges through effective and concrete measures.  
4.277.   Taking into account the historical ties between Indonesia and Türkiye, we welcome the 
positive growth in our bilateral trade, reaching USD 2.56 billion in 2022 from USD 2 billion in 2021. 
This reflects the mutually beneficial nature of our economic relations, and we appreciate the efforts 
of both countries to foster a balanced and long -term trade relationship.  
4.278.   In light of our top exports to Türkiye, including palm oil, stainless steel products, viscose 
rayon fibres , natural rubber, and uncoated paper, Indonesia is committed to expedite the completion 
of the Indonesia -Türkiye Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IT -CEPA). We sincerely 
hope that once finalized, this agreement can meet its objective of facilitating bilateral trade and 
investment, and thus open new horizons for economic cooperation.  
4.279.   We also jointly commit to addressing existing trade barriers promptly and finding acceptable 
solutions that promote fairness and mutual benefit. This collaborative approach will strengthen our 
economic ties and further solidify the foundation for sustained  and balanced trade relations.  
4.280.   Despite these positive developments, we remain concerned about the longstanding trade 
remedies measures, including six anti -dumping measures in effect for over a decade and an 
additional 5 %-9% customs duty impacting 174 of Indonesia's textile products. We believe that these 
measures can significantly hamper further growth of our bilateral trade.  
4.281.   Furthermore, we also hope to hear more information from the Türkiye delegation regarding 
its strategy to address the challenges of putting its foreign direct investment back on -track, 
especially taking into account the decrease of its FDI stock in 2021 as mentioned in the Report.  
4.282.   Finally, Indonesia wishes Türkiye a successful Trade Policy Review and anticipates fruitful 
discussions that will strengthen our economic relationship and contribute to a fair and resilient global 
trading system.  
MAURITIUS  
4.283.   Mauritius would like to welcome the delegation of Türkiye  for this seventh  Trade Policy 
Review, led by H .E. Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Trade.  We thank the 
discussant, H.E. Ambassador Ms  Zhanar  Aitzhan  of Kazakhstan for her very insightful remarks and 
comments.  
4.284.   First of all, Mauritius would like to express its deepest condolences and sympathy to the 
Türkiye  following the earthquakes in Türkiye  this year with very tragic consequences, causing more 
than 50,000  deaths and more than 15 million people displaced.  Mauritius itself being a Small Island 
State, is fully aware of the devastating consequences of such natural disasters and in this respect, 
we stand with Türkiye  for recovery.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 37 - 
 
  4.285.   Mauritius notes that trade remains an important component to the Turkish economy and, as 
noted in the Secretariat Report, the contribution of trade in the GDP grew substantially from about 
48% in 2010 to 69.8% in 2021 which is highly commendable.  
4.286.   Mauritius congratulates Türkiye  for the launch of the Economic Reform Package in 
March  2021 which ensures that the country takes advantage of the opportunities that emerged after 
the pandemic, encouraging high value -added production, promoting further integration into global 
value chains among others.  
4.287.   Both Mauritius and Türkiye  have been WTO  Member s since 1995 and share a similar 
commitment to the smooth functioning of a rules based multilateral trading system that contributes 
to inclusive and sustainable development. We are happy to note that both Mauritius and Türkiye 
support the Buenos  Aires Declaration on Women and Trade and actively participates in several Joint 
Statement Initiatives including investment facilitation, e -commerce and domestic regulation.  
4.288.   We congratulate T ürkiye for maintaining a positive record of notifications to the WTO and we 
encourage Türkiye  to take necessary steps to notify the outstanding notifications to the WTO in a 
timely manner in the interest of transparency.  
4.289.   We have a special trade relation with Türkiye . A Free Trade Agreement is in force allowing 
both countries to benefit from improved access on industrial with preferential access on a list of 
some 50  agricultural products.  
4.290.   To bolster trade further, Türkiye  and Mauritius are expected to sign a protocol amending the 
FTA, Mauritius would like to thank Türkiye  for agreeing to provide upgraded market access to 
Mauritius on several products including beer and wine, fisheries products, pineapples, lychees, dog 
or cat food and vanilla. We would pursue our effort to extend the scope of the Agreement to include 
products of interest such as sugar, which so far has been excluded from the Agreement.  
4.291.   We believe that export promotion and investment institutions of both countries can work 
together to establish possible trade and business linkages.   
4.292.   We would like to put on record the positive contribution of the Permanent Representative of 
Türkiye, H .E. Ambassasor Alparslan  Acarsoy and his team for their involvement and contribution in 
advancing the multilateral trade negotiations, specially at this critical juncture, as we plan ahead for 
MC13 . 
4.293.   We wish Türkiye  every success for this TPR.  
JAMAICA  
4.294.   Jamaica congratulates Türkiye on this its seventh  Trade Policy Review and extends a warm 
welcome to its distinguished delegation led by H .E. Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade. 
We thank the delegation for the Report presented and extend our best wishes for a successful 
Review.  
4.295.   Jamaica also registers its appreciation to our discussant, Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan of 
Kazakhstan for her perspectives on key aspects of Türkiye 's trade policies, as well as to you, Chair, 
and the Secretariat for the respective contributions to this exercise.  
4.296.   My delegation joins others in conveying our sympathies at the devastating earthquakes in 
Türkiye earlier this year, and extend our prayers for the continued safe recovery and return to 
normalcy for the Government and people of Türkiye.  
4.297.   Jamaica and Türkiye share a long history of friendship and cooperation, which began in 
March  1971. Over the years, through high level visits, people -to-people contact and other 
engagements, our Governments have sought to expand the scope of the partnership and advance 
our bilateral cooperation initiatives.  
4.298.   We further appreciate the support provided by the Government of Türkiye to our regional 
efforts, as well as its support to the CARICOM Development Fund and to the Caribbean Disaster WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 38 - 
 
  Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Importantly, my delegation commends the Government 
of Türkiye for its strong advocacy on behalf of Small Island and Low -lying Coastal Developing States 
(SIDS), and Lesser Developed Countries (LDCs), in international fora such as the G -20; this is 
particularly important for countries like Jamaica, which hold no membership in these groupings.  
4.299.   We note positively that during the review period, Türkiye  recorded robust economic growth, 
registering an average annual rate of 4.7 %, and enjoyed a 41 % increase in its trade volume from 
USD 351 billion in 2020 to US D 496 billion in 2021. This was due in large measure to the 
Government 's steady implementation of the Eleventh Development Plan (2019 -2023).  
4.300.   Jamaica views positively the Government 's focus on positioning the country as an important 
hub for global supply chains. This development will augur well for reducing the costs for trade, 
increase flexibility for businesses to adjust their operations to respond to increased demand, and 
allow for  improved quality control. We, therefore, encourage further discussions at the bilateral, 
regional, and international levels in this regard.  
4.301.   My delegation commends the Government 's efforts to strengthen keys sectors of its 
economy, including the automotive industry, steel production, and services sectors. We note 
positively the efforts being made to ensure the delivery of high value -added, high -tech products and 
quality service, particularly through the development of and use of new technologies. Such efforts 
should be supported and provide opportunities for exchanges on best practices and lessons learned 
within the Organi zation. Moreover, the Government has developed a "Far Countries Strategy ", to 
support its plans to boost its trade with distant countries; we look forward to further elaboration of 
this strategy during this exchange and future discussions.  
4.302.   Like Jamaica, Türkiye shares a deep commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading 
system. We welcome the Government 's prioritization of free, fair, and inclusive global trade, and as 
a mutual partner, Jamaica commends the delegation 's active participation in the work of the WTO.  
4.303.   As a major producer and an exporter of agricultural and food products to more than 
200 countries worldwide, it is unsurprising that the delegation has sought to make meaningful 
contributions to the agriculture negotiations. We appreciate the able leadership of Ambassador 
Alparslan  Acarsoy, in his capacity as Chair of the Special Session of the Committee on Agriculture. 
The agriculture negotiations are critical for many WTO  Member s, as the need to secure meaningful 
outcomes for all Members is crucial for ens uring food security, and economic development for our 
citizens.  
4.304.   We further commend the delegation 's constructive engagement on other matters including 
the fisheries negotiations, dispute settlement and WTO reform. Türkiye 's stated priorities for the 
WTO reform process align well with many developing countries. We note positively Türkiye 's support 
of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agenda and support its efforts to implement the Agreement. 
My delegation, therefore, believes that through continued engagement on these and other issues of 
mutual concern we can jointly move the n eedle forward towards positive outcomes for developing 
countries in this regard.  
4.305.   We note that delegations have raised questions on several aspects of Türkiye 's trade policies, 
including price stability policies; alignment of the European  Union 's Carbon Border Adjustment 
Mechanism and compatibility with WTO trade law. Questions were also raised about the performance 
of its Single Window System; impact of changes in its customs procedures and its review of the Law 
on Protection of Competition 2020 . Jamaica looks forward to the exchange with the delegation in 
this regard.  
4.306.   In closing, Jamaica once more extends its best wishes to Türkiye for a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
CHILE  
4.307.   Thank you, Chair. While Chile did not submit questions, we wanted to be here for this TPR 
process and welcome the delegation of Türkiye, led by Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade. 
We also welcome all the members of the Permanent Mission of Türkiye,  especially 
Ambassador  Alparslan  Acarsoy, with whom we have worked recently to advance common objectives WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 39 - 
 
  within this Organization. We would also like to recognize the excellent work carried out by both the 
Secretariat and Türkiye in preparing the respective reports, and to congratulate the discussant, 
Ambassador  Zhanar  Aitzhan of Kazakhstan.  
4.308.   Despite the geographical distance between our countries, Chilean -Turkish relations have 
been fruitful and long -standing, as evidenced by the fact that Chile was the first Latin American state 
to recognize the Republic of Türkiye with the signature of the T reaty of Friendship on 
30 January  1926. Since then, our bilateral relations have been excellent, with trade playing an 
important role.  
4.309.   A central element in this is the Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Chile, which has 
been in force since 1  March  2011. The Agreement contains chapters on market access, sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, rules of origin , customs procedures, safeguard 
measures and dispute settlement. The Agreement also has an evolutionary clause, which sets out a 
commitment to initiate talks on the inclusion of chapters relating to services and investment. We 
therefore welcome the latest efforts of our authorities to resume talks on a possible update to the 
Agreement.  
4.310.   This framework has led to increased trade, which in 2022 totalled USD  810 million. The main 
products exported from Chile were walnuts, copper ores, copper cathodes, fish oil and dried grapes. 
Meanwhile, the main products imported by Chile from Türkiye were  iron bars, vans for transporting 
goods, monofilaments and motor vehicles for transportation.  
4.311.   At the bilateral level, we also would like to mention the agreement on cooperation and mutual 
assistance in customs matters, signed in 2012, and the air services agreement, which our countries 
signed in 2017.  
4.312.   At the WTO level, Chile and Türkiye support a strong multilateral system based on 
transparent and non -discriminatory rules that provide predictability, but that is also adapted to the 
current context. We are therefore of the same mind on a number of initia tives, such as the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement, e -commerce, services domestic regulation and the MSME Group. We also 
acknowledge Türkiye's efforts, and in particular those of Ambassador  Acarsoy, as Chair of the Special 
Session of the Committee on Agricult ure. 
4.313.   This Trade Policy Review has found that, despite the negative impacts of the pandemic, 
Türkiye was one of the few countries to maintain positive growth, mainly due to timely monetary 
and fiscal measures. In addition, the Eleventh Development Plan (2019 -23) is of particular note, as 
its targets have been determined within the framework of a growth model focusing on productivity, 
in which the industrial sector plays a leading role. Turkish SMEs continue to play an important role, 
especially in the manufacturi ng sector.  
4.314.   The services sector's share of Türkiye's GDP is also noteworthy. This sector plays a major 
role in the country's economic activity and creating jobs. In this regard, we note with interest the 
rapid development of the information and communications technologies sector.  
4.315.   We also note Türkiye's efforts to advance inclusiveness, as a signatory to the Buenos  Aires 
Declaration on Women and Trade, and through initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurs 
Networking Program; the Export Academy for Women -owned Small Businesses; and  the 
W2W-National Women Exporter Network Platform.  
4.316.   Once again, I congratulate Türkiye for the excellent work carried out. We would like to 
extend  warm greetings to the delegation upon the recent celebration marking the country's 
100th anniversary as a republic and wish them a successful seventh Trade Policy Review.  
JORDAN  
4.317.   My delegation again would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to 
delegation of Türkiye for the victims of the recent earthquake.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 40 - 
 
  4.318.   We would like to extend a very warm welcome to H.E.  Mustafa  Tuzcu and the entire 
delegation of Türkiye, and to congratulate them for the efforts exerted in the preparation for the 
seventh Trade Policy Review and preparing this report.  
4.319.   In addition, Jordan would like to commend the good work that the Permanent Representative 
of Türkiye H.E . Alparslan  Acarsoy and his great team are delivering in Geneva.  
4.320.   The Turkish delegation present here today is a testimony of the importance that Türkiye  
attaches to this Trade Policy Review and to the multilateral trading system.  
4.321.   We would like to thank the Head of the delegation for his opening statement and valuable 
introductory remarks, and the Secretariat for their excellent Report.  
4.322.   Our thanks and gratitude is also extended to the discussant H .E. Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan  (the 
Ambassador of Kazakhstan) for her insightful remarks.  
4.323.   During the review period, the economy of Türkiye demonstrated resilient economic 
performance and production, which is observed in many economic indicators in the reports, 
especially in its ' positive economic and trade growth in spite of the challenges posed by the COVID -19 
pandemic.  
4.324.   Further, Türkiye keep its ongoing efforts to enable a global pattern of sustainable 
development, and to contribute to free, fair and inclusive global trade through eliminate barriers to 
trade and supporting a rules -based multilateral system.  
4.325.   Türkiye continued to modernize and develop its economy, one of these major steps is the 
Eleventh Development Plan, which has numerous of initiatives and actions within the framework of 
a growth model focusing on productivity, in which the industrial sector plays a leading role. This 
model aims sustainable and balanced and income distributi on, as well as green and digital 
transformation of the economy.   
4.326.   In addition to the distinguished friendship ties and trade economic cooperation between 
Jordan and Türkiye, we look forward to further strengthening our trade and investment relations, 
and we hope that the trade and economic cooperation agreement between t wo parties will have a 
very positive impact and increased bilateral trade.  
4.327.   In conclusion, my delegation would like to express our sincere thanks to Türkiye, for active 
engaging in the WTO negotiations, and we wish Türkiye, all prosperity and a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
QATAR  
4.328.   Allow me to start by welcoming H.E.  Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade, back to 
the WTO. Who is known in Geneva for his dedicated work . We welcome also 
H.E. Mr Alparslan  Acarsoy , Ambassador  and Permanent Representative of T ürkiye to the WTO, as 
well as the whole Turkish delegation whose efforts are very apparent in the reports. We would like 
also to thank the Chair , H.E. Ambassador Saqer  Abdullah  Almoqbel  of the Kingdom of Saudi  Arabia, 
as well as the Secretariat, and the discussant H.E.  Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan  of Kazakhstan for her 
outstanding presentation.  
4.329.   We are pleased to attest again that Qatar and T ürkiye share a long -lasting economic relation. 
We are strong partners with large trade volumes. The strength of our bilateral relations is based on 
the strong historical and cultural ties. Our economic and trade cooperation are supported by the 
convergence between the leaders hip in both countries. Türkiye is one of Qatar 's most significant 
trading partners.  
4.330.   For the period under review, Qatar would like to applaud T ürkiye's achievement in terms of 
growth with annual average of 4.7% during the review period, and a trade volume growth by 41%, 
from USD  351 billion in 2020 to USD 496 billion in 2021, and that in spite of the difficult period which 
was marked by an unprecedented multiple global crisis.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 41 - 
 
  4.331.   We are pleased to read about the Turkish success in the Report. It shows that half of the 
increase in GDP in the recent years has been a result of goods and services exports, ranking T ürkiye 
amongst the strongest players in the multilateral trading system . With its Eleventh Development 
Plan that targets productivity, where the industrial sector plays a leading role, and with its strong 
manufacturing and logistics infrastructure, T ürkiye is becoming  an important hub for global supply 
chains.  
4.332.   Qatar would like to note also that Türkiye has consistently supported efforts to strengthen 
the rules -based multilateral trading system and to ensure that the WTO remains relevant for the 
future.  
4.333.   Qatar and T ürkiye have participated in the Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs) to address key 
emerging issues such as investment facilitation for development and electronic commerce. T ürkiye's 
role was vital for concluding the negotiations on investment facilitation for development. T ürkiye is 
also actively involved in ongoing WTO discussions Joint Statement Initiatives on forward -looking 
issues.  
4.334.   In conclusion, we commend T ürkiye's role in the multilateral trading system , and we wish 
the Turkish delegation every success for its seventh  TPR. 
INDIA  
4.335.   India is pleased to participate at the seventh  TPR of Türkiye and extends a warm welcome 
to the Turkish delegation led by H.E.  Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade. We would like to 
thank the Turkish Government and the Secretariat for the excellent reports, and the discussant 
H.E. Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan  (Kazakhstan) for her comprehensive remarks.  
4.336.   We take this opportunity to offer our sincere condolences for the earthquake tragedy earlier 
this year.  India in solidarity with Türkiye made a humanitarian assistance initiative named 
"Operation  Dost" or Operation  Friend in English, consisting of search and rescue teams from India 's 
National Disaster Rescue Force  (NDRF ) and a mobile field unit set up by  the Indian Army with 
specialized equipment, vehicles, and relief materials brought up in six C -17 military aircraft. 
Operation  Dost was among the earliest foreign help to arrive in Türkiye. Overcoming this tragedy, 
I also take this opportunity to congratulate Türkiye for the centennial ce lebration this year on 
founding of the Republic.  
4.337.   Türkiye has maintained a positive trajectory in its economic growth despite the pandemic 
which is commendable. As per the Secretariat 's Report, trade remains an important component of 
the Turkish economy and, the contribution of trade in the GDP share grew from about 48.0% in 
2016 to 69.8% in 2021. We further note that during the review period, there was a substantial 
increase in the share of the manufacturing sector to GDP from 18.8% in 2016 to 24.8% in 2021, 
while services sector remained major contributor to th e GDP.  
4.338.   We take note of the Exports Strategy for 2023 and its Eleventh  Development Plan (2019 -23) 
geared towards an export -oriented transformation of the Turkish economy. It seeks to increase 
exports of high value -added goods as well as services, improve Türkiye's position in the hierarchy 
of GVCs, and make the country a regional hub for trade in e -commerce. We wish the Turkish 
Government every success in sustaining the growth momentum, notwithstanding geo -political 
challenges and the slow recovery in the global economy, through prudent fiscal policies, transparent, 
open and predictable investment and trade policy regime.  
4.339.   The India -Türkiye economic and commercial cooperation constitutes an important dimension 
of our long historical relations. The two sides have strengthened and deepened bilateral economic 
cooperation in a number of sectors. Today, our bilateral partnership is expandi ng across diverse 
sectors of mutual interest. The bilateral trade grew 28.99% during last FY (2022 -23), crossing 
USD 13.8 billion, making Türkiye as India 's 26th largest trading partner. Türkiye is India 's 13th export 
and 30th import destination.  Over 150  Indian companies registered in Türkiye, many of them are 
active in the manufacturing, services and agricultural business sectors. There are substantive FDI 
equity inflows in India from Türkiye , mainly in infrastructure and construction sectors.   WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 42 - 
 
  4.340.   Having said this, we also express concern that just like some other countries, India 's exports 
to Türkiye in certain sectors including textiles and clothing, rugs and carpets, yarns, chemicals, 
plastic and glass bottles have also been affected by increased use of trade remedy measures, such 
as anti -dumping duties, additional customs duties and entry taxes. However, going forward, we are 
confident of overcoming these irritants and strengthen our partnership further, to harness the full 
potential of trade and  economic linkages between our two countries.  
4.341.   Both India and Türkiye  share commitment to a fair, transparent, and equitable multilateral 
trading system. We appreciate Türkiye 's contribution in the on -going work and negotiations at the 
WTO, including as Chair of the Committee on Agriculture Special Session and other bodies; we look 
forward to continuing our cooperation with the Turkish delegation.  
4.342.   In closing, we congratulate H.E.  Mr Alparslan  Acarsoy , Ambassador  and Permanent 
Representative of the Permanent Mission of Türkiye to the WTO and his team in Geneva for their 
hard work and wish the Turkish delegation a productive and successful TPR.  I also take this  
opportunity to personally thank Ambassador Acarsoy for his stellar role in facilitating agriculture  
negotiations.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.343.   Allow me to also extend a very warm welcome to the delegation of Türkiye. And let me thank 
the Ambassador of Kazakhstan for h er thoughtful observations as well as the Secretariat for its 
substantive contributions.  
4.344.   At the outset, I wish to reiterate that we have full understanding for the postponement of 
this TPR originally scheduled in March. The earthquake that hit Türkiye in February has claimed 
many lives and left destruction in its wake. We were all shocked with  the dramatic images we saw 
on television and we wish to renew our sincere condolences to the Turkish people.  
4.345.   Türkiye is an important trading partner for Switzerland. In 2022, the bilateral trade volume 
amounted to CHF 14.2 billion. And that same year, Switzerland ranked eighth among foreign 
investors in Türkiye where Swiss companies generating close to 19 ,000 jobs. Our close economic 
relationship with Türkiye can rely on longstanding instruments, such as an Agreement on the 
Protection of Investments since 1988 and a Free -Trade Agreement since 1991, which has been 
successfully modernized in 2021. These instruments are complemented by an Agreement on the 
Avoidance of Double Taxation which entered into force in 2013.  
4.346.   Despite the economic upheavals of the last years caused by the pandemic and the war in 
Ukraine, the Turkish economy managed to remain on a path of growth. Even more, it has taken the 
road of the green economy. We particularly welcome these developments. Li kewise, we noted the 
constructive role of Türkiye in establishing the Black Sea Grain Initiative which allowed to export 
tons of food products over three  continents and significantly contributed to global food security.  
4.347.   Allow me to highlight just a few points of particular interest to Switzerland in Türkiye 's trade 
policy . 
4.348.   First, we welcome Türkiye 's efforts to integrate sustainability considerations into its 
development plan for the agricultural sector. We will continue to follow this project with great 
interest.  
4.349.   Second, the lack of transparency in the agricultural sector is a general concern to us. We 
therefore would be most appreciative for Türkiye submitting its notifications – for example on 
domestic support programs and export subsidies – in a timely and trans parent manner.  
4.350.   Third, we note that since Türkiye 's last TPR in 2016, the difference between bound and 
applied duties remains large, and that the applied MFN -rate has been subject to frequent changes, 
creating unpredictability for traders. We therefore invite Türkiye to undertake steps towards bringing 
down its bound rates, approximating its applied rates.   
4.351.   Fourth, we noticed the commitment of Türkiye to grant some FTA partners access rights to 
public procurement. In Switzerland 's experience however, the GPA remains the most efficient WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 43 - 
 
  instrument for increasing transparency and bringing about value for money in government 
procurements. We therefore would very much welcome a renewed commitment from Türkiye to 
accede the GPA.  
4.352.   And fifth, Switzerland understands that since the 2014 legal reform in Türkiye, opportunities 
to enforce trademark and design rights have been narrowed down to an extent where the owners of 
such IP rights face nearly insurmountable challenges. We would the refore welcome if Türkiye would 
envisage to review its applicable legislation in order to improve the enforcement of trademark and 
design rights.  
4.353.   Before concluding, we would like to commend Türkiye for its engagement in the WTO in 
favour  of a rules -based multilateral trading system. We welcome its participation, together with 
Switzerland, in the MPIA and in plurilateral initiatives such as TESSD, E -Commerce, MSMEs, 
Investment facilitation for development, and domestic regulations in services. These are all 
important steps towards meaningful multilateral outcomes.  
4.354.   We wish the Turkish delegation a fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
VIET NAM  
4.355.   Viet Nam would like to join other Members in warmly welcoming the distinguished delegation 
from Türkiye led by H.E.  Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade to its seventh  Trade Policy 
Review. We would like to express our appreciation to Türkiye and the WTO Secretariat for the 
preparation of comprehensive reports for this review. We also would like to thank the discussant 
H.E. Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan  of Kazakhstan for her insightful remarks and introduction.  
4.356.   First of all, Viet  Nam is pleased to note that Türkiye has recorded economic recovery after 
the aftermath of the earthquake in February and had significant progress in the area of trade since 
its last Review with an increase in trade volume by 41%, to USD 496 billion in 2021 and is becoming 
an important hub for global supply chains. It  is commendable that Türkiye was one of the highest 
growing countries with 11.4% GDP growth in 2021, as mentioned in its TPR Report.  
4.357.   Viet Nam appreciates Türkiye 's active participation and contribution in WTO activities 
including WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism , WTO reform, certain Joint Statement Initiatives, 
MSMEs Working Group, Women 's Economic Empowerment Working Group , etc. 
4.358.   In terms of bilateral relations, Viet  Nam and Türkiye enjoy good bilateral relations, 
underpinned by longstanding friendship and the increasing exchange of visits at all levels. This year 
marks the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations with promising opportunities ahead, 
which paved the way for the exploration of further trade and investment cooperation between our 
respective countries. Bearing that in mind, we would like to kindly urge Türki ye to make greater 
effort to further facilitate trade with a view to bringing the bilateral trade relation to higher level of 
achievement and development.   
4.359.   In conclusion, Viet  Nam would like to take this opportunity to thank H.E.  Ambassador 
Alparslan  Acarsoy  and his able team for the preparation of this review as well as their constructive 
and active contribution and engagement in WTO activities and wish Türkiye a very fruitful 
Trade  Policy Review.  
GEORGIA  
4.360.   The delegation of Georgia cordially welcomes the distinguished delegation of the Republic of 
Türkiye led by Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade. My delegation also expresses sincere 
gratitude to the Secretariat for outstanding work in the preparation of this comprehensive Review. 
We use this opportunity to praise the activities of H.E.  Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy and his team 
within this Organization.  
4.361.   Türkiye is considered among the world 's largest economies with significant amount of 
exports and leading manufacturing capacities. Therefore, every trade and economic development of 
Türkiye as well as any trade measure implemented has a global impact.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 44 - 
 
  4.362.   Georgia wishes to commend Türkiye that during the period under review, despite the severe 
negative impact on most sectors of economy caused by the COVID -19 pandemic, Türkiye has 
managed to retain positive GDP growth rates. Türkiye's Economic Reform Package 2021 -23 ensured 
to place the country among the world's top  10 economies in 2023 by fostering local and foreign 
investment, production, employment, exports and current account surplus. Furthermore, Türkiye 
took significant steps to facilitate foreign direc t investment through its elaborated FDI strategy and 
create more favourable  and business friendly  environment to promote increased investment flows 
in the country.   
4.363.   With respect to the WTO related activities, Türkiye has always been very active participant 
of the Organization and its frequent engagements in various initiatives and decisions have been 
effective and fruitful. Türkiye is distinguished in terms of meeting notification obligations and retains 
solid record of notifications to the WTO.  
4.364.   Türkiye 's relations with Georgia are at strategic partnership level. Türkiye has been the 
biggest foreign trade partner of Georgia over the years and among the leading investor countries to 
Georgia.  
4.365.   Georgia is proud to stress that the two countries enjoy exemplary relations and close 
cooperation on wide range of areas particularly in the area of trade. Both countries enjoy free trade 
based on the free trade agreement in force since 2008. Just recently , the amendments were made 
to the existing RTA between Georgia and Türkiye where the agreement was expanded by the 
insertion of protocol on services as well as revised product lists regarding concessions on agriculture 
products that was signed in September  2022, not yet ratified. Furthermore, with the aim to enhance 
investment related relations countries enjoy bilateral investment treaty which helps to build a more 
secure climate for investors in both countries .  
4.366.   Bilateral trade has been significantly increasing over the years estimating up to USD 3 billion 
in 2022 showing 31% growth as compared to previous year. Türkiye has always retained leading 
positions among Georgia 's foreign trade partners ranking number one in Georgia 's imports 
amounting to USD 2.4 billion in 2022 whereas in exports Türkiye ranked number five in 2022 
estimating USD 440 million showing 34% growth.  
4.367.   The key Georgian export commodities to Türkiye are textile, ferro alloys, fish products, nuts, 
tires and other agricultural and industrial products. We do hope that this type of positive trade 
tendency will continue in the future and elevate Georgia - Türkiye economic relations on the higher 
level.  
4.368.   To conclude, Georgia wishes Türkiye a successful TPR and further success in every endeavour 
Türkiye strives to accomplish.  
KYRGYZ REPUBLIC  
4.369.   I would like to welcome the delegation of Türkiye , led by H.E. Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy 
Minister of Trade.  
4.370.   We welcome the WTO Secretariat and T ürkiye's Government reports and appreciate the 
opportunity to gain a clearer sense of the changes to the trade and investment policies since its last 
Review in 2016. We would also like to thank the discussant H.E.  Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan , Permanent 
Representative  of Kazakhstan to the WTO , for introducing us to the seventh Review of Türkiye 's 
Trade Policy.  
4.371.   This review was supposed to take place in March this year but was postponed due to the 
devastating earthquake in Türkiye . The Kyrgyz  Republic was among the first countries to send an 
envoy of search and rescue personnel, doctors and humanitarian aid collected not only by the 
Government but also by its people to help for its brotherly Türkiye  nation. The Kyrgyz  Republic 
renews its condolences and remains committed to provide any assistance needed.  
4.372.   The diplomatic relationship between the Kyrgyz  Republic and Türkiye  was established 
in 1991. I would like to highlight that Türkiye  was the first country to recognize the independence 
of the Kyrgyz  Republic.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 45 - 
 
  4.373.   The current relationship is based on common history, culture, language, and religion of our 
people. I could certainly say that the current relationship between our countries is developing 
progressively and dynamically and at a high level of bilateral inter action.  
4.374.   We also have a solid legal base with more than 100  agreements, treaties, and protocols that 
have been signed regulating issues of current and future cooperation in various fields, including 
political, trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific, educational , and other issues.  
4.375.   The Kyrgyz  Republic and Türkiye enjoy very strong trade and economic cooperation. Türkiye  
is one of the main trade and investment partners of the Kyrgyz  Republic  and occupies a special place 
in the foreign trade of the Kyrgyz  Republic among the top five trading partners.  
4.376.   Foreign trade turnover with Türkiye  in 2022 reached USD 628.9 million . This demonstrates 
an increase of 52% compared to 2021.  
4.377.   A great impetus to the development of trade and economic cooperation between the two 
countries was given by the visit of the President of the Kyrgyz  Republic , Sadyr  Zhaparov , to Türkiye  
on 9-11 June 2021, and 15 March  2023. The Presidents of our countries have set the task of 
increasing the trade turnover between the countries up to USD 2 billion. They also supported the 
creation of the Turkic Investment Fund and the opening of its regional office in Bishkek. There is 
much more potential left to fill in bil ateral trade and investment - we should actively work on that.  
4.378.   In this regard I would also like to add that the Trade Mission of the Ministry of Economy and 
Commerce of the Kyrgyz  Republic was opened this year in Türkiye  to increase to the volume of 
bilateral trade.  
4.379.   Coming back to the Report we would like to thank Türkiye  for their remained commitment 
to upholding a fair and open global trading system. It is also reflected by Türkiye 's active involvement 
in the WTO agenda issues.  
4.380.   I was very much impressed that despite the negative impacts of the pandemic and the global 
turmoil that followed, T ürkiye managed to grow in an annual average of 4.7% during the review 
period and was one of the highest growing countries with 11.4% of GDP growth in 2021. Among 
other factors, one of the main reasons was an increase of its trade volume by 41%, from 
USD 351 billion in 2020 to USD 496 billion in 2021 which increased trade 's share in GDP from 48% 
in 2016 to almost 70%.  
4.381.   As it was noted in the Report T ürkiye's focus on production and employment enabled its 
growth and increase in its trade in goods and services.  
4.382.   Combined with its geopolitical position, as well as its strong manufacturing and logistics 
infrastructure, T ürkiye is becoming an important hub for global supply chains.  
4.383.   In this respect, T ürkiye continues to adopt new policies for the purpose of strengthening its 
position in global economy. It could be seen from the Report that Türkiye  has several ongoing 
program mes with the period until 2023, such as Economic Reform Package (ERP) 2021 -2023, FDI 
Strategy 2021 -2023 and Eleventh Development Plan (2019 -2023). We would like to wish their 
successful implementation.  
4.384.   Coming to the end of my statement, I would like to emphasize that Türkiye  is a strategic 
partner of the Kyrgyz  Republic, and that our cooperation in the WTO is an important element of our 
partnership. We look forward to working closely with the delegates of Türkiye  at the WTO and wish 
a successful Trade Policy Review . 
MOROCCO 
4.385.   Allow me to start by welcoming H.E.  Minister Mustafa  Tuzcu and the members of 
his delegation, and by expressing our sincere gratitude to the Turkish Government and the 
WTO Secretariat for their insightful reports. Our thanks also go to the Chair and the di scussant, 
H.E. Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the WTO.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 46 - 
 
  4.386.   These reports have illustrated the resilience of the Turkish economy. Indeed, despite the 
spillover effects of the COVID -19 health crisis and the unfavourable geopolitical context in the region, 
the Turkish economy has remained robust, transparent and open.  
4.387.   Needless to say, open trade is particularly crucial in the current context where global 
economic challenges require enhanced cooperation among WTO Members.  
4.388.   During the review period, the Turkish economy managed to record average annual growth 
of 4.7%, and increased its volume of trade by 41%.  
4.389.   Türkiye was also one of the few countries to record positive growth in 2020, estimated 
at 1.9%, in the midst of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.390.   These achievements were made possible because of the various economic, monetary and 
trade programmes implemented by Türkiye during the period under review, most notably: 
(i) Türkiye's Economic Reform Package 2021 -23; (ii)  the FDI Strategy 2021 -23; and (iii ) the 
Eleventh Development Plan 2019 -23, which seeks to increase exports of high value -added goods as 
well as services, improve Türkiye's position in the hierarchy of global value chains, and make the 
country a regional hub for trade in e -commerce.  
4.391.   Chair, allow me to say a few words about our bilateral trade cooperation with Türkiye and 
Morocco's vision for that relationship.  
4.392.   It is well known that Morocco views Türkiye as an important trading partner in the region.  
4.393.   Our two countries share a common commitment to promoting international trade based on 
fair and transparent rules, in compliance with our WTO commitments.  
4.394.   The regulatory framework for cooperative relations between Morocco and Türkiye dates back 
to the early 1980s. It is a rich and diverse framework, encompassing various economic, technical 
and cultural aspects. This diversity reflects both parties' mutual in terest in cultivating a genuine 
partnership that can best serve their development objectives.  
4.395.   The economic rapprochement between our two countries culminated in the signature of a 
free trade agreement on 7  April 2004.  
4.396.   That free trade agreement, which entered into force on 1  January  2006, gave further 
impetus to bilateral relations, not only in terms of trade, but also partnerships and investments, 
resulting in steady growth in the overall trade volume, which was close t o USD  4.9 billion in 2022.  
4.397.   Relations between Türkiye and Morocco continued to follow positive trends in various areas, 
particularly those related to the economy and trade.  
4.398.   In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Morocco's support for Türkiye's efforts to promote an 
open, transparent and inclusive trade policy, which is needed to bolster confidence among investors 
and international trading partners.  
4.399.   We are confident that Türkiye, as a founding Member of the WTO in 1995, will continue to 
play a constructive role in our Organization, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.400.   We wish the Turkish delegation a successful Review.  
PANAM A 
4.401.   We would like to welcome  H.E. Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade, 
and H.E. Alparslan  Acarsoy, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the WTO, and we 
congratulate the entire delegation, as well as our colleagues from the Mission, for their outstand ing 
preparation for their seventh Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 47 - 
 
  4.402.   We also wish to thank H.E.  Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of 
Kazakhstan to the WTO, for her discussant statement. I would also like to commend the Secretariat 
for its work in drafting the respective reports.  
4.403.   We would like to begin by congratulating Türkiye on the recent celebration marking 
100 years of its independence. Panama and Türkiye have initiated diplomatic relations on 
14 April 1950, 73  years ago.  
4.404.   Our countries are working closely together to move forward on topics on the bilateral 
cooperation agenda, in areas that of interest to both countries, such as energy, agriculture, maritime 
trade, cultural and academic exchanges, and tourism. We recently si gned a Memorandum of 
Understanding on the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism between our countries. 
In the area of agriculture, a memorandum of understanding was signed in May  2023 between the 
Institute of Agricultural Innovation (IDIAP) o f Panama and the Faculty of Agriculture of the University 
of Ankara of the Republic of Türkiye, which will facilitate the exchange of best practices in the areas 
of the genetic improvement of cattle, the production of milk and dairy products, and organic f ertilizer 
techniques, among other advanced practices that are used in Türkiye.  
4.405.   During the review period, Türkiye grew at an average annual rate of 4.7%, and increased 
its trade volume by 41%, from USD  351 billion in 2020 to USD  496 billion in 2021. It should be 
borne in mind that this occurred against the backdrop of the COVID -19 pan demic, which is an 
achievement that deserves to be recognized.  
4.406.   As in Panama, the services sector accounts for a large share of Türkiye's economy, 
contributing 59% to Türkiye's GDP during the review period. However, as part of the Eleventh 
Development Plan (2019 -23), which covered half the period following the last rev iew of its trade 
policies, Türkiye intended for the industrial sector to play a leading role in its economy. On a positive 
note, there was a 6 -percentage -point increase in the share of the manufacturing sector during this 
period, reaching 24.8% in 2021. Th is is a testament to Türkiye's ability to successfully implement 
its trade policies.  
4.407.   We would urge Türkiye to further reinforce the governance environment with the introduction 
of improvements regarding the rule of law, judicial credibility, and corruption, as was envisaged in 
the Eleventh Development Plan.  
4.408.   The balance of our bilateral trade in goods is positive for Türkiye. In 2021, exports from 
Panama amounted to some USD  2.6 million, while the value of imports from Türkiye to Panama was 
USD 85.3 million. In 2019, Türkiye's exports reached a record high of USD 150 million. We hope 
that, as the health situation returns to normality, the volume of trade between our countries will 
pick up again.  
4.409.   The main Panamanian exports to Türkiye are fish meal and fresh pineapple. We import 
mostly agricultural and agro -industrial products from Türkiye, in particular rods, iron wire, and 
medicines.  
4.410.   At the WTO, our countries are part of several joint initiatives such as the G33 and the Joint 
Initiative on Electronic Commerce. In addition, Ambassador  Alparslan  Acarsoy of Türkiye is leading 
negotiations in the Special Session of the Committee on Agricul ture. We wish him every success in 
one of the most difficult jobs in this Organization. All this has confirmed Türkiye's commitment to 
the multilateral trading system.  
4.411.   In closing, we commend Türkiye for its active participation in and clear commitment to the 
multilateral trading system, and wish the country every success in this seventh Trade Policy Review. 
We reiterate Panama's interest in further strengthening the ties  and cooperation between our 
countries and governments.  
  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 48 - 
 
  BANGLADESH1 
4.412.   At the outset, Bangladesh delegation welcomes H .E. Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu , Deputy Minister, 
Minister of Trade and Head of Delegation for his introductory statement at the seventh TPR of 
Türkiye. Bangladesh delegation thanks H .E. Ms. Zhanar  Aitzhan of Kazakhstan for her insightful 
discussion. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Government of Türkiye and the WTO Secretariat 
for the comprehensive reports.  
4.413.   Let me begin with bilateral issues. As one of the important trading and development partners, 
Bangladesh and Türkiye enjoy excellent bilateral trade and economic relations. Bilateral trade 
between the two countries is nearly USD 1.5 billion. Bangladeshi export items to Türkiye dominated 
by apparel products. The main products imported from Türkiye are pure cotton yarn, textile 
machineries and special purpose vehicles.  
4.414.   The seventh  TPR covers an exceptional period for Türkiye and the whole world. During the 
period, we have noted, Türkiye has focused on carrying out many structural reforms, including 
ensuring inclusive growth.  
4.415.   Despite negative impacts of the pandemic and global turmoil that followed, Türkiye managed 
to grow in an annual average 4.7% and increased its trade volume by 41% from USD  3.51 billion 
in 2022 to USD 4.96 billion in 2021. We noted that Türkiye's income distribution as well as green 
and digital transformation of the economy.  
4.416.   Combined with its geopolitical position as well as its strong manufacturing and logistical 
infrastructure, Türkiye is becoming an important hub for global supply chain and prioritizing free, 
fair and inclusive global trade, conducts its trade policies with view of shared prosperity and follows 
its international responsibilities to enable a global pattern of sustainable development. It has been, 
however, observed from the Secretariat Report that Türkiye's different types of complex MFN tariff, 
such as custom s duties, additional financial liabilities and additional customs duties, mark a 
significant change in its average applied tariff, MFN tariff and considerably higher 19.6% in 2022 
compared to 12.8% in 2015. This is something Türkiye may rationalize.  
4.417.   We note Türkiye is playing a leadership role in various WTO bodies, including the Committee 
on Agriculture Special Session. It supports TRIPS waiver on COVID -19 vaccine reforms, 
strengthening WTO and other development proposals which are useful for developing an LDCs.  
4.418.   Let me conclude by wishing the delegation of Türkiye a productive and successful TPR. Our 
delegation will continue to work closely with the T urkish  delegation to strengthen multilateral trading 
system as well as enhance our bilateral trade ties.  
NEPAL  
4.419.   My delegation warmly welcomes the delegation of Türkiye  led by Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy 
Minister  of Trade, and commends him for the insightful highlights of the seventh  Trade Policy Review 
of the T ürkiye .  
4.420.   We thank H.E. Ms Zhanar  Aitzhan  (Kazakhstan) as discussant of the Review. My delegation 
thanks the Government of T ürkiye  and the WTO Secretariat for the valuable reports.  
4.421.   My delegation highly values T ürkiye 's continued commitment and active participation in the 
multilateral trading system. We also commend its openness to international trade and its integration 
into the global economy. We congratulate Government of T ürkiye  for its share in the global trade 
more than 1% for the first time in 2021.  
4.422.   We are pleased to take good note that trade as a share in GDP increased substantially, from 
48% in 2016 to 69.8% in 2021. Similarly, exports of goods grew 47.2% between 2016 and 2021 
while the imports of goods grew by 31.9% over the same period.  
 
1 The following statements were delivered during the second day of the meeting.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 49 - 
 
  4.423.   We appreciate Türkiye  for its active and constructive roles for strengthening of multilateral 
trading system in all the pillars of the WTO. The regular notifications made during the review period, 
and active and constructive roles during the MC12, as well as in the WTO bodies are commendable.  
4.424.   My delegation commends the offers of the GSP scheme to 66  developing economies including 
Nepal and we urge to extend duty -free and quota -free market access, for a transitional period, for 
those countries that graduate from the LDC category. My delegation also appreciates 
H.E. Mr Alparslan  Acarsoy  and his team for their constructive roles in expediating LDCs matters 
positively here in WTO.  
4.425.   Nepal takes note of the policies announced by T ürkiye  as "Green Development Revolution" 
and ratification of the Paris Agreement on 6  October  2021, the target set of net zero emission 
by 2053 are commendable.  
4.426.   Nepal and T ürkiye  have been enjoying cordial relations ever since we established diplomatic 
relations in 1962.  
4.427.   We value the interests of T ürkiye  investors choosing Nepal as their investment destination, 
more than 25  companies are investing in Nepal in the areas of services, agriculture and tourisms 
sector followed by manufacturing sector.  
4.428.   My delegation appreciates T ürkiye  citizens for choosing Nepal as their tourism destination. 
Air Connectivity is important for tourism promotion as well as business activities. Turkish Airlines 
has been operating direct flights between Kathmandu and Istanbul since 2013, this has also opene d 
a new avenue connecting Europe and Nepal. Direct flight has been instrumental to enhance people 
to people relationship as well as to reduce the additional time and cost.  
4.429.   On merchandise trade front, T ürkiye  is the fourth largest export destination of Nepal. Based 
on the primary data, Nepal has imported from T ürkiye  goods worth of around NPR 3.8 billion in 2022 
while it has exported to T ürkiye  goods amounted to NPR 3.2 billion in the same year.  
4.430.   Nepal is importing gold, including gold plated, poppy seeds, high erucic rape, machinery, 
and agricultural items among others from T ürkiye  while Nepal is exporting yarn, thread, carpets and 
other floor coverings, blankets, shawls, scarves, mufflers, and among others.  
4.431.   The trade data of goods shows a significant trade gap in Nepal 's bilateral trade with T ürkiye . 
However, this can also be an opportunity for further collaboration and cooperation on reducing the 
gap by further exploring and exploiting trade, investment, and tourism potentials for mutual benefit.  
4.432.   Finally, Nepal looks forward to strengthening its relations with the T ürkiye  in the days ahead. 
My delegation wishes a successful Trade Policy Review of Türkiye . 
TUNISI A 
4.433.   My delegation is pleased to participate in the seventh Trade Policy Review of Türkiye and 
would like to extend a warm welcome to Deputy Minister of Trade, H.E.  Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, and to 
the delegation accompanying him from Ankara and Geneva. We congratulate him on the work that 
has gone into summarizing and analysing the information provided in order to give us a 
comp rehensive picture of the economic situation and trade policy of his country.  
4.434.   I also wish to thank H.E.  Ambassador Aitzhan for the insightful remarks in her presentation, 
and to commend the Secretariat for the thorough report submitted to us for this review.  
4.435.   It is important to note that the Turkish economy continued to see steady positive growth 
during the review period, which included the years of the pandemic, demonstrating remarkable 
resilience and, in particular, adaptable and efficient public governance, sound macroeconomic 
strategies, and structural reforms that built confidence in the Turkish economy.  
4.436.   Türkiye has played to its strengths, such as its strategic geographical location near to major 
export markets, its highly diversified manufacturing sector and resulting in -depth knowledge of 
production, and its young, skilled population. The country's trad e policies, outlined in the Eleventh WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 50 - 
 
  Development Plan and Economic Reform Package, have evolved to support economic development 
and promote international trade.  
4.437.   We commend in particular Türkiye's openness and diversification of trading partners, 
especially in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with the conclusion of 26  RTAs with 63  trading 
partners; its foreign investment incentives and trade facilitation framework s; its development of 
trade infrastructure, including ports, airports, and land transport networks; and its various export 
support programmes.  
4.438.   However, while Türkiye's trade policies have been undeniably successful, it is regrettable 
that a rather loose monetary strategy led to a deterioration in macro -financial conditions, with record 
inflation of 85%, that certain non -tariff barriers have hinde red access to the Turkish market, and 
that there is selective protectionism in favour of certain domestic industries. We therefore believe 
that the return to conventional policies and greater openness to suggestions from stakeholders can 
effectively resolv e these concerns.  
4.439.   Regarding WTO -related activities, Türkiye remains an active Member of the WTO, 
participating actively in the various areas of multilateral and plurilateral negotiations, and honouring 
its notification obligations.  
4.440.   As such, we commend Ambassador Acarsoy's leading role in ensuring that the discussions 
on agriculture lead to a substantial outcome at MC13, and we continue to lend him our full support. 
We also appreciated the Deputy Minister's insightful coordination at the Senior Officials Meeting last 
October.  
4.441.   Tunisia and Türkiye have a history of friendship and cooperation that draws on a shared 
cultural and civilizational heritage and legacy. Our diplomatic relations, established in July  1956, are 
based on a robust legal framework of more than 80 agreements co vering all areas of cooperation.  
4.442.   Since 2011, bilateral relations have been given new momentum with the conclusion of a 
Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in September  2011. Furthermore, the Agreement establishing 
the High -level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), signed in Ankara in December  2012, has 
allowed both countries to aspire to a strategic level of partnership by strengthening economic trade 
and investment ties as part of a win -win approach.  
4.443.   It is against this backdrop that a Tunisian delegation is going to Ankara today to participate 
in the meeting, on 16 and 17  November, of the Association Committee (a monitoring mechanism 
under the 2004 free trade agreement), which will examine, inter alia, the measures to be agreed 
together in order to improve and facilitate access for Tunisian products to the Turkish market and 
to remedy Tunisia's serious and growing trade deficit.  
4.444.   The free trade agreement concluded between the two countries in 2004 has led to a marked 
increase in bilateral trade, which topped USD  2 billion in 2022. But Türkiye continues to benefit 
greatly, while Tunisian exports to the Turkish market remain low, res ulting in a trade deficit of over 
USD 1.2 billion in 2022, accounting for nearly 20% of Tunisia's overall trade deficit.  
4.445.   Tunisia expects that, through the regular Association Committee meetings, both parties will 
be able to deliver on their joint commitment to further developing strategic relations in economic 
and trade cooperation.  
4.446.   Before concluding, we would like to congratulate our friend and neighbour Ambassador 
Alparslan  Acarsoy, as well as his excellent team, for their active involvement in WTO activities.  
4.447.   Lastly, we wish Türkiye a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
EGYPT  
4.448.   At the outset, I would like to extend our warm welcome to the delegation of T ürkiye, led by 
Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade, and we congratulate the Turkish delegation for 
conducting the seventh Review of the country 's trade policies and practices. We wish the delegation 
of Türkiye all the success in this endeavour. My delegation also thanks the WTO Secretariat for its WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 51 - 
 
  Report, as well as H .E. Ambassador Ms  Zhanar  Aitzhan  of Kazakhstan for her insightful comments 
as discussant.  
4.449.   Egypt commends the progress achieved by the Government of T ürkiye during the period 
under review, despite the numerous global and regional challenges in the last few years. The country 
managed to achieve several developments and tackle its own challenges,  thanks to a set of effective 
policies and tools, which made T ürkiye one of the few countries with a positive growth performance 
in 2020 and the country with the highest real GDP growth rate among G -20 countries in 2021.  
4.450.   We welcome T ürkiye's efforts to facilitate foreign direct investments, especially through the 
development of public -private partnerships for major infrastructure projects; as well as its efforts to 
foster innovation, develop e-commerce policies, promote trade facilitation measures and ensure 
protection of competition.  
4.451.   We also commend the Turkish Government for its endeavours to increase the share of trade 
in GDP, to reach 69.8% in 2021 instead of 48% in 2016. Furthermore, we salute T ürkiye for its 
active engagement in all WTO committees and work. We hold aligned perspectives on certain issues, 
particularly those related to trade and the environment.  
4.452.   Finally, we look forward to coordinating and working constructively with the delegation of 
Türkiye in the lead up to MC13 and beyond.  
4.453.   I wish the delegation of T ürkiye all the best in their TPR.  
CHAD  
4.454.   Chad welcomes the delegation of Türkiye, headed by the Deputy Minister of Trade, with 
whom Chad stands in complete solidarity. My delegation thanks and congratulates the Permanent 
Representative of Türkiye to the WTO, Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy, and his entire team for their 
decisive role in protecting and strengthening the fair, rules -based multilateral trading system. We 
commend his leadership as Chair of the CoASS with a view to reaching a consensual outcome on the 
agricultural negotiations, particular ly on cotton.  
4.455.   Chad welcomes Türkiye's vision for multilateral trade rules, and its commitment to meeting 
notification requirements and complying with its WTO obligations. Chad commends Türkiye's efforts 
in various areas, including those to tackle inflation, promote dome stic and foreign investment, 
ensure high value -added production and improve global value chains.  
4.456.   This is all part of an economic reform programme and a long -term strategic plan to improve 
the investment and business climate. All of these efforts by Türkiye are helping to strengthen the 
transparency and predictability of its trade regime, its economy a nd the multilateral trading system. 
Türkiye is a strategic partner for Chad, as it is for all of Africa. The relationship between our two 
countries has taken on significant proportions. The volume of trade has increased significantly, 
standing at more than  USD 112 million, which exceeds the target we had set.  
4.457.   The recent visit by the President of the Republic of Chad confirmed the importance of this 
sustainable and long -term partnership based on mutual benefits. Both countries have committed to 
improving their trade and economic relations holistically, on the ba sis of mutual respect and the 
win-win principle.  
4.458.   In particular, Chad and Türkiye have concluded agreements on health, education and air 
transport, with Turkish Airlines flying to N'Djamena, and the countries are actively working on 
diversifying trade relations.  
4.459.   Chad has also identified priority areas for development, including security, trade and 
investments, agriculture, water resources, industrial development, the promotion of small and 
medium -sized enterprises, and telecommunications infrastructure.  
4.460.   Chad is among the LDCs that attach utmost importance to the full implementation of the 
WTO decisions on duty -free and quota -free market access for LDCs, which are Members who are 
facing significant structural constraints.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 52 - 
 
  4.461.   In view of this, we would like to know whether Türkiye intends to strengthen market access 
preferences for products from LDCs in its trade policies. Will Türkiye consider granting preferential 
treatment to LDCs that goes beyond its existing preferential tr eatment regime?  
4.462.   Lastly, Chad welcomes the significant efforts made by Türkiye to revitalize trade and the 
multilateral trading system. My delegation would encourage Türkiye to pursue its endeavours and 
wishes it every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.463.   Canada joins other WTO  Member s in welcoming Deputy Minister Mustafa  Tuzcu and the other 
members of the delegation from Türkiye. We are pleased to participate in the seventh Trade Policy 
Review of Türkiye. We thank the Government of Türkiye and the Secretariat of the WTO for their 
reports.  
4.464.   I would like to begin by warmly congratulating Türkiye on the centenary of the founding of 
the Turkish Republic on 29  October  1923. Many of the principles that Türkiye was founded upon and 
promoted by Mustafa  Kemal  Atatürk are more important than ever in today 's world and form the 
basis of the Türkiye -Canada relationship.  
4.465.   I would also like to express my most heartfelt condolences to Türkiye for the loss of life due 
to the earthquakes of 6 February  2023. We understand that the hard work of rebuilding the affected 
areas has just begun, and wish Türkiye speedy and efficient progress for this massive undertaking. 
Let us know how we can help you in this endeavour .  
4.466.   Türkiye 's commitment to multilateralism and a rules -based trading system with the WTO at 
its core is most welcomed by Canada. We particularly welcome Türkiye 's leadership, under 
Ambassador  Acarsoy, of the Committee on Agriculture in Special Session. His balanced, thoughtful 
approach to negotiations has allowed us to progress discussions in an evidence -based, thoughtful 
manner. While the negotiations are difficult, Canada remains committed to  supporting the Chair to 
deliver a positive, trade liberalizing out come at MC13. We observe Türkiye 's active constructive 
participation in the current informal discussions on dispute settlement reform with a view to restoring 
a fully functioning two -tier dispute settlement system by 2024. In this regard, we would encourage 
Türkiye to join the Multi -Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement to ensure disputing parties 
can have access to a second -tier review and prevent appeals into the void while negotiations on 
reform continue.  
4.467.   We are looking forward to continue constructively working with Türkiye in the JSIs on 
e-commerce, on domestic regulation of trade in services, and continuing evidence -based discussions 
on the moratorium on customs duties. We particularly welcome Türkiye 's ongoing active participation 
in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD), which is co -convened 
by Costa  Rica and Canada, and the informal working group on trade and gender. In this vein, we 
commend Türkiye for highlighting the importance of aligning the business environment with the 
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their Foreign Direct Investment Strategy 
for the period 2021 -23.  
4.468.   We also congratulate Türkiye for actions taken towards women 's economic empowerment 
through trade, such as the National Women Exporter Network Platform. Canada firmly believes that 
trade should benefit everyone, including the traditionally under -represented groups such as women.  
4.469.   Transparency is one of the fundamental blocks of the WTO and greatly contributes to its 
legitimacy. We note Türkiye 's good overall notification and transparency record. However, we 
observe that Türkiye has outstanding notifications with respect to the Agreement on Agriculture, 
Quantitative Restrictions and State Trading Enterprises. We invite Türkiye to provide these 
notifications as soon as possible.  
4.470.   In conclusion, we commend Türkiye for its productive efforts during a very challenging 
period. As we move towards the 13th Ministerial Conference, we look forward to continue engaging 
with Türkiye to achieve ambitious and meaningful outcomes, including the entry into force of the 
Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. In this regard, we welcome with enthusiasm the announcement WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 53 - 
 
  made by Deputy Minister Mustafa  Tuzcu during his opening statement that Türkiye has ratified the 
Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.  
4.471.   We have submitted questions on some of the themes we have touched upon, and other 
issues. We thank Türkiye for its responses, which we will carefully review. We look forward to a 
constructive exchange on Türkiye 's trade policy.  
  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 54 - 
 
  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TÜRKİYE  AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  At the outset, let me express our sincere gratitude to the Permanent Representative of 
Kazakhstan, Ambassador Ms  Zhanar  Aitzhan, for her insightful comments as our discussant. Your 
points were really enlightening and captured the essence of economic progress we have achieved.  
5.2.  We would also like to thank you, Mr  Chair, Ambassador Saqer  Almoqbel, for your meticulous 
management of our TPR process.  
5.3.  We are thankful to all Members for having participated in our Trade Policy Review. This review 
is highly special and historical moment for us since it has coincided with the centenary of our 
Republic. We were pleased to observe the keen interest and active  participation of the 
WTO Member s. 
5.4.  Before starting, let me first convey our heartfelt gratitude to the Members who expressed their 
sympathy in their statements due to the earthquake disaster. From the first day of this tragic event, 
we have felt the support of the international community.  
5.5.  We have listened all the interventions made by the Members carefully. We consider all of the 
comments and concerns expressed as useful and constructive inputs for our trade policymaking 
process and we have taken good note of them.  
5.6.  As I mentioned on the first day of our meeting, we have submitted written answers to around 
500 questions raised before the deadline, and we will provide answers to other questions that we 
received after the deadline in due course. We believe that in our written answers, the Members will 
find detailed information and technical explanations to the issues they raised during their  
interventions.  
5.7.  We are heartened  and encouraged by broad endorsement of Members on achievements of 
Türkiye's economy in terms of significant growth, strong manufacturing capacity, high innovation 
level, advanced digitalization and logistic strengths despite all challenges around.  
5.8.  Türkiye is a developing and constantly growing country with 85  million population. Also, it 
provides shelter for nearly 4  million foreign people under temporary protection. In addition, Türkiye 
remains one of the key countries in international development aids and cooperation, which aim at 
building trade capacity, poverty eradication and sustainable development for all.  
5.9.  We would like to note that, despite considerable challenges, including geopolitical instabilities 
and conflicts in our surrounding regions,  and adverse shocks, like energy, agriculture and other 
commodity price hikes, Türkiye remains committed to open and fair trade principle and rules -based 
multilateral trading system.  
5.10.   During the review period, as observed, Türkiye implemented a policy mix to face adverse 
shocks related to slowing world trade and economy growth and the lingering effects of the pandemic, 
giving priority to employment and social welfare.  
5.11.   We received questions and comments from the Members about macroeconomic policies of 
Türkiye. I would like to stress that the primary objective of the Central Bank of Türkiye is to maintain 
the price stability through independently determined instruments. F iscal and monetary policy 
framework for achieving price stability has been recently announced by the Government in the 
Medium Term Program (2024 -2026). Within the framework of the Program, tight fiscal and monetary 
policy will be implemented to achieve pri ce stability without compromising the economic growth and 
employment. Rebalancing from internal demand to external demand is planned to achieve sustained 
economic growth without creating demand side inflationary pressure. Within this new policy mix 
framewo rk, we expect the disinflation process commence by mid -2024.  
5.12.   Now, I would like to touch upon the issues raised by the Members.  
5.13.   As regards tariff increases mentioned by some Members, we should bear in mind that the 
period under review has been characterized by increasing protectionism around the world, unilateral 
measures to curb imports, paralysis of the WTO Dispute Settlement Mec hanism and slowing WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 55 - 
 
  economic growth. Especially, increasing protectionism in the world's largest trading blocs, has 
pushed the world exports to find alternative markets and dump the production overcapacity. Under 
these circumstances, as many other countries, Türkiye has found  itself under import pressure in 
many sectors, and Türkiye had to adjust its policies accordingly to face the import pressure and to 
protect its sensitive sectors and employment conditions.  
5.14.   Also, I would like to underline that thanks to the Customs Union with the EU, and 23  Free 
Trade Agreements in force, Türkiye is conducting an important share of its trade on a duty -free 
basis. In addition, Türkiye provides important market access opportunities for other developing 
Members and LDCs under its GSP Scheme. In this respect, around 35% of imports of Türkiye are 
being conducted with "0" customs tariff.  
5.15.   In response to concerns expressed by some Members regarding the use of trade remedy 
measures, I would like to reiterate that the process for trade remedies is conducted in a transparent 
manner, in line with the rules set out in WTO  Agreement s. Türkiye deems it legitimate to invoke its 
rights under the WTO to address surge in imports and unfair trade practices causing injury to its 
domestic industry. Having said that, I would like to note that the anti -dumping and safeguard 
measures applied during the review  were in decline.  
5.16.   On the other hand, we took note of the remarks made on our import surveillance system, 
which will guide us in managing and operating the system.  
5.17.   When it comes to the questions on agriculture, this sector continues to be key and sensitive 
for the Turkish economy, not only for rural development and employment, but also for ensuring food 
security.  
5.18.   Moreover, the climate change is now posing additional shocks on the sector, which require 
new adjustment policies.  
5.19.   Considering the rising importance of strategic autonomy in food supply, agriculture policies 
should be dealt with utmost caution and strategic point of view. Therefore, the food security 
strategies should be pursued in a balanced manner taking into account  the importance of both trade 
and domestic production.  
5.20.   In this area, we took note of the call for transparency by some Members. We want to state 
that Türkiye is one the Members with high level of compliance with regard to its transparency 
obligations. We will also complete our outstanding notifications on agri culture supports in due course.  
5.21.   On the other hand, I need to emphasize that transparency is not the only problem we 
encounter with regard to Agreement on Agriculture. For example, I would like to stress that Türkiye 
is limited with 10% de minimis  ceiling in its Amber Box supports, in terms of both overall agriculture 
domestic supports and product specific supports. This leaves Türkiye with a very limited policy space 
for supporting its agriculture, and Turkish agriculture in a disadvantageous situ ation vis-à-vis 
agriculture production of the Members with AMS entitlements. We need to address this unfair 
situation in the WTO rulebook.  
5.22.   Regarding the public procurement regime, I would like to note that legislation and 
implementation in Türkiye is open and transparent. In this sense, it does not create a significant 
barrier for foreign bidders. Foreign and domestic bidders have the same ri ghts regarding any 
procurement proceedings and information disclosure.  
5.23.   Also, Türkiye  has a quite liberal FDI regime based on equal treatment of domestic and foreign 
investors. The restrictions mentioned by some Members, are in place in many Member countries as 
well, for public services and for national security purposes. Moreover, some of the investment 
requirements such as permissions or licen ces are valid both for foreign and domestic investors. In 
fact, thanks to increasing foreign trade volume and favourable  business climate, Türkiye continues 
to be a regional hub for inve stments in many sectors.  
5.24.   Having said that, we are aware that improving investment climate is an ongoing process. 
Accordingly, cutting the red tape and improving the investment environment were among the main 
objectives of the constitutional reform towards Presidential System of Go vernment.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 56 - 
 
  5.25.   We are very pleased to see the high interest of the Members on Türkiye's e -commerce 
regulation and policies. I would like to state that Türkiye will continue to enact necessary reforms to 
facilitate and enhance e -commerce services in line with its development strategies.  
5.26.   When it comes to intellectual property, Türkiye continues to provide strong protection of IP 
rights and supports effective implementation and enforcement of rights and obligations within the 
framework of the TRIPS  Agreement . Enforcement capacity for IP rights is being further strengthened 
on a continuous basis. In addition, the new Industrial Property Rights Law is now in force, to fully 
harmonize the relevant legislation with the EU. We are of the view that IPR is an area t hat Türkiye 
has achieved good pro gress compared to previous review.  
5.27.   Last, but not least, I also will have a brief snapshot on the stance of Türkiye about the 
multilateral trade agenda.  
5.28.   Having 1% share in global exports, in its trade policy design, Türkiye gives central importance 
to multilateral trading system and WTO rules.  
5.29.   In this respect, we are pleased by the appreciation of the Members about our contributions to 
the multilateral trading system. We will continue to be an active and responsible Member of this 
Organization.  
5.30.   We need this Organization performs properly with all functions. There is no other option.  
5.31.   It is why we are engaged constructively in all negotiations under this roof. We were satisfied 
by the successful MC12, which delivered meaningful results, and we are looking forward again to a 
successful Ministerial Conference in Abu  Dhabi next February.  
5.32.   In this vein, Türkiye has ratified the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and is actively working for 
a meaningful agreement on the remaining disciplines in fisheries subsidies.  
5.33.   On the other hand, in our view, restoring the two -tier Dispute Settlement Mechanism  is 
essential, for keeping the relevance and effectiveness of the WTO in the face of the current global 
challenges. As a consequence of the stalemate in the nomination of the Appellate  Body members, 
Türkiye has a number of pending panel reports, and this situation is directly affecting our market 
access. We know that this problem is valid also for many other Members, and without an effective 
enforcement, the WTO faces with the danger of b ecoming completely ineffective for regulating the 
international trading system.  
5.34.   In this regard, for the remarks on MPIA, a permanent solution for restoring Appellate  Body is 
our priority.  
5.35.   Against this backdrop, we will work hard with all the WTO  Member s for making the MC13 a 
success, for providing a solid basis for reforming the WTO and for re -establishing all functions of 
the WTO.  
5.36.   In this vein, we are also very glad to see that the efforts, leadership and enthusiasm of our 
Ambassador Alparslan  Acarsoy, as C oASS Chair, are commended by all Members. We are confident 
that his able guidance will be the key to advance our negotiations ahead of MC13.  
5.37.   We would like to sincerely thank once again all the delegates for their contribution and 
comments during the seven th Trade Policy Review of Türkiye.  Thank you for your attention.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.38.   First, I would like to express my gratitude to the delegation of Türkiye for their hard work in 
replying to over 500 questions, which demonstrates Türkiye's commitment to this important 
transparency exercise and peer review.  
5.39.   I also wish to thank the Head of the delegation of Türkiye, Deputy Minister Mustafa  Tuzcu, for 
providing very comprehensive overviews and replies both on Monday and today of the main recent 
developments in Türkiye's economic, social and trade policies.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 57 - 
 
  5.40.   This TPR has allowed us to deepen our understanding of Türkiye's trade and investment 
policies, benefit from its experience, and take stock of significant developments since the last Review 
in 2016.  
5.41.   This morning, I would like to share my observations by addressing the following points.  
5.42.   First, let me begin with an overall assessment , I was impressed by the number of Members 
who stressed the key role that Türkiye plays as their main or key bilateral trade and investment 
partner. Clearly, Türkiye is an important partner for many WTO Members from different continents 
and with different levels of economic development.  
5.43.   Members have also applauded the sound economic performance of Türkiye reflected in its 
GDP and trade growth during the review period despite challenges caused by the COVID -19 
pandemic.   
5.44.   Türkiye's key strategies, such as the New Economic Reform Package (ERP) 2021 -23, Export 
Strategy for 2023 and Eleventh Development Plan 2019 -23 were noted as important policy initiatives 
that aim at achiev ing macroeconomic stability, building a favourable investment climate, enhancing 
economic resilience and competition . Furthermore, Members commended Türkiye's  efforts to 
transform the country into a regional hub for e -commerce . 
5.45.   Second, Members have also raised some specific issues.  Without being exhaustive, I would 
like to flag some of them.  
5.46.   Tariffs were an area of significant interest to Members. In this regard, Members encouraged 
Türkiye to eliminate or decrease in accordance with its WTO commitments the additional customs 
duties that cause MFN applied tariffs to exceed bound rates, particularly for agriculture goods.  
5.47.   Members also urged Türkiye to submit all pending notifications  on domestic support 
program mes and export subsidies for agricultur al goods as well as on certain RTAs . 
5.48.   Members commended Türkiye for its implementation of trade facilitation measures and the 
streamlining of customs procedures, including introduction of the Single Window System . However, 
some Members have also mentioned that procedures remain ed complex and burdensome, 
particularly for food imports.  
5.49.   Some delegations expressed their readiness to collaborate closely with Türkiye in addressing 
trade remedy measures.  
5.50.   Members also recommended Türkiye to consider joining the Agreement on Government 
Procurement to provide non -discriminatory access to its government procurement system for parties 
to the agreement.  
5.51.   In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Türkiye  remains a reliable and active Member of 
this Organization. I also believe that this review clearly demonstrated that the multilateral trading 
system , with the WTO at its core , continues to be a central pillar of Türkiye 's foreign trade policy. 
Members highly appreciated Türkiye's unwavering support and commitment to the WTO and its 
active participation in the ongoing WTO reform process.  
5.52.   During this TPR, almost every Member acknowledged Ambassador Acarsoy 's leadership role 
as Chair of the Committee on Agriculture in the Special Session.  
5.53.   Finally, I would like to thank Members for their active participation  in the TPR and Chair , 
Ambassador Saqer  Abdullah  Almoqbel of the Kingdom  of Saudi  Arabia , for his insightful remarks and 
guidance throughout this review.  
5.54.   I would also take this opportunity to wish Deputy Minister Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu  a safe journey 
back to Ankara  and express our appreciation to Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy and his team  in 
Geneva for the ir hard work.   
  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 58 - 
 
  UNITED STATES  
5.55.   The United  States  would like to thank the delegation of Türkiye  for your presence Monday and 
today, and in addition express our appreciation for the work which has gone into preparation for this 
Trade Policy Review. We appreciate all the effort that goes into a review and all the internal 
coordination efforts required  to respond to all the written questions, so we want to thank you for 
everything you have done to make this review a success. We especially welcome the Secretariat and 
Government reports and value the opportunity to gain a clearer sense of the changes to Türkiye 's 
trade and investment policies since its last Review.  
5.56.   We would also like to express our thanks for the constructive discussion on both days of this 
TPR and the responses provided to our previously submitted written questions, which are being 
thoroughly reviewed in Washington. We reiterate the priority we plac e on further advancing and 
strengthening our bilateral partnership with Türkiye , and we look forward to increased consultation 
on the wide range of issues before us at the WTO.  
5.57.   As noted by many of the Members who participated actively in this TPR, Türkiye 's expanded 
support for women -led SMEs and efforts to better include women entrepreneurs in international 
trade are commendable. We also take this opportunity to congratulate Türkiye  on ratification of the 
Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. This Agreement contains important disciplines on harmful fisheries 
subsidies, as well as enhanced transparency, but it can 't start contributing to the sustainability of 
our fisheries until it actua lly enters into force. Türkiye 's ratification is an important step toward that 
goal.  
5.58.   We note a common theme expressed by Members regarding Türkiye 's additional customs 
duties, where numerous lines appear to exceed bound tariff rates. We encourage Türkiye  to eliminate 
or decrease these additional customs duties.  
5.59.   The United  States appreciates Türkiye 's support for notifications transparency as a co -sponsor 
of the proposal in the Council for Trade in Goods and the General Council on procedures to enhance 
transparency and improve compliance with notification requirements under WTO agreements. In line 
with the values of this initiative, we encourage Türkiye  to submit its overdue notifications on export 
subsidies and domestic support.  
5.60.   In closing, we would like to commend Türkiye  for its overall support for WTO principles and 
its active engagement at the WTO. We welcome working with Türkiye  on ongoing and future 
initiatives. The United  States values our robust bilateral relationship with Türkiye , and we are 
committed to expanding our friendship and partnership. On the occasion of Türkiye 's centennial, 
please accept our best wishes for another 100 years of health, safety, and continued economic 
growth.  
EUROPEAN UNION  
5.61.   First, let me thank the comprehensive overview presented on Monday and this morning by 
H.E. Deputy  Minister Tuzcu  and his delegation regarding the main developments that occurred in 
the trade policy of Türkiye since the last TPR in 2016.  
5.62.   As Türkiye 's largest trading partner and investor, the EU appreciated this opportunity to 
engage with Türkiye also in this WTO forum, another relevant dimension of our deep and special 
relationship. The EU would once more like to convey our encouragement to Türkiye t o take the 
necessary measures to fully implement the Customs Union, as difficulties in its implementation 
issues prevent both sides from taking full advantage of our very advanced relationship.  
5.63.   We would also like to thank Türkiye for having provided timely replies to the questions raised 
by the EU. We have only  follow ed up with one question  regarding intellectual property rights 
protection . 
5.64.   The discussion on the first day of the Review and today has shown that many Members share 
the EU 's positive view about the important role Türkiye plays in international and regional trade as 
well as the constructive role in the WTO. The positive trade trends of Türkiye 's bilateral trade came WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 59 - 
 
  out clearly in this review - in particular large increases in Turkish trade and in the participation of 
Turkish companies in the global value chains, which are even more pronounced in the EU.  
5.65.   The Review has also highlighted some challenges that still remain for trading partners, 
including European businesses. We note some shared concerns were raised  by other Members , in 
particular with regards to breaches in customs duties as well as overly complex SPS measures.  We 
are confident that Türkiye  has taken a good note of these recommendations .  
5.66.   In conclusion, w e are looking forward to our continued cooperation in the run -up to MC13, 
where we look forward to working closely with Türkiye to ensure a successful Ministerial Conference 
that will reinforce the WTO 's role as the cornerstone of the multilateral trading system.  
5.67.   On behalf of the EU, I would like to congratulate Türkiye for concluding this seventh review 
successfully.  
  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 60 - 
 
  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  Through this seventh  Trade Policy Review of Türkiye we have deepened our understanding of 
the country's trade -related policies and practices since its last Review in 2016. This seven -year 
period has been marked by several challenges including natural disasters, and severe economic and 
geopolitical turbulence. I echo the many delegations who expressed their sincere condolences to 
Türkiye for the devastation inflicted by the earthquake i n February and as well as their 
congratulations for this year's centenary  celebrations.  
6.2.  I would like to thank the Head of delegation of Türkiye, H.E.  Mr Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister 
of Trade of Türkiye for his detailed and informative updates on Türkiye's trade and economic policies, 
including the recent Parliamentary ratification of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. My thanks also 
go to H.E.  Ambassador Zhanar  Aitzhan , Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the WTO, for 
her thought -provoking insights and comments as discussant. Altogether 42  delegations have taken 
the floor during this m eeting, which clearly shows the importance that Members attach to this review.  
6.3.  A common thread running through Members' statements during this meeting has been an 
appreciation for Türkiye's skill in navigating its way through the COVID -19 pandemic and ensuing 
economic havoc. Members noted that Türkiye was one of the few economies which grew consistently 
during the pandemic. Members noted the substantial increase in Türkiye's trade -to-GDP ratio during 
the review period, while positioning itself as an important hub for global supply chains given its 
strategic location with close access to large markets. Many Members also drew attention to the 
supportive role of various national strategies being implemented, including the Eleventh 
Development Plan, the 2021 -23 Economic Reform Package; the 2021 -23 FDI Strategy; and the 2023 
Exports Strategy. In this regard, some Members also pointed to the continued challenges Türkiye 
faces in addressing macro economic imbalances, including reining in inflation.  
6.4.  Members appreciated the active role that Türkiye plays in the WTO, particularly by accepting 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2016 and participating in various Joint Statement Initiatives, the 
Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussion s and the Buenos  Aires Declaration on 
Women's Economic Empowerment. They also appreciated the leading role shown by 
Ambassador  Acarsoy in his chairmanship of the Committee on Agriculture Special Session. Some 
Members asked Türkiye to consider joining the G overnment Procurement Agreement and the 
Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement. Türkiye was also urged to support a durable 
solution to the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transactions. While Members noted that 
Türkiye has largely met its WTO notification obligations, they asked  for gaps to be filled, particularly 
in the areas of agriculture, intellectual property rights, and regional trade agreements.  
6.5.  Several Members commended Türkiye for the positive developments in its trade regime, which 
included customs reforms, efforts to facilitate trade, and amendments to intellectual property 
legislation. Nevertheless, some Members were concerned about: the numb er and duration of 
Türkiye's trade remedy measures; the introduction of a digital services tax; the trade -restrictive 
impact of import surveillance measures; increased domestic preferences under public procurement 
rules; enforcement shortcomings in intelle ctual property right protection; lengthy customs clearance 
processes; and certain SPS requirements. Several Members also drew attention to the significant 
increase in Türkiye's applied MFN tariff rate since its previous Review as well as to the over 30  tariff 
lines seem to exceed its bound commitments.  
6.6.  Several Members were interested in developments in regional and preferential trade 
agreements over the review period. Members noted that some RTAs have been expanded to include 
new areas of cooperation. However, concern was expressed about narrowed eligibi lity criteria for 
countries to benefit from its GSP scheme.  WT/TPR/M/439 • Türkiye  
 
- 61 - 
 
  6.7.  Other areas of interest have included:  
• Developments in the areas of e -commerce and digital transformation;  
• Steps taken to facilitate foreign direct investment;  
• Infrastructure developments, particularly in transport;  
• Initiatives to support women in trade;  
• Environmental issues including green transition -related strategies; and  
• Developments in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the area of automobiles.  
6.8.  To conclude, this has been a very positive Review with a lot of engagement. Let me once again 
thank the delegation of Türkiye headed by Mr  Mustafa  Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade, the 
discussant, and all delegations that participated. Members look forward to receiving answers to any 
outstanding and follow -up questions within the customary one month, at which time this review will 
conclude.  
 
__________