WT/TPR/M/331  
28 April 2016  
(16-2377)  Page: 1/69  
Trade Policy Review Body 
15 and 17 March 2016   
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
TURKEY 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) 
CONTENTS 
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ....................................................... 2  
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TURKEY ....................................... 4  
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT ................................................................................ 8  
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS ........................................................................................ 11  
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  TURKEY AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS .......... 60  
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ......................................................... 66  
7  ELECTION OF A NEW CHAIRPERSON FOR THE TPRB ................................................... 68  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Turkey are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/331/Add.1 and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/ tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The sixth Trade Policy Review of Turkey was he ld on 15 and 17 March 2016. The Chairperson 
H.E. Mr. Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) welcomed the delegation of Turkey headed by 
Honourable Mr. Hüsnü Dílemre, Deputy Undersecretary, Ministry of Economy; 
H.E. Ambassador Haluk Ilicak, Permanent Representative of Turkey to the WTO; the rest of the 
delegation from Ankara; the rest of the colleagues  from the Mission in Geneva; and the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador Mariam MD Salleh (Malaysia). 
1.2.  The Chairperson started the meeting by ex pressing, on behalf of the membership, 
condolences for the victims of the recent car bomb te rrorist attack that killed at least 37 people in 
Ankara; he expressed deep regret for the loss under  such an unfortunate event. The attendance of 
many officials from Ankara at the meeting was greatly appreciated in light of such circumstances. 
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Tr ade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Turkey was contained in document WT/TPR/G/331 
and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/331. 
1.4.  He also took the opportunity to note that the agenda included as well the election of a new 
Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body as set out in WTO/AIR/TPR/23/Add.1 of 25 February 2016. This would be considered at the end of the second day of the meeting. 
1.5.  Questions by the following delegations had been  submitted in writing before the deadline of 
5.30 p.m. of 1 March 2016 and had been transmi tted to the delegation of Turkey: Australia; 
Mexico; Colombia; Singapore; Japan; Ukraine; EU; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Hong Kong, China; Switzerland; Chinese Taipei; Republic of Korea; Chile; Dominican Republic; New Zealand; Canada; 
Brazil; Peru; the United States; Indonesia; the Russian Federation; and Ecuador. The following 
delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: Costa Rica; Paraguay; China; 
Malaysia; Kenya; Thailand; and Uruguay. These questions had also been transmitted to the 
delegation of Turkey. 
1.6.  Turkey was the 17th largest economy in the wo rld and was a member of the G20 and OECD. 
Since its last review in 2012, Turkey's economy had grown by 4.2% in 2013, and then had slowed 
again to 2.9% in 2014, reflecting Turkey's vulnerability to capital inflows and contraction in 
agricultural output due to adverse weather condit ions. In the first half of 2015, domestic demand 
had been the main source of growth which had reached 3.1%. Foreign trade had remained an important part of the Turkish economy with total trade in goods and services accounting for about 
60% of GDP in 2014. 
1.7.  One particular concern for continued sustainable growth was the current account deficit, 
which had been about 7% of GDP in 2015 coupled with high inflation since mid-2013. Moreover, 
the recent geopolitical crisis and conflict in the region also posed challenges to sustained economic 
growth. 
1.8.  Turkey had a large deficit in merchandise trade but this was reduced by the surplus in trade 
in services, especially transport and tourism, and to a much lesser extent by remittances from 
Turkish people working abroad. The majority of Turkey's exports were manufactured goods, but 
exports of agricultural products were significant and had accounted for nearly 12% of total exports 
in 2014. Turkey's merchandise imports had reached US$242 billion in 2014; and mostly comprised 
raw materials and intermediate goods which had fed into the production of higher value-added 
finished goods for export. 
1.9.  In terms of investment, Turkey had continued its efforts to attract FDI by deepening or 
expanding incentives, schemes, and free zones during the review period. Despite this, inward FDI 
had generally declined since 2011 and there had been no significant changes to the legal framework, including the number of restrictions that  existed in several sectors such as transport, 
finance, and broadcasting. Members raised a number of questions on investment, in particular on 
regulatory aspects, limitations, and the possibilities of liberalizing longstanding restrictions. 
1.10.  Regarding measures taken on imports, Turkey used a number of policy tools including, 
tariffs, tariff quotas, taxes, and border measures. On tariffs, it was noted there was a slight WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  increase in applied tariff rates as well as a significant number of unbound tariff lines. The relatively 
large number of taxes and their complex application was a burden for traders, while some products also faced other border measures including prohibitions, licensing, and controls. Regarding border measures and trade facilitation, Members raised points on costly delays at the 
border and administrative burdens that could undermine recent initiatives to facilitate trade, such 
as the development of the single window application and special programmes or projects to speed up customs clearance for certain traders.  
1.11.  Judging from the number of advance questions received, other areas of great interest to 
Members included Turkey's intellectual property regime, particularly enforcement, and contingency 
measures where Turkey remained one of the WTO' s main users of safeguards and anti-dumping 
measures. 
1.12.  Agriculture remained important economically and socially, accounting for about 9% of GDP 
and 21% of employment in 2014. Turkey had main tained a trade surplus in agricultural goods 
despite an overall growing trade deficit in trade in goods. There were a number of issues raised by 
Members in their questions about agriculture as they sought more information about market 
access, domestic support, and export competition polic ies, including the lack of notifications to the 
Committee on Agriculture. 
1.13.  The Chairperson was sure that these and many other themes would be touched upon in 
greater detail at the deliberations on the first and second day of the meeting and all looked forward to hearing Turkey's responses to these and other questions. Of course, Members could 
wish to ask other issues as well. 
1.14.  He closed his introductory remarks by wishin g Turkey a very successful sixth Trade Policy 
Review. He looked forward to its active engagement in this TPR. 
1.15.  He also noted that a podcast would be made of the meeting which could be accessed on the 
Members' website. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TURKEY 
(HONOURABLE MR. HÜSNÜ D İLEMRE) 
2.1.  On behalf of my delegation, I would like to thank all of you for your participation in sixth TPR 
of Turkey. 
2.2.  It is a great pleasure to be here on this occasion and first of all, I would like to thank the 
WTO Secretariat team for their efforts that they have put into the TPR process and the comprehensive report they have prepared. Let me also convey our appreciation to the Permanent 
Representative of Malaysia Dr Mariam MD Salleh for honouring us as the discussant.  
2.3.  This is an exercise that Turkey attaches grea t importance not only for systemic reasons but 
also for its distinctive nature, enabling Members to take an inside look to the trade and economic policies of countries. I know that our discussions today and on Thursday will be enlightening for 
everyone here in this room and for the stake holders back home. 
2.4.  We look forward to a fruitful interaction over the next two days and would be happy to 
provide any further information or clarifications that members may require in addition to the 
responses we have provided for the 400 plus questions raised by the Members.(27) 
2.5.  Despite the fact that eight years have passed since the start of the global financial crisis and 
despite immense efforts by all countries, global growth continues to be moderate. Global recovery 
was hampered by some new challenges, including a number of unexpected shocks and heightened 
geopolitical conflicts in various regions of the world.  
2.6.  Turkey has attracted global attention for its ra pid and sustained economic growth for the last 
14 years despite the global crisis.  
2.7.  In the review period, Turkish economy managed to  grow more than the global economy. This 
being said, GDP growth rates during the review period were subject to fluctuations. Although the GDP was at a record with 8.8% in 2011, via measures taken to curb private consumption and to 
balance current account deficit, the growth rate became 2.1% in 2012. This was followed by 
growth rates of 4.2% in 2013 and 2.9% in 2014 resp ectively. In the first three quarters of 2015, 
although the contribution of net exports to grow th was -0.7 units, Turkish economy grew by 3.4% 
thanks to domestic demand and strong private fixed investment.  
2.8.  There are a number of outstanding factors that characterize the period under review. 
2.9.  For the sustainability of fiscal policy, the Turk ish Government took decisive steps towards a 
better control on public sector primary expenditures together with public borrowing. These steps 
were transformed into a strong budgetary stance. Central government budget deficit/GDP ratios 
were 1.2% and 1.3% in 2013 and 2014 respectively. In 2015, according to Medium Term Program estimations, this ratio will be around 1.3%.  
2.10.  Monetary policy is another cornerstone of strong stance of Turkish economy. The Central 
Bank of Turkey (CBT) maintained to implement inflation targeting together with a floating 
exchange rate regime in 2012-2015 period so as to achieve and maintain price stability. 
2.11.  Minimizing the effects of volatility in capital flows on domestic markets has been the main 
emphasis for the macroeconomic and financial stability in the last years.  
2.12.  Central Bank of Turkey has also gradually modified the reserve requirement system to 
support the macro-financial stability, to reduce adverse impact of fluctuation on capital 
movements, to ensure healthy credit growth and exchange rate developments. 
2.13.  Financial Sector Reforms constitute a further important pillar for increasing economic 
activity. As a Basel Committee member, Turkey has been implementing Basel II and Basel II.5 
since July 2012. 
2.14.  Although Turkey was able to protect its stea dy growth performance and implement needed 
structural reforms, the level of current account de ficit has been a challenge for Turkish economy.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  2.15.  Turkey remains committed to trade liberalization and deeper integration with the global 
economy. Turkey’s exports increased from US$135 billion in 2011 to US$157.6 billion in 2014. In 
2015, parallel with contracting in world trade in va lue term, Turkish exports fell to US$144 billion. 
WTO statistics indicate that Turkey is the 15th country among 40 member states, which succeeded 
to increase their total exports in 2014. 
2.16.  On the other side, imports have fluctuated around US$240 billion and reached the peak of 
the review period in 2013 with an amount of US $252 billion. As a net energy importer country, 
Turkey’s imports have started to decrease by value in the second half of 2014 following the fall in 
commodity prices. Because of continuing sharp decrease in commodity prices in 2015, import 
dropped to US$207 billion in 2015. 
2.17.  I would like to underline hereby that Turkey ha s been working on to mitigate the impacts of 
current account deficit by encouraging the production and export of high value-added products, 
promoting foreign direct investments, increasing income from services sectors such as contracting, technical consulting and transportation. 
2.18.  Services sector has continued to be a propelling force in terms of economic activity, 
employment, and trade in both domestic and intern ational fora since the last review. In 2014, it 
had a share of 59% in Turkey’s GD P and grew by 4.1%. In the firs t three quarters of 2015, service 
sector grew by 4.4%. 
2.19.  In 2014, services accounted for 23% of Turkey’s gross exports with a value of 
US$51.6 billion and with over 40% in value added te rms. Turkey ranked 27th in the list of the 
largest commercial service exporters. 
2.20.  In line with these developments, Turkey has been negotiating services chapters within free 
trade agreements to enhance market access opportunities for the services sector.   
2.21.  We continue to simplify and liberalize our FD I policy to provide greater predictability and 
clarity to foreign investors. During the last ten years, Turkey had 8.5 times more FDI than it had 
had during the previous 80 years. 
2.22.  With the purpose of stimulating further inward FDI flows, new Investment Incentive 
Program for investment projects incorporating sectoral and regional development priorities was 
introduced in June 2012. Parallel with the export-o riented growth strategy that is projected in 
Development Plans, the new incentive program aims to steer savings into high value added investments and encourage large scale and strategic investments with high R&D content. 
2.23.  In this vein, as a means of building further investor confidence, Turkey is incorporating 
comprehensive investment chapters to its Free Trade Agreements under negotiation, as well as updating the existing ones.  
2.24.  Overseas contracting sector is Turkey’s most active and experienced services sector. 
Despite regional political turmoil in Middle East and North Africa, Turkish overseas contracting sector continued its development. More than 8,700  projects worth of exceeding US$323.4 billion in 
108 countries have been undertaken by  Turkish companies as of today. 
2.25.  In 2023, we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Turkish Republic. 
For that special occasion we have charted out a brand new agenda called "Vision 2023" for reform, growth and investment. Our vision is to make Turkey a significant participant in world trade by the 
year 2023. Within this new agenda, "Turkish Exports Strategy for 2023" aims to shift production 
from low technology sectors to high value added areas and achieve new investments in high-tech sectors. 
2.26.  Again, during the review period, as a token of its commitment to free trade, Turkey has 
continued to implement measures for facilitating and simplifying customs procedures. For example, the Single Window Project has been in operation since 2014 and currently 14 institutions 
are interconnected through this Project. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  2.27.  Although Turkey is ranked 62nd out of 189 ec onomies in the World Bank's Doing Business 
Report 2016 subcategory on "trading across borders", ease of doing business has been a major focus of our policies and we believe we rank much higher in practice. 
2.28.  But above all, I hereby would like to declare wi th satisfaction that Turkey has completed the 
ratification process of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and is submitting its instrument of 
acceptance this week to the WTO.  
2.29.  We have been one of the most active and supportive members since the first day of the 
negotiations of the TF Agreement. Today, we maintain our position and fully support the 
immediate implementation of the Agreement, whic h will be beneficial for all trading partners 
regardless of their level of development.  
2.30.  Diversification of our trade markets has always been a crucial and focal aspect of our trade 
policy. In this regard, Turkey has signed new fr ee and preferential trade agreements, initiated new 
negotiations and started to update existing ones.  
2.31.  Over the course of the review period, we also  took part in Environmental Goods Agreement 
(EGA), Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) and the expansion of Information Technology 
Agreement negotiations at the WTO. We strongly believe that EGA will have a positive impact that will go beyond just export and import liberalization and it will facilitate the process of renewable 
energy investments, technology transfer and capacity building. On the TiSA side, we see TiSA as 
an opportunity to eliminate existing market access barriers, regulatory inconsistencies and burdensome procedures in areas important for our services industry. 
2.32.  However, Turkey’s stance with regards to a st rong and efficient multilateral trading system 
stays intact. 
2.33.  We all know that, the pace of global trade growth could still not reach its pre-crisis level. In 
the last four decades, for the first time, global  trade grew less than global economy. Weaker 
demand from emerging markets made 2015 the worst year for world trade since the aftermath of 
the global financial crisis.  
2.34.  At this juncture, WTO should be at the core to spur global economic growth and sustainable 
development. 
2.35.  In this sense, we welcome the results reached in Nairobi. Multilaterally achieved outcomes 
represent a compromise among divergent views. Without any doubt, political credibility lies in the capacity to produce implementable results and now we should work towards transforming our 
political commitments into workable action plans and ultimately into concrete results. 
2.36.  In the post-Nairobi process, implementing Nairobi Decisions and taking forward remaining 
Doha Development Agenda issues should be at the top of our agenda.   
2.37.  Turkey is equally open to work out new drivers of future of trade in the WTO platform.  
2.38.  Besides its commitments as a Member of th e WTO, Customs Union with the EU and the 
perspective of full membership to the EU remained  as one of the main determinants of Turkey’s 
overall trade policies.  
2.39.  With the aim of further enhancement of partnership with the EU, we have established a 
dialogue in January 2014 to update the Customs Unio n. We believe that along with the elimination 
of asymmetries within the Customs Union, extension of our trade relations with the EU to new 
areas like agriculture, services and public procurement is important for the Customs Union to 
reflect its genuine potential. 
2.40.  The Customs Union mainly constitutes the lega l basis of Turkey’s free trade agreements 
(FTA) and autonomous preferential regimes. In this  respect, Turkey negotiates and concludes FTAs 
in parallel with the EU. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  2.41.  During the review period, FTAs with five count ries, namely Chile, Jordan, the Republic of 
Korea, Malaysia, and Mauritius were concluded and entered into force. Additionally, the FTAs signed with Lebanon, Kosovo, Moldova, Faroe Islands and Singapore are under ratification process, and the FTA negotiations with Ghana have been concluded. We also concluded a limited-scope 
Preferential Trade Agreement with Iran, which is in force since 1 January 2015. 
2.42.  Turkey also sustains efforts to achieve more liberal trading conditions in its region. To this 
end, an ambitious trade agenda, which would also co ntribute to the economic and political stability 
in the region, is pursued in the framework of regional organizations such as the Economic 
Cooperation Organization, Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Developing-8. 
2.43.  I would like to reemphasize that efforts at bilateral and regional levels should never be 
taken as Turkey’s drawback from multilateralism but an indication of its genuine willingness to 
liberalize trade at each and every level without eroding the basis of the multilateral trading system. 
2.44.  Our G-20 Term Presidency in 2015 was a brief projection of our devotion to multilateralism. 
Inclusiveness, implementation and investment for global growth were three main priorities set 
forth in our term presidency. Growth and sustainable development were integral parts of all the 
main themes.  
2.45.  Turkey held the third G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in October 2015 with special emphasis 
on reaffirming the importance of a strong and effe ctive multilateral trading system to lift global 
growth and supporting ongoing work in order to increase the complementarity between Regional 
Trade Agreements and the multilateral trading system.   
2.46.  In this era of globalization, the destinies of developed and developing countries are 
intertwined. It is in the best interests of all to work collectively for global development. The 
founding Members of the WTO designed it as a uniquely democratic platform to make trade a tool 
that serves the objective of development, of raising standards of living, and ensuring full employment. We need to abide by these principles . Turkey remains ready to work with all of you 
to achieve our collective goals. 
2.47.  This TPRM exercise which Turkey attaches grea t importance for the distinct nature of the 
process enabling Members to take an insight look to  trade and economic policies of the countries. I 
know that our discussions today and on Thursday will be enlightening for everyone here in this 
room. We are looking forward for future interaction in the next two days and we would be happy 
to provide any further information and all clarification that Members may require in addition to the responses we have provided to the more 400 questions raised by the Members. 
2.48.  Thank you for your attention. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT 
3.1.  I would like to begin by welcoming the delega tion of Turkey, led by Mr. Husnu Dilemre, 
Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy of Turkey. Thank you for your opening statement. We know the new challenges faced by Tu rkey today. I join you, Chair, in expressing 
my condolences to the people of Turkey  on the Sunday incident in Ankara. 
3.2.  As discussant, I would like to touch upon several aspects of trade and macroeconomic 
policies of Turkey during the Review period co vering a number of elements such as Turkey’s 
overall economic performance, her domestic trade and investment regime and Turkey’s role in the 
multilateral trading system.  
3.3.  The comprehensive reports by the Government of Turkey and the Secr etariat would provide 
the basis for I am sure an interesting discussion by Members particularly on the challenges ahead 
for Turkey. 
Overall economic development 3.4.  Turkey’s overall economic performance had show n remarkable results during the last decade. 
A sound macroeconomic strategy combined with prudent fiscal policies and major structural 
reforms undertaken since the last review has further integrated Turkey into the globalized economy, while transforming the country into one of the major recipients of FDI in the region. 
Turkey’s parallel trade policy and its capitalisati on of its customs union with the EU has brought 
benefits.  
3.5.  Turkey is an upper middle income country with a large and diverse manufacturing base 
activities and services. Turkey continues to be a net exporter of services due to its significant 
surplus in travel services, at 65% of GDP in 2014.  
3.6.  These developments had led to optimistic projec tions on the direction Turkey was heading to. 
According to the OECD, Turkey wa s projected to be one of the fastest growing economies of the 
OECD Members during 2014-2016, with an annual av erage growth rate of 3.6%. In fact, reports 
had dubbed Turkey as a "poster-child" of deep reform agenda.  
3.7.  Yet, despite the impressive performance, headwi nds that affected the growth of most of the 
emerging markets have also affected Turkey’s economy. The Secretariat report pointed that the 
economy slowed down in 2014 reflecting Turkey’s vu lnerability to capital inflows and contraction in 
agricultural output. This is added to a high curre nt account deficit, although declining, has left 
Turkey exposed to external shocks in an enviro nment of increased currency and financial market 
volatility coupled with high inflation since mid-2013.  
3.8.  Added on to these issues, recent events added a new dimension of uncertainty to the 
Turkey's economic outlook. Geopolitical crisis in the region and the associated problems could pose 
challenges to Turkey’s sustainable growth direction.  
3.9.  Amidst the uncertain external conditions howeve r, we recognized Turkey’s efforts in making 
adjustments to maintain her structural balance. Wi th a long term vision for 2023 in place, Turkey 
aims to be one of the top ten economies in the world. In order to achieve these objectives, we 
note that Turkey has developed several short term and medium-term plans. According to its Tenth Development Plan (2013-2018) and Medium-Term Programme (2016-2018), the Government has set out the objectives of maintaining economic growth; increase competitiveness and employment; 
ensure regional development; improve public financ es and reduce the current account deficit. I am 
sure Members would be very interested to hear the progress of implementation and the milestones achieved in advancing the 2023 targets.  
3.10.  One of the world’s biggest markets with half of  the population below the age of 30, Turkey 
has the highest youth population comprising 29.2 million young and well-educated professionals, human resources that if well harnessed bode well for the planned future of Turkey’s 2023. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  Domestic trade regime 
3.11.  Trade is a key factor for Turkey’s economic gr owth and in generating employment. Turkey’s 
exports have continued to grow since the last review although experiencing a slight contraction in imports in 2014 as a result of a weak internal demand.  
3.12.  Agriculture as a sector continues to have an important role in the economy of Turkey. Being 
the world’s seventh largest agricultural producer, agriculture contributed to approximately 9% of the GDP and 21% of employment in 2014. Tariff for agriculture continues to be substantially 
higher than industrial goods as Turkey maintains an  average rate of 49% for agricultural goods, as 
compared to 5.5% on industrial goods. Tariff prot ection remains particularly high averaging over 
80% on meat, dairy, sugar and confectionary, an d agricultural products. Additionally, Turkey’s 
WTO bound tariff levels are much higher than the applied rates, especially for many agricultural 
goods. While these gaps allow the Government to modify tariff rates in response to domestic and 
international market conditions, such differences reduce the needed predictability. Members concerns on the high level of tariff protection in agriculture remain since the last Review. It is 
important that Turkey provides a predictable ta r i f f  r e g i m e  t o  e n s u r e  s t r o n g e r  g r o w t h  i n  i t s  
economic sectors. 
3.13.  We note from the reports on customs procedures that significant changes have been made 
since the review period. Of the various changes, it  is encouraging that licensing requirements for a 
wide range of products including household items, telecommunications, broadcasting apparatus, motor vehicles and medical apparatus, among others  have been removed. It is laudable too that 
Turkey has also put in place initiatives to facilitate trade through "one stop shop" pilot projects and 
we hope for further reforms in reducing existing restrictions. Streamlining the procedures would 
help where they are overly complex and costly. In  the 2015 World Bank Group report on Ease of 
Doing Business, it is noted that Turkey is ranked 55th, down from 51st in 2014, which showed 
much room for improvements. 
3.14.  It is also noted that although Turkey is benefitting from its integration into the global value 
chain through supplying finished and high technolo gy goods to foreign intermediaries, a relatively 
high level of the value has already been added in the goods imported into Turkey, leaving 
relatively little value added to be done in Turkey itself. According to the OECD-WTO Trade in Value Added (TiVA) database, the foreign value added as  a proportion of gross exports increased from 
10% in 1995 to 26% in 2011, while domestic value added was 15% in 2011. These pose 
challenges to Turkey’s efforts to further integrate its industries into the GVCs particularly by small 
and medium-sized enterprises in the upstream activities. 
Investment policies 
3.15.  Turning to Turkey’s investment regime, we find that reform efforts are lagging behind those 
mentioned earlier. There has not been significant liberalization of investment restrictions since the last review period. Restrictions remain in many forms with limits on foreign participation or those 
requiring permissions or licences to operate. Turk ey's foreign investment laws generally subscribe 
to a partnership system by limiting foreign investors to a minority ownership of 49% although a full ownership of 100% is allowed for certain sect ors. Turkey is therefore encouraged to open up 
its market which could contribute towards Turkey’s  competitiveness, productivity and, ultimately, 
its economic growth.  
3.16.  It is also noted that legislative changes have gone in different directions for different 
contingency measures. While Members would welcome measures that limit the use of 
anti-dumping and countervailing measures, the rationale for extending the application and renewal 
periods for safeguards measures is less easy to understand. It would be useful to hear from Turkey, the Government's considerations in this regard.  
3.17.  To a large extent, although TBT and SPS measures of Turkey are harmonized at the EU 
level, I note that there are concerns raised by Members regarding its notified measures under the WTO Committees. While efforts of aligning Turkey’s technical regulations with the EU continue, we encourage Turkey to review measures that are re strictive than necessary and utilise the use of 
international standards and practices to address the concerns.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  3.18.  There has been progress in public procur ement with various amendments being made 
during the review period that focus on greater transparency, streamlining and uniformity in procedures. We firmly believe that gradual introd uction of the use of electronic procurement in 
particular, could result in a more improved and efficient system. I believe Members would like to 
know further how the amended framework is being implemented and the initial feedback received. 
3.19.  On IPR, Turkey has taken several initiatives to modernize its IPR administration and 
continue with its efforts to enforce intellectual  property rights. Key aspects of the envisaged 
amendments include the strengthening of the me chanism against digital piracy. Despite these 
legislative and institutional improvements, we note from the Secretariat report that effective IPR enforcement remains a concern. Turkey might want to share with Members on how the issues of IPR enforcement would be further strengthened.   
Commitment to the multilateral trading system 
3.20.  Turkey, a founding Member of the WTO, has made significant contribution to the multilateral 
trading system. It played a key role in concludi ng the Trade Facilitation Agreement and continues 
to engage constructively in the ongoing multilateral negotiations. We welcome very much Turkey's 
ratification of the agreement as announced by  Deputy Undersecretary Dilemre earlier.  
3.21.  We also note that since the last review, Turkey had diligently filed notifications pursuant to 
the various WTO Agreements, fulfilling its obligation to transparency as a Member of the WTO. 
However, based on the Secretariat report, Members I am sure look forward for Turkey to improve 
its notification of its domestic support in agriculture, which is a major area for the remaining Doha negotiation issues. 
3.22.  It should be highlighted that Turkey showed  its strong commitment to the principle of 
special and differential treatment for developing countries. Turkey was among the first to implement the duty-free and quota-free (DFQF) commitment for Least Developed Countries and 
has ratified the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agr eement. It is laudable that Turkey has also 
notified her preferential treatment for LDCs in services trade to allow better market access opportunities for LDCs.  
3.23.  In many aspects we recognize that Turkey’s trade policy is stable and predictable and can 
be characterized by an on-going process of trade and investment liberalization. In this, Turkey sees great value in the harmonization of trade rules and economic cooperation among trading partners, first and foremost at the multilateral level.  
3.24.  At the same time, plurilateral arrangements and free trade agreements (FTAs) have also 
increasingly become important elements of Turk ey’s overall trade policy objective to enhance 
market access for its exports. This is evidenced by Turkey’s active participation in the ongoing 
plurilateral negotiations that include Environmen tal Goods Agreement (EGA) and Trade in Services 
Agreement (TISA).  
3.25.  In preferential trade, Turkey has signed se veral regional and bilateral trade agreements 
including with Malaysia and Singapore being the latest. In 2014, imports benefitting from these 
agreements were valued at US$13.3 billion; approximately 5.5% of Turkey's total imports. We hope that these would be the building blocks to wards improving Turkey’s binding commitments in 
the WTO.  
Final remarks 
3.26.  As we have seen during the review period, sound monetary and fiscal policies can help 
Turkey mitigate market setbacks and achieve structural balance in the medium term. Being 
versatile and responsive to changes as shown in the past we hope that it would continue to allow 
Turkey to withstand the current pressure of econ omic cycles and bring about a high degree of 
stability in its economic environment, which is crucial to further growth as it moves towards the 
2023 targets.  
3.27.  With this, I wish Turkey a successful sixth Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
AUSTRALIA 4.1.  Let me begin by joining you, Chair, in extending sincere condolences to the people of Turkey 
in relation to the bomb attack in Ankara. 
4.2.  Australia values our close and productive relationship with Turkey including our substantial 
engagement across a wide range of issues such as security cooperation, people-to-people links, and economic cooperation. We welcome our increasing cooperation with Turkey in international 
fora including the WTO, G20 and MIKTA. Austra lia commends Turkey’s stewardship of the G20 
agenda in 2015 with a focus on the overarching G2 0 goal of boosting global growth and creating 
jobs. Turkey’s strong commitment to the WTO an d to the G20 is welcome and very much shared 
by Australia. 
4.3.  Reducing barriers to trade and investment are important aspects of global economic growth. 
We welcome Turkey’s focus on diversifying and in creasing two-way trade and inward foreign direct 
investment. These efforts will help to improve Turkey’s long-term competiveness and growth. We 
look forward to Turkey’s ratification of  the Agreement on Trade Facilitation.  
4.4.  We note a key goal of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock's 2013-2014 Strategic 
Plan is to ensure food security and access to qualit y agricultural products by protecting agricultural 
production resources. Australia would encourag e Turkey to recognize the important role of 
imported food and agricultural products in helping to ensure food security. Australia continues to be concerned about the high tariff protection Tu rkey maintains for many agricultural products 
including live animals, meat and edible meat offal, and dairy products. 
4.5.  Like Australia, Turkey recognizes the importance of foreign direct investment for economic 
development. Increased foreign direct investment into Turkey will help support future economic prosperity. Although Turkey maintains a relatively open investment regime in most sectors, the 
continuation of restrictions to foreign investment in a number of important areas has resulted in a 
barrier to increased foreign investment business linkages. We encourage Turkey to reduce these restrictions in order to support the "investment zone" objectives of providing investor-friendly 
environments with attractive infrastructures for businesses. 
MEXICO Introduction 4.6.  The delegation of Mexico is pleased to note that Turkey has recorded major economic 
achievements and significant progress in the area of trade since its last review, as explained by 
His Excellency Deputy Undersecretary Hüsnü Dile mre, whom we warmly welcome, along with his 
delegation from Ankara. 
4.7.  In particular, I wish to congratulate Ambassador Haluk Ilicak for his excellent work at the 
helm of the Permanent Mission of Turkey. 
Overall economic development 
4.8.  Turkey's economy grew by an enviable 9% in 2010 and a no less desirable 8% in 2011. In 
the last few years, however, Turkey has encountered some turmoil, with a growth rate of 2.1% in 2012, rising slightly to 2.9% in 2014 and settling at 2.4% in 2015, accompanied by a relatively high rate of inflation (in the region of 8%). 
4.9.  We are aware that Turkey is currently facing major geopolitical challenges which have to be 
overcome if its economy is to continue progressing. 
4.10.  Turkey is in many respects a bridge between east and west, a situation which is conducive 
to economic integration with countries of Europe, Asia and North Africa. Its fascinating history has 
been a boon for its tourism sector, which has also succeeded in expanding into health services, WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  and its prime geographical location has positioned Turkey as a strategic partner for many countries 
around the world. 
Tariffs 4.11.  The Secretariat's report shows that the average tariff for industrial products is 5.5%, that 
duty-free items account for 23.5% of all tariff lines  and that nearly 80% of tariffs are under 10%, 
which we applaud. Nevertheless, around half of tariff lines are still not bound, and only 34% of non-agricultural product tariff lines are bound. The applied tariff increased to 12.8% "in response 
to requests by domestic producers", and the average applied tariff rate for agricultural products 
stands at 49%. The bound agricultural tariff is an astronomical 60%, one of the highest recorded 
among all WTO Members. 
4.12.  The Secretariat's report indicates that Turkey is the world's seventh-largest agricultural 
producer. Accordingly, we urge Turkey to bring itself into line with OECD practice in notifying its 
domestic support and export subsidy programmes. 
4.13.  We are concerned, furthermore, that Law No. 474 on the customs tariff schedule allows the 
Turkish Government to increase the applied MF N rates when these are deemed insufficient to 
provide "adequate" protection to domestic industri es, and that Turkey has exercised this right for 
certain non-agricultural products. 
Trade remedies 
4.14.  We also note with concern that Turkey has been the third biggest user of safeguard 
measures in WTO. 
Trade facilitation 
4.15.  On trade facilitation, we welcome Turkey's notification in July 2014 of its Category A 
commitments; the Single Window project, enabling importers to submit all documentation to a single entity; the alignment of its customs declaration format with that used in the 
European Union; and the use of summary declarations for imports. 
Trade in services and investment 4.16.  Mexico commends Turkey's intention to include provisions on services and investments in 
the new regional trade agreements currently under negotiation, including the agreement we are 
negotiating bilaterally. We also congratulate Turkey on being ranked 36
th in getting electricity and 
enforcing contracts and 20th in protecting minority investors in the World Bank's Doing Business 
2016 report, and encourage it to continue improving those rankings. To this end, we suggest that 
it take on board some key recommendations made by OECD in 2014, such as fostering 
productivity growth and trust in a rule-based business environment, in order to make its market more predictable. 
Intellectual property 
4.17.  Our delegation acknowledges the efforts Turkey ha s deployed to fight digital piracy under its 
National Intellectual and Industrial Property Strategy and other instruments, as well as the 
introduction of electronic media enabling holders of IP rights to submit their applications for action 
online, so that customs authorities can suspend customs transactions for goods that may infringe IP rights. 
Conclusion 
4.18.  We thank Turkey for the replies to the adva nce questions raised by the delegation of 
Mexico, and should be grateful if it would exam ine the additional questions that we will forward 
today concerning agriculture, free trade agre ements, safeguard measures, subsidies, trade 
facilitation and rules of origin. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  COLOMBIA 
4.19.  I wish to take the opportunity to express, on behalf of my Government, our most sincere 
condolences and our solidarity in relation to the recent acts of terrorism in Ankara. 
4.20.  In the review period, the Turkish economy has fa ced challenges due to the slow recovery of 
its main trading partners and the political instability in the region, and this has had an impact on 
its indicators. 
4.21.  Turkey's GDP, for instance, which grew at a strong rate during the previous review period, 
exceeding 8% on average between 2010 and 2011, slowed markedly as from 2012, averaging 3% 
in the years since. Nonetheless, we note that at  the same time the inflation and employment rates 
were kept relatively stable. 
4.22.  As emerges from the report submitted by the Government, sound fiscal management and a 
well-managed monetary policy have contributed to the country's macroeconomic stability and 
helped to keep inflation in check. The current account deficit, which was flagged in the previous review as an important challenge to be addres sed, remains significant. Lower oil prices and 
currency depreciation helped to reduce it by some 30% in 2014, and the trend continued in 2015. 
4.23.  Likewise, the efforts geared towards re-orienting and diversifying exports, as well as 
promoting investment in high-technology interm ediate goods and improving Turkey's access to 
global value chains, will help to correct current account imbalances in the medium term. 
4.24.  When speaking of challenges, however, the goals constituting Turkey's "Vision 2023" 
deserve particular mention. This major aim of turn ing Turkey into one of the top ten economies in 
the world will require commensurate efforts in terms of competitivity and productivity, 
diversification and reform of its production sector and its exports and a stronger presence in 
international markets. We are confident that this will be successfully achieved. 
4.25.  Foreign trade in goods and services is highly relevant for Turkey, as it accounts for around 
60% of GDP. While its export figures reveal a clear trend towards increasing sales of goods with 
higher value added, agriculture still remains a si gnificant component of the economy, Turkey being 
the world's seventh largest agricultural producer. 
4.26.  Thus, the wide range of actions the country is undertaking in order to diversify its trading 
partners comes as no surprise. Within the WTO, Turkey has been an active participant in the negotiations and has reiterated its commitment to achieving significant and balanced results, showing a clear interest in the areas of developmen t and capacity building, especially for the LDCs. 
4.27.  The importance of its relationship with the European Union, its main trading partner, is 
obvious. Turkey has a free trade agreement with  EFTA and belongs to the Euro-Mediterranean 
Partnership. We see that, since 2011, agreements have come into force with Chile, Jordan, the 
Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Mauritius, and other negotiations are under way. It is worth 
pointing out that on 30 June 2013 Turkey became an observer country in the Pacific Alliance. 
4.28.  While its closer relationship with the rest of the world is indeed necessary in order to make 
progress in diversifying markets, the challenges entailed in administering such a network of 
agreements (especially its Customs Union with the EU), its WTO commitments and the existence 
of preferential schemes such as the GSP should not be overlooked. 
4.29.  With regard to specific aspects flagged in the reports drawn up for this review, we would 
highlight the following. 
4.30.  In the area of tariffs, there is significant room for manoeuvre. The average bound tariff is 
relatively high, especially for agricultural goods (72%), not to mention a range of peak values. We 
anticipate that several of these matters may be resolved within the framework of the negotiations, 
one of the most crucial being the high level of tariff lines to be bound. 
4.31.  On agriculture, the Secretariat's report indica tes that during the review period Turkey has 
not notified its domestic support and subsidy programmes to the Committee. Other available WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  sources of information suggest that it maintains relatively high levels of support in comparison 
with other OECD countries, while payments based on output have increased, thus leading to market distortions. We trust that Turkey will submit the outstanding notifications soonest. 
4.32.  In regard to trade defense measures, we note significant activity in terms of anti-dumping 
investigations during the review period, whereby 14 new measures have been imposed. Turkey is 
one of the Members having adopted the most safeguard measures. 
4.33.  We commend the progress made in trade facilitation, including the implementation of the 
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme and the launch of the Single Window application. 
It is worth noting that Turkey has undertaken substantial commitments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, designating virtually all of its provisions in Category A. 
4.34.  Lastly, we highlight the important role of foreign investment in the Turkish economy. 
Since 2012, new FDI incentive schemes have been implemented, with a view to simulating 
regional development, boosting production and reducing unemployment. Even so, restrictions remain in some sectors. 
4.35.  There is a Turkish proverb which says that "A tree won't fall with a single blow". In pursuit 
of this grand vision which the country has set for itself, there are many actions to be taken. 
4.36.  The review carried out during the course of today has pinpointed a number of areas where 
improvements can be made, with the aim streamlining trade operations and especially ensuring 
greater certainty for economic operators. Addressing  Turkey's relationship with third countries is 
an important task, and there are aspects which will without doubt be discussed and negotiated within WTO in terms of access to its market. 
4.37.  With this, we wish Turkey every success in this review and hope that the ensuing 
recommendations will be useful in achieving the major goal that Turkey has identified. 
SINGAPORE
 ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN 
4.38.  I am making this statement on behalf of ASEAN. 
4.39.  We would first like to express our condolences to the victims of the car bomb attack which 
took place in central Ankara on Sunday. ASEAN stands in solidarity with the Turkish Government 
and people in the condemnation of such heinous acts of terror.  
4.40.  Turkey’s trade with ASEAN has grown four-fol d in the past 10 years, making it one of 
ASEAN’s top trading partners with a total trade volume of US$7.6 billion in 2014.  
4.41.  Since Turkey’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2010, 
Turkey has actively engaged with ASEAN Members ac ross sectors, including on the trade front. To 
date, Turkey has concluded bilateral FTAs with Malaysia and Singapore, and is pursuing FTAs with Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam.  
4.42.  ASEAN also appreciates Turkey’s assistance in supporting the developmental efforts of 
ASEAN Member States. The Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency has been active in providing development assistance to ASEAN thro ugh various projects totalling US$6.3 million.  
4.43.  ASEAN commends Turkey’s active participation in the multilateral trading system and for its 
role at the 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. 
4.44.  Some of us in ASEAN have submitted written questions to Turkey and we thank Turkey in 
advance for their written responses. We also express our thanks to Ambassador Haluk Ilicak and 
his delegation for their constructive engagement with all ASEAN delegations here in Geneva. 
SINGAPORE 4.45.  I will now deliver a statement in Singapore’s national capacity.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.46.  Singapore and Turkey enjoy strong bilatera l relations, underpinned by longstanding 
historical ties and the exchange of high level vi sits. In 2014, both our Prime Ministers signed the 
Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership, which paved the way for the exploration of further trade and investment flows between our respective regions.  
4.47.  In November 2015, we signed the Turkey-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which was 
Turkey’s first comprehensive FTA in a single unde rtaking. We hope that the FTA can be ratified 
swiftly and enter into force as soon as possible so that businesses in Singapore and Turkey can 
benefit soon from this high-quality Agreement.  
4.48.  Today, there is a sizeable number of Turkish companies based in Singapore and vice versa, 
who make very visible contributions – literally and figuratively – to our economies. The generators and power for the Formula 1 Grand Prix Night race in Singapore is supplied by a Turkish company, 
GenPower. Singapore companies, including those in the healthcare, infrastructure and urban 
solutions sectors are also increasingly interested  in doing business in Turkey. It is therefore 
important for Singapore and Turkey to work together to enhance connectivity, and facilitate the 
bilateral flow of goods and services through a va riety of means, such as ensuring smooth customs 
procedures and access to ports. We welcome Tu rkey’s ratification of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and look forward to the deposit of the instrument of ratification this week. 
4.49.  2016 marks Turkey’s 20th year as a Member to the WTO. Turkey is a strong supporter of 
the multilateral system. We welcome the contri butions that Turkey has made to the system, 
including Turkey’s acceptance of the TRIPS Protocol. We note Turkey’s mixed compliance with its WTO notification obligations. We urge Turkey to address all pending notifications, some of which, 
such as those pertaining to agriculture, have been outstanding for many years now; and to fulfil all 
its WTO notification obligations. We also note wi th concern that Turkey remains one of the top ten 
users for anti-dumping and safeguard measures. We  encourage Turkey to review and reconsider 
its active use of trade remedy measures.  
4.50.  Finally, the Singapore delegation in Geneva has always enjoyed excellent working relations 
with Ambassador Haluk Ilicak and his very able team in Geneva. We look forward to continuing 
this excellent working relationship towards our common goal of upholding the multilateral trading 
system. 
JAPAN 4.51.  I t  i s  a  p l e a s u r e  f o r  J a p a n  t o  t a k e  p a r t  i n  t h e  T P R  m e e t i n g  o f  T u r k e y ,  b u t ,  f i r s t  o f  a l l ,  i n  
relation to the large number of casualties arising from an incident in Ankara, Japan extends its 
sincere condolences to the bereaved families, an d expresses its heartfelt sympathy to those who 
were injured. 
4.52.  Needless to say, we, Japan and Turkey, have been important partners for years, from both 
the economic and political aspect. Japan will make continuous efforts to maintain and further develop the strong ties between us. 
General matters 
4.53.   According to the Secretariat’s report, the real  GDP growth of Turkey peaked at 2010 and, 
since then, had declined to 2.9% in 2014. However, we are glad to see the latest Asian Development Bank’s Outlook, which notes that Turkey’s economy has recovered with an estimated 
GDP growth rate of 3.8% in 2015 and Turkey wi ll maintain this positive trend in 2016.  
4.54.  Turkey’s economy has structural vulnerabilities with a relatively low saving rate resulting in 
high dependency on FDI inflows. It also has a relatively low added value industrial structure 
leading to severe competition with lower-middle-income countries and so forth. Besides its 
structural vulnerabilities, Turkey is now facing geo-political crisis in this region and a massive influx of refugees. 
4.55.  We positively evaluate Turkey for its efforts to address these vulnerabilities and challenges. 
These include the formulation and implementation  of Turkey`s national  strategy, "Vision 2023", 
including comprehensive public policies focusing on sustainable economic growth such as policies WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  to enhance and diversify industrial structure and facilitate sophisticated social infrastructure. 
Turkey also includes ambitious and specific objectiv es in its national strategy. Two of these are to 
increase its nominal GDP to over US$2 trillion an d become one of the top-10 countries in terms of 
nominal GDP. Again, we commend these specific objectives and expect Turkey to successfully 
implement its national strategy. 
Trade policies Trade structure 
4.56.  Now let me turn to Turkey’s trade policies. Ov erall, Turkey’s economy can be characterized 
by its high dependency on international trade. The total amount of trade made up 58.2% of the 
country`s GDP during the period from 2012 to 2014, which is relatively high. 
4.57.  The other characteristic of its trade structure is, as we mentioned previously, Turkey’s 
relatively low value-added industrial structure. 
4.58.   We believe that these two causes, namely high dependency on trade and low value-added 
industrial structure make Turkey’s economy more vulnerable to exogenous shocks. 
4.59.  For the same reason, we also commend "T urkish Exports Strategy for 2023" whose 
objectives are to increase the amount of export by 12% annually and attain 1.5% share in the total world export market.  
WTO 
4.60.   About the WTO, we were glad to hear that Turkey completed internal procedures and 
ratified the TFA this morning.  
G20, FTAs, EPAs, RTAs 
4.61.  Turkey has for years now fully committed itself to trade liberalization.  
4.62.  Firstly, its hosting of the G20 trade ministers meeting and the Antalya summit is still fresh 
in our minds. We positively evaluate the G20’s recognition that global trade and investment 
continue to be important engines of economic growth and development. 
4.63.  Second, Turkey has vigorously engaged in negotiations of FTAs. For now, FTAs with 
18 countries including the EU, Israel and Chile have  already been brought into force. In addition, 
Turkey has launched initiatives which led to negotiations with several countries, including the 
United States and Canada. With regard to the EPA with Japan, we have been entering into negotiations since December 2014. 
4.64.  Japan commends Turkey’s positive efforts to liberalize its international trade and hopes that 
its FTAs and EPAs will complement and strengthen the MTS. 
Concerns 4.65.  In spite of these positive elements, still there are a few concerns. 
4.66.  Our first concern is about restrictions on employment of foreign workers. According to the 
Ministry of Labor and Social Security, employers who request work permits for one foreign employee must employ at least five Turkish citize ns. Although there is some flexibility in its 
operation, the restriction is still a serious obstacle to Japanese companies’ business expansion. We 
believe this restriction could eventually give nega tive effect on employment of Turkish workers. 
We encourage Turkey to review this me asure to allow much more flexibility. 
4.67.  Second, according to the Secretariat's report, th e public interest about intellectual Property 
rights is now growing. However, Turkey still has left plenty of rooms for improvement on its 
protection system for IPR, as we see in the practices of data exclusivity period for medicinal WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  products, or with the legal certainty of patent system, such as the existence of non-examined 
patents, or the possibility of granting compulsory licenses based on the non-use of the patent. We have heard that the IPR draft law is ready to be proposed to the Parliament. We expect the draft law to include appropriate measures of improved pr otections of the IP rights and to be enacted as 
soon as possible. 
4.68.  Third, according to the Secretariat’s report, Turkey has not notified the WTO committee on 
Agriculture of its domestic support programmes despite the fact that it has implemented high 
supports over the period 2003-2014, according to th e Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock. 
Turkey also has not notified the WTO CoA of its export subsidies notifications. Japan requests 
Turkey to provide us with further explanations about notification. 
4.69.  In conclusion, I would like to express our strong wish to continue cooperation between 
Turkey and Japan.  
UKRAINE 4.70.  First of all, on behalf of Ukraine, I would like to express sincere condolences to the victims 
of the horrible terrorist attack in Ankara last weekend. Ukraine condemns the terrorism in all its 
forms. 
4.71.  Turkey is one of Ukraine’s important economic partners, and the results of the fifth session 
of Ukraine-Turkey High Level Strategic Council (at the level of Heads of States) held last week 
proved the enhancement of the strategic alliance between our countries. 
4.72.  Ukraine is confident that efficient and active  development of Ukraine-Turkey cooperation 
and the strategic partnership will promote changes for the better in the entire region. 
4.73.  Recently, our countries have also agreed to intensify negotiations in completing a Free 
Trade Agreement and held successive round of negotiations in Ankara. 
4.74.  Ukraine also values the cooperation with  Turkey across the work in the WTO. 
4.75.  Turning to the TPR, Ukraine submitted a series  of questions on a range of the following 
topics: trade and investment regime, regional an d preferential agreements, applied MFN duties, 
agriculture, business framework, etc. 
4.76.  Ukraine has asked Turkey to clarify some provisions concerning Turkey-EU Customs Union 
and market access to Turkey for other countries within the context of this Customs Union.  
4.77.  Ukraine has noticed that according to the Table 3.2 contained in paragraph 3.34 (page 52) 
applied tariff rates exceed the bound tariff rates and Ukraine asked for some clarifications on that 
issue. Ukraine has submitted some questions on  SMEs development, in particular National 
Entrepreneurship Strategy and Action Plan of Tu rkey, and the impact of Turkey-EU Customs Union 
on SMEs development. 
4.78.  Regarding agriculture, we have asked for information on state support for agricultural 
products, export of which tends to increase (acco rding to Table 4.3 in paragraph 4.8, page 123), 
with respect to some commodities such as sugar confectionary; chocolate; sunflower-seed, 
safflower or cotton-seed oil; and tomatoes.  
4.79.  Ukraine is also interested in preconditions for applying increased import duty rates (up to 
150%, by the way, unprecedented for Ukraine) for some agricultural products to protect appropriate agricultural sectors in accordance with provision of paragraph 3.30.   
4.80.  Also, we have asked Turkey to provide detailed information on the activity of the Turkish 
Grain Board. 
4.81.  Ukraine’s delegation would like to thank Turkey’s delegation for the respective answers to 
our questions, and we are going to submit fo llow-up questions according to the procedure. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.82.  We also would like to express our appreciation  to the delegation of Turkey for their hard 
work in preparing for this TPR. 
EUROPEAN  UNION 
4.83.  I would like to express our sincere condolences and solidarity with the Turkish people and 
the Government after the recent bomb attack in Ankara.  
4.84.  Turkey's economy resisted well the effects of the financial crisis, even if after a 
post-recessionary boom in 2010-2011 growth has so mewhat slowed to an annual average of about 
3%. In recent years, Turkey's economic performanc e has been negatively affected by the conflicts 
in neighbouring countries and their repercussions. 
4.85.  Trade is particularly important for Turkey. In fact, trade in goods and services represented 
about 60% of Turkey's GDP in 2014. During the re view period, the authorities have started to 
develop a strategy to reduce the current account deficit. There are two components to the 
strategy: an export part (with the goal to in crease exports by 12% annually until 2023) and an 
import part aiming at reducing dependence on im ports by encouraging the use of domestic inputs. 
It will of course be important for Turkey to ensure that this strategy is carried out in full respect of 
WTO rules. 
4.86.  The EU and Turkey enjoy a very close and special relationship that cannot be solely 
described in economic terms. In the context of this review, I would like to highlight the three 
following elements. 
4.87.  First, the EU remains Turkey's main trade and in vestment partner, whilst Turkey is the EU's 
fifth partner. Bilateral trade reached €140 billion in 2015 and represents about 40% of the total 
trade of Turkey. Two thirds of Foreign Direct Investment inflows into Turkey originated in the EU 
over the past years.  
4.88.  Second, Turkey is a candidate country for accession to the EU. To support this process, the 
EU cooperates with and assists Turkey in its efforts to align with "the EU acquis" (the body of EU 
law that underpins, inter alia , the internal market and the EU trade policy). Further alignment to 
the EU acquis significantly facilitates Turkey's implementation of the relevant WTO legal 
framework.  
4.89.  Thirdly, the EU and Turkey are part of a Cust oms Union. In May last year we decided to 
modernize our Customs Union in order to improve its functioning and expand the scope of the bilateral preferential framework. Such modernization could consist, for example, in covering very 
significant sectors such as public procurement or services. However, modernizing the Customs 
Union or expanding our bilateral relationship is an ambitious and important goal. The success of our effort depends on full implementation of the rules of the customs union and on our capacity to 
find solutions to some challenges that we are currently experiencing. In this respect, let me 
mention Turkey's restrictive import procedures for "second hand goods", and surveillance measures based on the setting of a minimum im port reference price. Both measures often 
materialize into burdensome and discriminatory treatment. Also, the EU pharmaceutical sector 
faces huge difficulties to enter the Turkish ma rket because of the lack of recognition of 
international certificates on Good Manufacturing Practices.  
4.90.  Therefore, we would like to use the opportunity  of this review today to convey our strong 
encouragement to our partners in Turkey to take without delay the necessary measures to fully 
implement the Customs Union vis à vis all EU Member States and in all its aspects. This would greatly facilitate progress towards an enhanced bilateral relationship.  
4.91.  Regarding Foreign Direct Investment, Turkey's attraction of FDI seems to have decreased 
during the review period. Of course, one cannot ex clude the impact of the geopolitical situation; 
still, there are important factors on which the Government can work in order to improve the 
business climate. Economic operators and the members of this Organization look for proper 
notifications, inclusive consultation processes, transparent decisions and full application of existing regulations. Economic actors need sufficient tran sitional periods when regulations are changed. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  Legal security, including enforcement of legislation and the independent functioning of the judicial 
system is a prerequisite for attracting investors and for business to stay. 
4.92.  Regarding transparency, which is a cornerstone of this Organization, the EU strongly regrets 
that Turkey has not been able to fulfil the mini mum WTO notification requirements for agriculture, 
in particular, but not only, on different aid schemes  and on agricultural support. Turkey should also 
clarify other elements of its policies such as export  subsidies, import licenses and agricultural state 
trading enterprises. 
4.93.  On trade facilitation, we are pleased to note that Turkey ratified the TFA last January. This 
could also create an opportunity for Turkey to consider that resorting to more risk analysis could be an avenue worth exploring to expedite legitimate trade transactions and to remove trade obstacles. On intellectual property rights, counterfeiting and enforcement of patents remain issues 
of concern. On services, we have asked for certain clarifications, in particular regarding telecoms 
and postal services. Finally, on public procuremen t, we regret to note that the recently revised 
legislation has not eliminated the domestic preference, but maintained a number of exemptions 
and introduced civilian off-sets. We trust that our concerns will be addressed in the legislative 
reform process planned for the end of this year. 
4.94.  Given our very special and strong bilateral relationship with Turkey, the EU takes great 
interest in this TPR. We are confident that it will provide valuable feedback to the Turkish 
authorities and help to further identify and refine  the means to achieve their trade objectives and 
to strengthen Turkey's position in international trade.  
KINGDOM
 OF SAUDI  ARABIA 
4.95.  I would like to extend our deepest condolences and solidarity to the Government and people 
of Turkey in connection with the tragedy of the terrorist attacks of last week. Our thoughts and 
prayers are with the victims and their fa milies and all the citizens of Turkey. 
4.96.  The Trade Policy Review reports prepared by the Government of Turkey and the Secretariat 
reveal the resiliency of the Turkish economy.  Despite the financial crisis, the unfavourable 
geopolitical context in the region and the associat ed influx of refugees, Turkey’s economy remains 
strong, open and transparent.  
4.97.  Turkey is the 17th largest economy in the world.  The economy grew at the rate of 4% in the 
third quarter of 2015 and according to OECD’s 2015 economic forecast summery; the country’s 
GDP growth is expected to increase to abov e 4% in 2017. Economic performance during the 
review period has been supported by comprehensive economic policy programs, solid domestic 
demand, robust public finances, industrial prod uction, private investment and resilient banking 
sector.  
4.98.  Open trade is clearly vital for Turkey as it continues its development and growth. We note in 
particular the Government's objective of enhancing Turkey's share of global trade and moving Turkey into a higher position in global value chains through its Tenth Development Plan (2014-18). 
Turkey is to be commended for the economic and financial reforms undertaken including Turkey’s 
Vision 2023 to set out multiple objectives for manu facturing, SME’s Strategy and Action Plan for 
2015-2018, IPR strategies, Turkey's TURQUALITY  programme to support Turkish brands in 
international markets, Health's Strategic Action  Plan 2013-17, Turkish Exports Strategy for 2023 
and Input Supply Strategy and investment incentives and schemes to promote foreign investment. 
4.99.  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Turkey ar e prominent trading partners. Our bilateral 
business ties are being steadily expanded and further strengthened by continuous interaction and 
cooperation. Trade exchange between the two countries surpassed US$8 billion in 2014.  
4.100.  Turkey’s exports to Saudi Arabia are mainly composed of automotive, clothing and textiles, 
iron and steel, fruits, vegetables and other agricu ltural products. Around 80% of Turkey’s imports 
are crude oil. The Saudi-Turkish Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and Business Council constitute 
bilateral mechanisms to enhance cooperation in trade and investment.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.101.  As an original Member of the WTO, Turkey is an active Member of this Organization and an 
active supporter of the multilateral trading system.  
4.102.  In this regard, I would like to appreciate the active role of H.E. Ambassador Mr. Haluk 
Ilicak and his delegation in WTO negotiations and other activities at large.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA 
4.103.  Hong Kong, China would also like to join othe rs in expressing our deepest condolences to 
all those affected by the bombing incident in An kara, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.  
General 
4.104.  Hong Kong, China (HKC) and Turkey enjoy a healthy and mutually beneficial trade 
relationship. Indeed, our exports of silver and platinum, jewellery, precious metals, printed matter, and textiles to Turkey recorded a phenomenal growth in 2014. We earnestly hope that our 
common economic interests will not only enable us to take our bilateral trade to a new level, but 
will also translate into closer partnership in the WTO, as well as joint efforts to strengthen the multilateral trading system. 
Specific topics 
Trade Facilitation 4.105.  One area of WTO work that both of us attach great importance to it is trade facilitation. 
Since the last review, Turkey has put in place a number of new measures, including a Single 
Window for the submission of customs documents and an Authorised Economic Operator programme for certified companies. We commend in particular Turkey’s decision to designate nearly all its commitments in Section I of the Ag reement on Trade Facilitation under Category A, 
for full implementation upon entry into force. We are delighted to learn that the ratification process 
has been completed and welcome Turkey’s deposit of the instrument of acceptance this week. 
Services 
4.106.  As Turkey rightly pointed out in its Government Report, domestic reforms can increase a 
country’s competitiveness and help it move up the global supply chains. We appreciate the regulatory reforms that Turkey has undertaken in various services sectors such as financial, 
healthcare, and distribution services. Given that se rvices is a dominant and growing contributor to 
Turkey’s GDP, it is certainly in the country’s interest to further liberalise this regime. 
Investment 4.107.  At the moment, restrictions remain in a variety of sectors including maritime transport, 
port services, accounting and financial services. As Turkey strives to attract foreign direct 
investment through its many incentive programmes and free zones, we hope it would also relax its investment restrictions. 
State-owned Enterprises 
4.108.  Privatisation of state-owned enterprises will create further investment opportunities. Good 
progress has been made, with more than 200 enterprises completely privatized by 
September 2015. However, SOEs are still prevalent in many key sectors including manufacturing, 
agriculture, transport, banking, and telecommuni cations. We encourage Turkey to step up its 
privatization efforts, not only for the benefit of foreign investors, but also to promote competition and diversity. 
Tariffs 
4.109.  Another area of reform that Turkey may wish to consider is simplification of its rather 
complex tariff structure and abolition of nuisance rates. At present, specific, compound, mixed and 
variable duties affect 275 tariff lines at the 12-digit level. Adopting ad valorem  rates will enhance WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  predictability. We also note with concern the Secretariat’s observation that at least 47 tariff lines 
appear to have higher applied rates than the bound rates. We hope this issue can be addressed in a timely manner. 
4.110.  Tariff reduction is, of course, equally important as a means of liberalizing and promoting 
trade. HKC, together with Turkey and some othe r WTO Members, are negotiating an agreement to 
cut tariffs for environmental goods, the outcome of which will benefit the entire WTO membership. Indeed, duty-free items already account for 23.5% of all Turkey’s tariff lines. However, the MFN 
applied rates for agricultural products as a whole still stand high, at 49%, with 76 tariff lines 
reaching 225%. Turkey being the world’s 7th largest producer of agricultural products, we encourage it to reduce the level of protection  in the sector, and minimize the use of trade 
distorting measures. In this connection, we understand that domestic support programmes 
involving huge amounts of direct payments did exis t but had not been notified to the WTO during 
the review period. We urge for greater transparency in this regard. 
Contingency Measures 
4.111.  At the same time, we note that Turkey is one of the top ten users of anti-dumping 
measures in the WTO. It is also the third biggest user of safeguard measures since the WTO’s inception. As frequent remedy actions could distor t the free flow of international trade, Turkey may 
wish to exercise greater restraint in the use of such measures. 
Concluding remarks 4.112.  Finally, I would like to congratulate Turkey on the prominent role it plays in international 
economic fora, notably during its G20 Term Presidency last year. Emerging from the global 
recession after 2009, Turkey’s own economy has also seen a strong rebound. The next milestone 
will be Vision 2023 when Turkey aspires to be on e of the top ten economies in the world. Achieving 
the targets will require diversification of markets and sectors, as well as movement up the value 
chains. We believe trade liberalization is an essential catalyst for this process. We hope to see 
Turkey making more ambitious commitments to th is end, and wish Turkey every success in its 
endeavours.  
SWITZERLAND 
4.113.  We wish to extend to the delegation of Turk ey a very warm welcome to this Trade Policy 
Review and join others in expressing our sinc ere condolences on the attack and tragic losses 
suffered in Ankara again last Sunday.  
4.114.  Switzerland appreciates the comprehensive information provided by Turkey and the 
Secretariat on developments since the last TPR.  
4.115.  We note and commend the continued growth of Turkey’s economy and trade over the 
reporting period despite a challenging environment. 
4.116.  For Switzerland, Turkey is an important partner country. In bilateral merchandise trade, 
based on what is today EFTA’s and Turkey’s longest-serving free trade agreement, it has been in 
force since 1992, the overall value has roughly tripled over the last decade to reach about 
US$8 billion with a trade balance turned distinctly positive in favour of Turkey for the first time in 2015. 
4.117.  Switzerland also has a sizeable bilateral services trade and ranks among the top dozen 
countries for foreign investment in Turkey, wi th currently about 26 000 employed by Swiss 
companies in Turkey. In reflection of this broader dimension of economic ties, negotiations are under way aimed at extending the existing FTA between EFTA and Turkey beyond the area of 
trade in goods. Furthermore, a bilateral Double Taxation Agreement entered into force in 2013. 
4.118.  In the framework of this TPR, Switzerland has submitted a range of questions, and we 
thank Turkey for the replies just received. 
4.119.  Let me highlight just a few points touched upon in our questions. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.120.  With respect to subsidies, we note that Turkey has not notified its domestic support or 
export subsidy programmes to the Committee on Agri culture for many years. This is a matter of 
concern as we consider the observance of transparency obligations as essential for a well-functioning multilateral trading system. We l ook forward to the implementation by Turkey of 
the Nairobi Ministerial Decision on export competition in agriculture. 
4.121.  As part of Turkey’s policy to review and reform environmentally problematic agricultural 
practices, Switzerland would like to invite Turkey to consider reducing or abolishing fossil fuels 
subsidies, notably the support for diesel fuel. 
4.122.  We note Turkey’s decision to remove import ed medicines from the reimbursement list in 
favour of locally produced pharmaceuticals. In our view, this raises questions under the non-discrimination rules of the GATT. 
4.123.  In the area of trade remedies, Turkey continues to be among the most frequent users of 
anti-dumping measures, with 14 new such measures imposed since 2012, and more than 140 in place by 2015. We would like to express our conc erns about such extensive recourse to trade 
remedies, which tend to negatively impact competition, international value chains and the world 
economy. 
4.124.  With respect to IPR, Switzerland welcomes Turkey’s ongoing reforms and action plan 
particularly in the field of protection of geographical indications. We will follow with interest the 
further measures implementing the respective strategy. 
4.125.  Still in the field of IPR, we would like to question the compatibility with the TRIPS 
Agreement of the term of protection for undisclosed information as submitted for the marketing 
authorization procedure. 
4.126.  Switzerland appreciates the active role played by Turkey in the WTO - a role enhanced by 
Turkey’s unique position between East and West, North and South, as well as its status as a major 
developing country, G20 and OECD member. 
4.127.  We would like to specially applaud Turkey’s support for the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
and the announcement just made on the ratification of that important instrument.    
4.128.  We look forward to Turkey’s further engagement for the multilateral trading system. Areas 
where we would particularly like to encourage Turkey to consider steps in due course include the low binding coverage of its tariff schedule for industrial products and significant gaps between bound and applied rates, as well as participation in the Government Procurement Agreement, 
based on the ongoing domestic reform process.  
THE
 SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
4.129.  At the outset, let me express my sincere and profound sympathy and condolences to the 
people and Government of Turkey for the loss of li ves in the terrorist attack happened in Ankara 
two days ago. 
4.130.  Turkey has made great economic strides in the recent years. We recognize that the Turkish 
Government has continued to implement ambitious and decisive economic programmes, leading 
Turkey to be the 17th largest economy in the wo rld, with high growth rates not only in its 
industrial and services sectors, but also in the agriculture sector. Such an achievement is very 
impressive indeed. 
4.131.  However, Turkey’s vulnerability to capital inflows, high current account deficit and inflation, 
along with the geopolitical risks and the associated  influx of refugees have posed challenges to 
Turkey. My delegation is delighted to learn that Turkey has already taken most of the actions and 
reforms needed to deal with these challenges.  
4.132.  We are encouraged by the fact that Turkey ha s always been actively engaged and played a 
significant role in the multilateral trading system. In particular, we appreciate the valuable WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  contribution of Ambassador Haluk Ilicak to the work of the WTO and we would like to continue the 
close working relationship between our two missions in Geneva. 
4.133.  We have submitted written questions in advance to seek further clarification on certain 
aspects of Turkey’s policy direction and approach. We are grateful to Turkey for its responses, 
which we shall be reviewing very carefully. 
4.134.  I will just mention a few issues in which my delegation has particular interests or concerns.  
4.135.  On tariffs, we are concerned that Turkey increased its applied tariffs in response to 
requests by domestic producers. Furthermore, it appears that for 47 tariff lines, the applied MFN 
rates exceed bound rates. We would like to ur ge the Turkish Government to ensure Turkey’s 
compliance with its WTO commitments. 
4.136.  We take particular note of Turkey's increased use of safeguard and anti-dumping 
measures. We have concerns over some investigation processes on the areas of trade remedies. 
However, we welcome the recent termination of the safeguard investigation on mobile phones by the Turkish Government. We would like to encourage Turkey to adopt positive measures which 
accelerate the development of its domestic industries, rather than using trade remedy measures. 
4.137.  We would encourage Turkey to make a further commitment to become a Party to the GPA, 
given the expanded market access coverage in the Revised GPA and the growing membership to 
the Agreement. This would increase predictabi lity, transparency, and competition in public 
procurement in Turkey, and generate new opportunities for its business community. 
4.138.  We are happy to learn about the completion of Turkey’s ratification on the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA) which was announced by Mr. Dilemre. We will continue to work 
closely with Turkey in the EGA negotiations, aiming at an early conclusion. 
4.139.  On the bilateral front, Turkey was our 8th largest trading partner in Europe. Total two-way 
trade was around US$1.7 billion in 2015. In recent years, we enjoy a growing closer engagement 
in the areas of investment and industrial cooperation. We welcome the launch of the direct flights 
between Istanbul and Taipei earlier this month. This will definitely further promote the bilateral tourism and trade between our two economies. We  therefore believe that there are still much 
more potentials for greater economic cooperation and trade expansion in the future for both of our 
economies. 
REPUBLIC
 OF KOREA 
4.140.  First of all, on behalf of the Korean delegation, let me express the deepest condolences to 
the Turkish people and Government on the horrible terrorist attack in Ankara. 
Economic performance of Turkey 4.141.  It is noted that Turkey’s economy and trade continued to grow steadily over the review 
period even though it is experiencing an econom ic slowdown due to the doldrums of global trade 
and economy. Korea also take note of Turkey’s efforts to complete ratification of Trade Facilitation agreement, enlarge its FTAs with its trading partners such as Korea, and streamline its regulation 
of TBT and SPS.  
4.142.  As of now, Turkey is facing several challenges including geopolitical instability as 
mentioned in the Secretariat report. It is our hope  that Turkey will address these challenges and 
achieve sustained economic growth by further re forming its economic system to increase its 
effectiveness under its plan "Vision 2023". 
Bilateral economic relationship 4.143.  During the review period, Turkey and Korea have established comprehensive and strong 
economic relations. In May 2013, the FTA for good s between Turkey and Korea entered into force, 
and last year both countries agreed to expand the FTA to the field of investment and services. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.144.  Based on this close economic partnership, bilateral trade volume between the two 
countries has increased from US$5.2 billion in 2012 to US$7.3 billion in 2014. Korea’s direct investment in Turkey has increased to US$1.5 b illion and last year more than 250,000 Korean 
tourists visited Turkey.  
4.145.  Although trade figures show some imbalances, it is clear that Turkey and Korea are 
developing comprehensive and strong economic relations which take into account broader aspects including investment, employment, and tourism. 
Issues of interest and concern to Korea 
4.146.  Let me now turn to some areas of particular interest and concern with respect to Turkey’s 
economic and trade policies and measures. 
4.147.  First, Korea would like to express its concern about the significant use of anti-dumping and 
safeguard measures by Turkey. Turkey is, follow ing India and the U.S., the third most frequent 
user of trade remedy measures against Korean exports. Turkey has initiated 16 investigations and imposed eleven anti-dumping and safeguard measures on Korean products.  
4.148.  Korea would like to kindly request Turkey to be more cautious in its use of trade remedy 
measures and to proceed with the relevant processes in a careful manner according to the WTO rules. In this context, Korea appreciates Turkey ’s notification this March that the safeguard 
investigation on cellular phones has been terminated with no safeguard measure imposed.  
4.149.  Second, Korea welcomes Turkey’s effort to reform its economy by privatizing its SOEs. 
With respect to Türk Telecom, despite the announcement of its further privatization, the Turkish state treasury still owns 30% of Türk Telecom’s shares. Considering Türk Telecom dominates 85% 
of the fixed telecommunication market, competition is not sufficient in the market.  
4.150.  Korea believes that further reform in this area would be needed for efficient and fair 
competition. In this regard, Korea would like to ask if Turkey has a plan to fully privatize Türk 
Telecom and also whether Turkey has developed any specific plans to promote more competition 
in the market. 
Turkey’s leadership in the multilateral trading system 
4.151.  Last year, Turkey showed its leadership by hosting the G20 Antalya Leaders' Summit very 
successfully. It is our hope that the same leadership will be replicated in the WTO and that Turkey will continue to play a role in strengthening multilateral trading systems.  
CHILE 
4.152.  Allow me first of all to express our condolences to and solidarity with the people of Turkey 
in relation to the terrible events recently witnessed in Ankara. 
4.153.  Relations between Chile and Turkey date back to the signing of the Friendship Treaty on 
30 January 1926. 
4.154.  In general, our bilateral relations have been excellent, as evidenced by the many visits 
made by our respective Heads of State, the latest example being the visit to Chile of 
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 31 January of th is year, as part of the celebrations marking 
90 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. 
4.155.  During that visit, the respective Internationa l Cooperation agencies agreed to deepen their 
relations in order to develop triangular cooperation projects in Latin America, Africa and the 
Middle East. 
4.156.  The respective air transport authorities also signed a memorandum of understanding with 
a view to elaborating an agreement on air servic es between the two countries in the short term. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.157.  The visit also encompassed the third Chile- Turkey Business Forum organized by Chile's 
Manufacturers Association (SOFOFA) and Turkey's Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK). On this occasion, the objective of doubling the vo lume of trade between the two countries was 
announced, to bring it up to US$1 billion in 2016. 
Trade 
4.158.  In 2015, trade between Chile and Turkey ca me to US$559 million, with Chile's exports 
totaling US$315 million and imports US$244 million. 
4.159.  Under the Chile-Turkey Free Trade Agreemen t (FTA), over 96% of trade between the 
two countries has been duty free since the entry in to force of the FTA, and the other goods in the 
timetable for reduction will be duty free within a maximum time-frame of six years. 
4.160.  The Agreement contains chapters on market access, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, 
technical barriers to trade, rules of origin, customs procedures, safeguard measures, dispute 
settlement and legal provisions, and has had an extremely positive effect on both countries. 
4.161.  Over the last five years, Chile's non-copper exports to Turkey have grown by some 16%, 
while our imports from the Turkish economy, excluding oil, have grown by around 12%. 
Trade policy review 4.162.  During the current review, Turkey has under taken a large number of reforms and changes 
with a view to achieving its Vision 2023, under which it aims to become one of the top 
ten economies in the world. This is an ambitious goal, which will require serious efforts in many areas, such as the following. 
4.163.  In the area of customs, as indicated in the Secretariat's report, noteworthy issues are the 
increase in the simple average tariff, and the complexity of the tariff structure, characterized by 
sharp differences between bound and applied rates,  compound and variable duties, as well as 
additional taxes and charges that can be imposed on certain imports. 
4.164.  It is also noticeable that, despite Turkey's positive efforts on trade facilitation, reflected in 
tangible initiatives such as the development of a Single Window application and the simplification of pre-arrival declarations, both imports and ex ports are subject to various border measures, 
including outright prohibitions, licensing requirements, controls and restrictions. 
4.165.  We are also concerned that Turkey continues to have recourse to WTO safeguard and 
anti-dumping trade remedies, and is indeed the third biggest user of such measures. 
4.166.  We trust that Turkey's efforts to liberalize its trade will lead to a revision of these 
measures, something which will doubtless have a positive impact on its trade. 
4.167.  In regard to agriculture, we urge Turkey to notify its domestic support and export subsidy 
programmes to the WTO Committee on Agriculture; based on some sources of information, these 
have resulted in high levels of support in comparison with other OECD countries, and payments 
based on agricultural output have increased, thus leading to distortions. 
4.168.  The foregoing overview reveals a vibrant and robu st economy. In spite of the onslaughts it 
has had to face in recent times, Turkey has none theless managed to sustain an average growth of 
3%. Turkey is an important Member of WTO, active in the negotiations, constructive and forthright in seeking consensus among its peers, and accordin gly we can but congratulate Turkey and wish it 
every success in this review. 
DOMINICAN
 REPUBLIC 
4.169.  First of all, we wish to express our sinceres t condolences to the Government of Turkey for 
the victims of last weekend's terrorist attack in Ankara. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.170.  From the Secretariat's report, it is apparent  that since 2009 Turkey, like the majority of 
economies, has been prey to considerable fluctuations in growth on account, inter alia , of the 
global economic and financial crisis witnessed si nce 2008. Turkey's economy is quite vulnerable to 
external shocks, in particular the shortage of capital inflows, in a volatile monetary and financial 
environment. It is also important to remark the difficult situation the country faces as a result of 
the refugee crisis stemming from political instability in the region, as well as sizeable reductions in agricultural output due to climatic conditions. In view of all these factors taken together, the 
difficulties Turkey has in maintaining a stable economic growth rate are understandable. 
4.171.  We perceive nonetheless that, as pointed out in the Secretariat's report, despite the 
difficult external environment characterized by low growth in the EU and conflict in the Middle East 
region, Turkey's economy and trade did continue to grow over the 2011-2015 period, albeit, as 
already stated, with substantial fluctuations. Growth has been founded on relatively low labour 
costs, good infrastructure and proximity to the EU , its main trading partner. In this respect, we 
congratulate Turkey on its sound management of the economy in the face of the considerable 
challenges standing in its way. 
4.172.  We note with interest that trade is an important part of the economy. Total trade in goods 
and services grew from the equivalent of 48% of GDP in 2010 to 60% in 2014; and, since 2010, 
exports increased by 38% to US$157.7 billion in  2014 (current prices). Turkey's merchandise 
imports reached US$242 billion in 2014, a 30% increase since 2010. The services sector is the dominant contributor to GDP (65% of 2014 GDP). Well-developed and important services sectors in Turkey include financial services, tourism and telecommunications. We welcome the reform 
processes that have been launched in some of those sectors. 
4.173.  We also see that Turkey's trade policy in term s of preferential trade continues to be linked 
to that of the EU, by virtue of its customs union with the latter. We note with satisfaction that 
Turkey's simple average applied tariff is relatively low, at 12.8%. Significant advances have also 
been made in the area of customs, such as: a new summary pre-arrival declaration form; the development of a Single Window application and the launch of a one-stop shop pilot project for 
terrestrial border posts; the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) 
programme and a trade facilitating programme for AEO certified companies. 
4.174.  As far as state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are concerned, we note here again that progress 
has been made in requiring them to establish an internal control system and an internal audit unit 
and subjecting them to independent external audit;  in addition, the privatization process has been 
stepped up since 2013. 
4.175.  We have submitted questions to Turkey regarding trade facilitation measures, FDI 
incentives, health criteria for the importation of livestock, and preference regimes. We are grateful 
for the replies, which we shall analyse with interest. Finally, we wish to congratulate Turkey on this 
review and wish it all the best for the future. 
NEW
 ZEALAND 
4.176.  Firstly, New Zealand wo uld like to extend condolences to the people of Turkey for the 
events in Ankara over the week-end.  
4.177.  New Zealand has an active interest in Turkey’s trade and investment policies. Our trade 
relationship with Turkey is solid, and growing, an d both countries would like to see the potential 
realised more fully. We look forward to working with Turkey to grow this relationship, including through facilitating more private sector engageme nt, and see this review as a timely and useful 
chance to identify areas of potential. 
4.178.  New Zealand congratulates Turkey on the resilience of its economy in the wake of both 
global and regional challenges. Based on our own ex periences, we would expect efforts to diversify 
trading partners and lessen its market dependencies to continue to pay off. With the European 
Union being Turkey’s major trading partner, we also look forward to seeing how the EU-Turkey Customs Union will be updated to reflect a more modern, comprehensive and ambitious trade policy agenda.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.179.  Turkey’s stated commitment to the WTO, to prioritizing a strong multilateral trading 
system and to resisting protectionism as a priority, is to be congratulated. As Turkey points out, 
the WTO is essential both for the smooth functioning of global trade, as well as for following an ambitious agenda for trade liberalisation.  
4.180.  While Turkey has demonstrated a general commitment to open trade in some sectors, this 
commitment has not always been consistently implemented. New Zealand has a particular interest in Turkey’s agricultural trade policy, as we expe ct other Members do as well. Turkey’s Vision 2023, 
which aims to grow Turkey into one of the worl d’s largest economies by 2023, is an important and 
ambitious objective, with Food, Agriculture & Animal Husbandry being one of its priority sectors. 
4.181.  The WTO Secretariat’s report notes that Turkey’s agricultural tariffs are particularly high, 
especially compared to other sectors. Of greater concern is that over the 4 year period of this 
assessment, and since similar comments were made  by WTO Members at Turkey’s last TPR, the 
WTO Secretariat’s report outlines that Turkey’s overall applied tariff in the agricultural sector increased in response to requests by domestic producers.  
4.182.  While we have some cause for concern over the nature and quantum of support being 
provided to the agriculture sector, it is difficult to have a fully informed view. This week’s TPR is important in this respect, but it should be possible to discuss these matters in the regular 
Committee on Agriculture rather than here every four years. It is concerning therefore that Turkey 
has not submitted a notification to the Committee on Agriculture on domestic support notification since 2001 and on export subsidies since 2000. This is a long running subject of questioning in the 
Committee on Agriculture and we very much encourag e Turkey to bring its notifications up to date. 
4.183.  Turkey has seen impressive development in recent years by further integrating itself into 
the global economy, and reducing barriers to trade in industrial goods. New Zealand welcomes Turkey’s desire to pursue trade liberalisation in these sectors, and we encourage Turkey to 
consider similar reforms in the agricultural sector and to adopt measures that will drive greater 
productivity and competitiveness, with ultimately better results for producers, consumers, and society.  
4.184.  There is considerable potential to do more and developing and modernizing Turkey’s 
agriculture sector, including through reforming tariffs and other distorting trade policies, could go a long way to contributing to Turkey’s Vision 2023. We look forward to further updates on progress 
in achieving this vision.  
4.185.  New Zealand welcomes Turkey’s reforms in telecommunications and stated commitment to 
services liberalization, especially across transport and logistics. Services are a significant and growing area of export interest for New Zealand and many other Members, but often also form a 
crucial underpinning to many aspects of the domestic economy. We hope that the services sector 
reforms indicated in this review are a sign of things to come, and will continue to observe with interest.  
4.186.  Also looking to the future, fossil fuel subsidy reform is an area of increasing importance for 
all Members. Turkey has a good story to tell on progress on energy pricing, in liberalization, cost-recovery and transparency. This story could we ll be told and indeed continued by engaging in 
the G20 peer review process for reform of fossil fuel subsidies.  Through this mechanism for the 
review of fossil fuel policies Turkey could sh are lessons from its previous reform efforts. 
4.187.  In conclusion, the reports by the Republic of Turkey and the Secretariat illustrate the 
resilience of Turkey’s economy, its renewed potential for growth, and efforts to diversify and 
strengthen its trading relationships going forward. New Zealand welcomes this, and looks forward 
to Turkey continuing to realise its strong potential. 
CANADA 
4.188.  It is with great interest that we participate today in Turkey’s sixth Trade Policy Review, and 
we warmly welcome Turkey’s delegation here today. As we are well aware, the work of this Body takes place in a much broader context, and I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Turkey’s leadership role in responding to the hum anitarian crisis in Syria. Since 2011, Turkey and WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  its people have shown great compassion in the fa ce of the tragedy on their doorstep, welcoming 
over two and a half million refugees within their borders. We commend Turkey on this important contribution. Unfortunately, also part of that broader context is the risks that come with the current instability in the region, made all too clear with last Sunday’s deadly attack in Ankara. We 
join others in expressing our sincere condolences to  the people of Turkey and in particular, to the 
victims of the bombing and their families. 
4.189.  Moving to the matter that we are considering today, we commend Turkey on the ambitious 
economic goals it has identified for itself as part  of its Vision 2023 plan, and encourage Turkey to 
implement key aspects of the Structural Reform Agenda that it has laid out in its Medium Term Program. Increasing transparency and combatti ng corruption, with a view to enhancing the 
stability of the market and legal system, will pave the way for strong, sustainable and inclusive 
economic growth. We encourage Turkey to contin ue to support the independence of the Central 
Bank and the Bank’s ability to set monetary policies that respond to market conditions and adjust to inflation. 
4.190.  F o r e i g n  d i r e c t  i n v e s t m e n t  w i l l  c o n t i n u e  t o  b e  c r i t i c a l  t o  T u r k e y ’ s  e c o n o m y ,  a n d  t o  t h e  
government’s ability to deliver on its ambitious economic targets. Confidence in the Turkish market on the part of foreign businesses and investors is in turn dependent on a transparent and 
predictable operating environment, and the willingne ss of Turkey’s Government to allow legitimate 
private sector companies to operate freely, regardless of political affiliation. The impartial and timely execution of administrative responsibilities  on the part of the Turkish government regarding 
commercial activity is crucial to maintaining Turkey’s reputation as an attractive environment for 
investment. 
4.191.  Turkey’s Vision 2023 includes significant public investment in infrastructure development, 
and we are encouraged that we will continue to see many of its world class projects including high-
speed rail, modernized energy infrastructure, public  transportation, Istanbul’s new airport, and oil 
and gas infrastructure that is critical for the energy security of Turkey and Europe. These ambitious projects will also serve as an importan t and promising area of job creation for Turkey’s 
young population. 
4.192.  However, Canada must note with regret that Turkey has recently enacted a mandatory 
15% price preference for medium and high-technolog y industrial products. This is in addition to 
the current price advantage that contracting authorities may provide to domestic tenderers. Such 
policies can increase costs and reduce choice in government purchasing. Canada would therefore 
encourage Turkey to end these discriminatory pr actices and to adopt procurement policies that 
encourage greater competition. 
4.193.  Finally, we join others in expressing concer n about Turkey’s mixed record of submitting 
WTO notifications, in which there are significant gaps in important areas. We note with particular concern an attempt last year to notify new labelling requirements for alcohol with only a three day 
comment period. The importance of the monitoring function of the WTO, including not only these 
Trade Policy Reviews but also regular notification of trade policy measures, should not be underestimated. We therefore call upon Turkey to bring its notifications up-to-date as soon as 
possible, and to do so in a way that also respects the spirit of its notification obligations. 
4.194.  Canada submitted several advance questions to Turkey, on matters such as prospective 
FTAs, MFN rates, SPS issues, and government pr ocurement, further reflecting our degree of 
interest in the reports under discussion today. We  appreciate Turkey’s efforts in providing the 
various elaborations and clarifications sought and will review the responses that were received 
today. 
4.195.  Mr. Chair, I thank you and the discussant for your insightful remarks that have framed our 
discussion today. I would like to close with the observation that Turkey’s continued work to 
implement structural reforms and grow its economy can only augment its already resilient economic performance and further strengthen its ability to weather global and regional challenges. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  BRAZIL 
4.196.  Before addressing trade issues, I'd like to express, once again, the condolences of the 
Brazilian people to the families of the victims of the bomb attack that took place last weekend in Ankara. I take this opportunity to reaffirm Brazil’s solidarity to the people and Government of 
Turkey, and to reiterate our firm repudiation of all forms of terrorism.  
4.197.  Turning now to this TPR, we all know that Turkey is an important player in the global 
economy, and its trade policy choices are of obvious relevance to the multilateral trading system. 
4.198.  Turkey’s economy has displayed positive results every year since the peak of the global 
crisis, in 2008-2009, even if growth rates have no t kept a steady trend. As pointed out by the 
reports, Turkey faces internal challenges in the pursuit of economic stability, such as a high 
current account deficit and, more recently, a rising inflation. Brazil is well aware of and has also 
experienced strong headwinds, some of which still resulting from developments ultimately related 
to that original crisis.  
4.199.  In the case of Turkey, we recognize that th e complex situation in its immediate region, 
including that of displaced peoples, as well as the adverse effect of terrorist actions on tourism, for 
example, represent additional and complex challenges to the country’s economy. We trust that such difficulties may and will soon be overcome.  
4.200.  Trade is certainly one of the instruments that can help Turkey’s economy, and the 
information provided for this exercise shows that its relevance has increased during the last years. With a robust manufacturing basis, trade responded for around 60% of its GDP in the review period. That figure, as well as the impressive number of RTAs and customs union with the 
European Union, confirms the country’s outward orientation. Regarding long-term trade goals, 
Turkey’s priorities as reflected in its Developmen t Plans cover both social and economic targets. 
4.201.  On the less positive side, as others before me, Brazil notes with concern that only 50% of 
Turkey’s tariff schedule is bound. Furthermore, look ing at the country’s tariff structure, we see a 
much higher level of protection for agriculture in comparison with other areas. The average applied rate for agricultural products, currently at 49%, is nine times greater than that for non-agricultural 
goods. Both have increased since the last review, a trend that points to growing protectionist 
pressures.  
4.202.  The imbalance between the protection of agricu ltural and industrial goods is also clear 
when we observe the number and distribution of Tu rkey’s domestic tariff peaks. Almost 10% of 
the country’s tariffs fall in this category, and most of them apply to agricultural products. All of the 
76 tariff lines above 200% highlighted in the Secretariat’s report apply to meat, as well as to other products of animal origin, and pose a significant barrier to their import into Turkish territory. 
4.203.  The current reforms in Turkey’s SPS legislation are of great interest to Brazil. We are now 
exploring bilaterally alternatives for the remova l of barriers that have prevented the access of 
Brazilian beef to Turkey’s market. Brazil is one of  the largest world exporters of this product, and 
we are confident that Turkish consumers will soon be  able to have Brazilian beef on their tables.  
4.204.  Still on the agricultural front, we urge Turkey to increase the level of transparency in the 
implementation of its support programs, updating  the notifications of its export subsidies and 
domestic support. The Secretariat’s report highlights that Turkey has maintained a high level of 
support, thereby further distorting trade in this area. 
4.205.  As for our bilateral relations, trade between the two countries grew almost ten times since 
the beginning of the decade, reaching its peak in 2012. Despite a small decrease since then, Brazil 
remains the main trade partner for Turkey in Latin America. 
4.206.  There is ample room for diversification and addition of value in the Brazilian exports to the 
Turkish market: almost half of our exports consist of basic products, especially iron ore, cotton and 
coffee, whereas eighty-five percent of our import s from Turkey are manufactured goods, mainly 
auto-parts and electrical and mechanical machinery.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.207.  Bilateral Foreign Direct Investment increased during the review period, benefitting from 
the entry into force, in 2013, of the double taxa tion agreement between our countries. Today, two 
major Brazilian companies have production units in Turkey while several others are present through joint-ventures with Turkish enterprises. Turkey is also investing in Brazil, mainly in the 
textile and security sectors.   
4.208.  Our bilateral relations are characterized by a high degree of institutionalization in trade and 
political matters. Moreover, talks on a free trad e agreement between Mercosur and Turkey have 
led to the signature of a framework agreemen t in 2008. Brazil remains open to exploring 
alternatives to resume these negotiations, which could help expand and diversify our trade. 
4.209.  I thank the delegation of Turkey for the replies to our questions, which will be carefully 
considered in Brasilia. Let me conclude by wishing the Mr. Dilemre and the Turkish delegation a 
successful conclusion of its Trade Policy Review and a safe return home afterwards. 
PERU 4.210.  Before beginning, allow me, Mr Chairman, to add my voice to the expressions of solidarity 
with the delegation and people of Turkey in rela tion to last Sunday's terrorist attack, and to 
convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Peru deplores and condemns these violent acts which have cost many innocent lives. 
4.211.  I should like to open my statement by underlining the excellent level of bilateral relations 
between Peru and Turkey. I say this because our two countries established diplomatic relations 
nearly 65 years ago, and over the last seven years we have intensified political and diplomatic meetings at the highest level. 
4.212.  In 2010, both countries opened Resident Embassies in our respective capitals, and just 
over four weeks ago Peru received the official vi sit of the President of the Republic of Turkey, 
Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by a number of Ministers of State, senior authorities and a 
delegation of just under 100 entrepreneurs. This hist oric event – the first official visit to Peru by a 
Turkish Head of State – testifies to the excellent state of our relations. 
4.213.  Without doubt, this visit served to streng then political and diplomatic contacts and 
exchanges in the various facets of our bilateral relationship and, in turn, provided an opportunity 
to plan and foster our economic and trade relations. 
4.214.  Peru is following very closely the economic growth and development achieved by Turkey 
over the past few years, which have enabled Turkey to take its place among the 20 major global 
economies, as a Member of the G-20 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and 
Development. Peru is very keen to work with Turkey in order to secure mutual benefits for our peoples. 
4.215.  Peru and Turkey are complementary economies, and there is considerable potential for 
expanding trade. In 2015, our bilateral trade reached just over US$300 million. The visit to Peru of nearly 100 entrepreneurs accompanying President Erdogan enabled us to examine trade relations 
between the two countries and, in particular, strengthen direct contact between dozens of 
entrepreneurs with a view to developing business,  trade and investment, within the framework of 
the "Peru-Turkey Business Forum" organized on 3 February last in the Peruvian capital, Lima. 
4.216.  Similarly, I should like to emphasize that since 2013 Peru and Turkey have been engaged 
in intense technical and political activity to prepare negotiations for a free trade agreement. Thus, 
negotiations were formally launched in 2014 with  a view to taking our economic and trade 
relations to an even higher level. To date, four rounds of negotiations have taken place and a 
further round will be held shortly in Turkey, both governments having agreed on the importance of 
giving the negotiations renewed impetus in order to bring them to a conclusion during the course of this year. 
4.217.  Turning to the Secretariat's report on the trade policy review of Turkey, it is worth 
highlighting that in spite of the difficult international economic and political context, Turkey's economy and trade have continued to grow in th e period 2011-2015. In expenditure terms, the WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  main drivers of growth during the review period  have been domestic consumption and exports; 
while in sectoral terms, manufacturing and services - particularly tourism, transport and financial services - have contributed strongly. Turkey has also pressed on with the signing of trade agreements and continued strengthening the regulatory framework in order to attract foreign 
direct investment. We welcome the changes in the area of customs, such as, inter alia , the 
Single Window application and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. 
4.218.  Nevertheless, as stated in the Secretariat's report, despite the country's good economic 
performance and trade growth, Tu rkey maintains a number of border measures affecting both 
exports and imports, including outright prohibitions, licensing requirements, controls and restrictions. 
4.219.  Similarly, the Secretariat's report points to the fact that government programmes in some 
sectors – particularly agriculture – distort trad e and production, while the low level of tariff 
bindings for non-agricultural goods and high applied tariffs for agricultural goods create uncertainty for those trading partners that do not have trade agreements with Turkey. 
4.220.  The report indicates that, to sustain economic growth going forward, Turkey will have to 
overcome challenges stemming from a complex geopolitical environment, and also improve macroeconomic variables. Future growth will depe nd on investment and, although Turkey has a 
comprehensive system of incentives, their complexity, along with restrictions in some sectors, may 
reduce the system's effectiveness. 
4.221.  Peru regards this trade policy review of Turk ey as a significant opportunity to obtain 
valuable information of benefit to all, and we therefore wish Turkey a very successful outcome of 
this exercise. 
4.222.  Within the framework of this review, Peru submitted some questions concerning various 
operational aspects of the general conduct of trade, and would like to take the opportunity to 
thank the Turkish delegation for the replies it has provided, which will be transmitted to our 
competent authorities in the capital for evaluation and follow-up. 
UNITED
 STATES 
4.223.  The U.S. delegation warmly welcomes Turkey ’s Deputy Undersecretary Dilmere and the 
Turkish delegation. We also appreciate, on an ongoing basis, the contribution of our friend 
Ambassador Ilicak. Of course, the United States joins others in condemning the attack on Sunday in Ankara. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.   
4.224.  Turning to Turkey’s Trade Policy Review, Turk ey has remained a source of impressive 
economic growth in its region during the review period, despite the political, security, social and 
economic turmoil many of its neighbours have faced in recent years. As the Secretariat’s report 
indicates, foreign trade and investment have, if  anything, grown in importance to Turkey’s 
economy during this period. Turkey’s services sector continues its strong role in generating GDP, while a diverse and remarkably resilient manufactu ring sector remains the bedrock of Turkey’s 
exports.  All this said, the disturbances at Turk ey’s doorstep have undeniably put pressure on the 
Turkish economy, and that must serve as a backdr op to our discussions with our Turkish friends on 
how we can cooperate in the future. As the Secretariat’s report notes, the economy has experienced somewhat uneven growth since the last  review and remains vulnerable to external 
shocks, inter alia, via a relatively high current  account deficit and unpredictable demand for 
Turkish exports among its key trading partners. 
4.225.  We continue to welcome Turkey’s efforts to engage actively in the global trading system, 
including through its involvement in the TiSA an d Environmental Goods Agreement negotiations. 
These activities, along with Turkey’s active purs uit of free trade agreements with a variety of 
partner countries throughout the world, affirm the commitment of Turkish officials and business 
leaders to enhance their country’s economic future through active engagement with the global 
economy. 
4.226.  Turkey's participation in these initiatives is important to the United States and it is 
precisely because of Turkey's economic importance th at we will continue to have high expectations WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  that Turkey can contribute to our overall effo rt. Similarly, we welcome Turkey’s announcement 
today of good news concerning its ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
4.227.  The United States has been pleased to work with Turkey on trade and investment issues 
over many years through a variety of bilateral consultative mechanisms, including the ministerial-
level, Framework for Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation. Our discussions have 
focused on exploring practical ways to better familiarize our respective private sectors with each other’s markets and promoting commercial ties in other ways through an enhanced bilateral trade 
and investment relationship.  
4.228.  Turkey remains an economy of great potential and significant future interest for U.S. firms 
looking to expand trade and investment ties in the Eurasian/Middle East region. However, in our view, reforms in certain areas would magnify foreign business interest in the Turkish market. Many 
of the questions we pose today reflect our desire to better communicate to U.S. firms the 
objectives and requirements of Turkish policies th ey will encounter in Turkey. For example, we 
seek additional information on various aspects of  Turkey’s customs and tax regimes, as well as 
measures affecting Turkish exports. We ask for further transparency with regard to Turkey’s 
adoption of investment incentives and technica l measures, and seek additional information on 
policies related to the agricultural sector. These include certain SPS measures which affect U.S. 
exports of a range of products, such as bovine genetics and crops produced with agricultural 
biotechnology, as well as the structure and operation of Turkish agricultural support mechanisms. Like others today, we note our deep disappointment at Turkey’s failure to meet its regular WTO notification requirements, which also complicates our collective ability to engage in negotiations in 
the area of agriculture. 
4.229.  In addition, since the United States has always advocated for strong intellectual property 
protections as critical to creating a business-friendly economy, we seek greater clarity with respect 
to a number of Turkish policies in this area. We believe that Turkey’s economy would benefit 
greatly through the improved protection of IPR and we would welcome the opportunity to review aspects of Turkey’s copyright law, among others, as well as learn more about Turkey’s current and 
future enforcement efforts to combat piracy. 
4.230.  Finally, we would draw your attention to our question regarding the Government's ongoing 
antidumping investigation of US exports of cotton, where Turkey appears neither to have provided sufficient disclosure nor evidence to justify the imposition of a measure. We would urge the 
Government to look closely at our questions and concerns, which have been raised throughout the 
investigation without a clear response. 
4.231.  In closing, it is our assessment that Turkey will remain a key economic actor in its region 
and globally. The United States remains ready to work with Turkey to strengthen cooperation in 
the WTO, plurilateral and bilateral arenas. 
INDONESIA
  
4.232.  Indonesia joins others in expressing deep condolences to the victims of the bomb affecting 
Ankara. 
4.233.  Turkey is one of the important global tradin g players, which has strong commitment to the 
multilateral trading system and open market. Turkey  is also one of the leading global producers of 
textiles, agricultural products, construction materials, electronics, home appliances and 
transportation equipment. 
4.234.  The Government and the people of Indonesia have long maintained its strong and sound 
bilateral relations with the Government and peop le of Turkey. Turkey is one of Indonesia's 
important trading partners, where the total va lue of trade between both countries in 2015 
amounted to US$1.4 billion. Given the strong trade relationship between the two countries, 
Indonesia attaches great importance to Turkey's commitment to multilateral trading system and 
open market. 
4.235.  Despite our strong trade relations, we still have concerns over some trade policies and 
measures adopted by Turkey. In the last decade, we have noted an increase in the use of trade WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  remedies instrument, as referred to in paragrap h 3.59 and 3.64 of the Secretariat report. There 
are 11 antidumping and several safeguards measures, which affect Indonesia's export to Turkey, including Polyester Synthetics Staple. My delegation would like also to seek clarification from Turkey with regard to the safeguard investigat ion on porcelain and ceramics product, and there 
has been no clarity whether the investigation is still in place or has been withdrawn. 
4.236.  In this opportunity, my delegation wishes to  underline that antidumping, safeguards and 
countervailing duties should only be used on an exceptional situation and shall be justified by the 
existing multilateral disciplines. In this connection, we are of the view that due restraint must be 
exercised in using such trade defence. 
4.237.  My delegation would also like to register to this meeting that we have submitted several 
written questions to Turkey. We wish to thank the delegation of Turkey for providing written 
answers to our questions. Indeed, we will study them further. 
4.238.  In conclusion, I would like to, once again,  express my highest appreciation to the 
delegation of Turkey for its hard work. 
RUSSIAN
 FEDERATION 
4.239.  At the outset, let me express our sympathy and solidarity with the Government and the 
people of Turkey in light of the terrorist attack  on Sunday. Russia condemns terrorism in all its 
forms.  
4.240.  Turkey is Russia's sixth largest trading partner. In 2015, the amount of our bilateral 
merchandise trade reached US$23.3 billion. As for the trade in services, in 2014 the turnover has amounted to US$12.6 billion. It is noteworthy that the Russian Federation is among the top five 
countries with the highest FDI flows to Turkey totalling US$1.2 billion in 2014. Consequently, 
Turkey's trade regime, as well as the complianc e of the Turkish trade policies with the core 
principles of the WTO such as transparency, accountability and non-discrimination, are of great 
importance to Russia. 
4.241.  Prior to this TPR, Russia has submitted a number of questions regarding Turkey's 
anti-dumping measures; import prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing; application of support 
programmes and export subsidies in agriculture; State Trading Enterprises; certain SPS measures 
and the process of alignment of Turkish technical regulations with the sector-specific EU directives. Now we would like to focus on our keys co ncerns regarding Turkey's trade policies. 
4.242.  We look forward to receiving a more complete and comprehensive information concerning 
our advanced written questions on the recently disclosed results of the ongoing anti-dumping 
investigation on imports of hot-rolled steel products originating in, inter alia , the Russian 
Federation, as well as the practices of normal value calculation and product scope determination 
used by the Turkish authorities. 
4.243.  We believe that the replacement of costs actu ally incurred by the producers with the data 
relating to the costs outside of the country of origin and exportation of the product under 
consideration has substantive distortive effect on the level of anti-dumping margin. It is not 
justified under the provisions of the Anti-Dumping  Agreement that require the normal value to be 
based on "the cost of production in the country of origin" and Article 2.2.1.1 of the Anti-Dumping 
Agreement that states that "costs shall normally be calculated on the basis of records kept by the 
exporter or producer under investigation". We are thus asking the Turkish side to reconsider its 
anti-dumping practice and to bring its measures into compliance with the WTO obligation. 
4.244.  Furthermore, the Russian Federation would like  to present a few follow-up questions that 
will later be submitted to the Secretariat in writing. 
4.245.  Russia has concerns over Turkey's support programmes for the small and medium 
enterprises such as the ones provided by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development 
Organization (KOSGEB) as referred to in paragrap h 3.3.1.3 of the Secretariat report. SME Strategy 
and Action Plan for 2015-18 provides for, in part icular, enhancement of the internationalization 
level of SMEs by improving their export capaci ty. Besides, Turkey implements some supportive WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  measures under its Chemicals Industry Strategy mentioned in paragraph 4.75 of the report. 
However, there is a lack of information whether the said SME programmes and Chemicals Industry Strategy contain elements, which are not in line with the Article 3 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. Therefore, could Turk ey please clarify what measures are used to 
reach the strategic targets mentioned in the SME Strategy and Action Plan for 2015-18 and 
Chemicals Industry Strategy and provide a reference. 
4.246.  Furthermore, according to paragraph 4.61 of the Secretariat report, the Government has 
encouraged domestic companies, in collaboration with multinational producers, to develop a 
"national car" assembled in Turkey using Turkish-made parts. Therefore, we would like to know how Turkey plans to ensure consistency of this initiative with the obligations provided for in paragraph 4 of Article III of the GATT and in paragr aph 1 of Article XI of the GATT as well as in 
Article 2 of the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures. 
4.247.  In addition, Russia is concerned over the implementation of Tobacco Fund levy of 
US$900 per tonne as referred to in paragraph 3.52 of the Secretariat report. Could Turkey please 
clarify whether the similar measure is applied to the domestically produced raw tobacco? 
4.248.  Lastly, Russia would like to emphasize the importance of compliance with notification 
obligations under the Agreement on Agriculture through the timely provision of up-to-date 
notifications. In this context, could Turkey plea se clarify when it is going to submit pending 
notifications under the Agreement on Agriculture? 
4.249.  We look forward to receiving the answers to our advanced written questions submitted for 
this TPR and follow-up questions which we will consider thoroughly. 
ECUADOR 
4.250.  Ecuador welcomes the delegation of Turkey, led by Mr Hüsnü Dilemre, to whom we express 
our solidarity in relation to last weekend's terrorist attack. 
4.251.  Ecuador is participating in this trade policy review with keen interest: the recent visit by 
Turkish President Recep Erdogan to Ecuador last Febr uary is a mark of the importance that Turkey 
attaches to Latin America and the depth of it s relations with the countries of the region. 
4.252.  During the visit, the Presidents of Ecuador and Turkey analyzed ways of strengthening 
bilateral relations, discussed potential investments by the Eurasian country in Ecuador and explored concrete options for mutually beneficial trade. It is important to point out that a large proportion of bananas, flowers and other export products from Ecuador reach Asia through Turkey, 
and the two countries will thus continue to address means of stepping up their bilateral 
cooperation. 
4.253.  Likewise, with the aim of stimulating trade between the two countries, the Presidents 
announced their governments' determination to conclude the negotiations on a Trade Agreement 
for Development as soon as possible. 
4.254.  Turning to the report submitted by the Secretar iat, we note that Turkey is deemed to be 
the 17
th largest economy in the world; that it has experienced a slowdown in the last few years on 
account of a decline in agricultural production owing to adverse climatic conditions; and that its economic growth has also been affected by the recent geopolitical crisis in the region and the associated influx of refugees. 
4.255.  Despite this tough external environment, Turkey's economy and trade grew over the 
2011-2015 period, a growth based on relatively low labour costs, good infrastructure and proximity to the EU, its main trading partner. 
4.256.  At the same time, we observe a number of difficulties in Turkey's economy, such as for 
example high inflation since mid-2013. 
4.257.  On the other hand, it is important to highlight a number of positive features, too. For 
instance, total trade in goods and services in Tu rkey grew from 48% of GDP in 2010 to 60% in WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  2014, the majority of its exports being manufacture d goods, in particular textiles and clothing, 
automotive products, chemicals and iron and steel. 
4.258.  While agriculture and manufacturing remain important components of the Turkish 
economy, the services sector continues to be the dominant contributor to GDP, amounting, 
according to the Secretariat's report, to 65% of GDP in 2014. Well-developed and important 
services include financial services, tourism and telecommunications. 
4.259.  The data on the growth of Turkey's tourism sector provided in the Secretariat's report 
highlight the importance of tourism in the country 's economy. The figures show that it outpaced 
global growth in the sector, making Turkey the sixth ranked country in the world in terms of 
international tourist arrivals and the 12th in terms of tourism receipts in 2014. 
4.260.  Ecuador likewise recognizes as a key component of Turkey's economy the many incentive 
schemes put into practice to help attract foreign direct investment: technology development 
zones, organized industrial zones and free zones offer investor-friendly environments. 
4.261.  Turkey's achievements in the area of custom s include the introduction of a new summary 
pre-arrival declaration form; the development of a Single Window application; the launch of a 
one-stop-shop pilot project for terrestrial bo rder posts; and the implementation of a 
trade-facilitating programme for Authorized Economic Operator certified companies. 
4.262.  Ecuador also wishes to underline that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are involved in a 
number of important sectors of the Turkish economy, including manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, agriculture, transport and banking. We acknowledge  that, during the review period, new provisions 
have been put in place to require SOEs to establis h an internal control system and subject them to 
independent external audit, thereby enha ncing transparency and accountability. 
4.263.  In conclusion, we wish to thank the Turkish delegation in anticipation for its replies to the 
questions we have raised on some specific aspects of its trade policy. This will provide important 
information for strengthening bilateral relations in the area of external trade. 
PARAGUAY 4.264.  Before beginning, I wish to express our solidari ty with Turkey in relation to the violence 
which its society is suffering, and our thoughts and feelings go out to the innocent victims and 
their families. 
4.265.  We value Turkey's participation in this exercise, at a time of major economic and 
commercial challenges in which it has had to overcome the obstacles arising from a rather delicate 
regional context and a global economy displaying low growth. 
Turkey's economy and international trade 4.266.  As all of us here are aware, Turkey's econom y is one of the most vibrant of the region, 
with a resolutely export-oriented production platform. Thanks to this and to its sound economic 
policy, Turkey has grown significantly during th e review period. After the slowdown in 2012, the 
Turkish economy grew by 4.1% in 2013, 2.9% in 2014 and 4% in 2015. 
4.267.  Turkey's foreign trade also performed well in  relation to global trends and averages. 
Indeed, WTO statistics indicate that Turkey lies in 15
th position in a group of 40 Members which 
managed to increase their total exports annually. In this regard, the sectoral mix of its exports has been evolving towards more capital- and technology-intensive products, in line with global trends 
in world trade. The share of medium- and hi gh-tech products in Turkish exports exceeds 
US$46.5 billion. 
4.268.  Another interesting aspect of the Turkish economy is the prominent role played by the 
services sector in terms of economic activity, especially as regards employment generation and 
trade, both domestic and international. The serv ice sector's share in Turkey's GDP stood at 59% 
in 2014. Moreover, this sector grew faster than other economic activities, especially in the 
non-traditional sectors such as audiovisual services. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  Review of Turkey's trade policy 
4.269.  The review exercise in which we are engaged today has demonstrated the major 
importance which Members attach to Turkey in te rms of international trade, as evidenced by the 
large number of questions that have been asked. In this regard, it has been extremely interesting 
to get more details about the outstanding notifications in the area of agriculture, as well as other 
measures affecting imports, like import duties and the increase in the simple average of the tariffs applied. The questions on the incentive scheme for production and attracting investments have 
also stood out. 
4.270.  My delegation, too, has put forward specific questions and we are grateful for the replies 
received, which will be anal ysed with great interest. 
Bilateral relations 
4.271.  Elsewhere, I wish to emphasize the excellent  bilateral relations existing between my 
country and Turkey, not only at the economic level, but also at the political, social and cultural levels. This relationship dates back to 1953, and our Governments are working assiduously to 
reinforce it in the near future. 
4.272.  Nevertheless, we must recognize that our trade, while substantial (representing more than 
US$330 million in total), still falls short of its po tential level, in terms of both quantity and 
diversity. The main goods exported to Turkey  by Paraguay include soya beans and pellets, 
sunflower seeds, beef, charcoal and leather. In th e other direction, from Turkey to Paraguay, we 
may mention, among others, sales of iron rods, tractors and cement. 
Conclusion 
4.273.  In concluding, I do not wish to miss the opportunity to underline that Turkey has continued 
implementing trade-facilitation measures during the review period, as demonstrated by the introduction of more systematic and streamlined  customs procedures and the implementation of 
various actions foreseen in the Trade Facilitation  Agreement. It is worth reiterating that the 
delegation of Turkey takes an active part in the TFA negotiations, and is an important ally for Paraguay in respect of measures to promote Freedom of Transit. 
4.274.  Once again I congratulate those leading this review and the delegates from the 
Permanent Mission of Turkey in Geneva for their invariably active involvement in the different 
areas of WTO's work. 
COSTA
 RICA 
4.275.  I wish to express deepest condolences to and solidarity with the Government and people of 
Turkey in relation to the recent terrorist attacks that took place this month and last month. Our thoughts today are with the victims of these attacks. 
4.276.  Costa Rica recognizes in Turkey an active  Member of WTO. Its commitment to WTO's 
multilateral trade system is universally acknowledge d, and commensurate with the relative size of 
its economy, one of the biggest in the world, and the role that international trade has taken on in 
its economic performance. 
4.277.  Our bilateral trade barely reached around US$90 million annually in 2014 and 2015, but 
has grown at a rate of more than 40% over the last ten years and exhibits strong potential. 
Costa Rica is keen to promote this trade relationship with Turkey. A recent testimony to this desire 
is the opening of embassies in both countries, along with trade promotion offices that will help to 
foster our relationship. 
4.278.  In regard to this trade policy review, Cost Rica observes with interest that the Turkish 
economy has performed well in recent years, de spite the difficult environment prevailing on 
account of the economic crisis affecting its main trading partners and the conflicts in its region. As clearly stated in the Secretariat's report, future growth will depend on investment and also, may 
we point out, on the role that trade will continue to play going forward. To this end, we believe it is WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  important to create the conditions for greater legal certainty, transparency and eliminating 
distortions. Whence the importance of actions aimed at binding all tariffs for industrial goods within WTO, as against the current proportion of only 33.5% of tariff lines, a step which we are 
certain would help to improve the business climate and the competitiveness of Turkish industry. 
4.279.  As indicated in the report, Turkey is the world's seventh largest agricultural producer. 
Accordingly, it has a particular responsibility to fulfil its obligations in terms of notifications and 
transparency within WTO. We trust that the Turkish Government will be able to bring its 
notifications to the WTO Committee for Agriculture up to speed, in particular regarding its 
domestic support and export subsidy programmes. We are extremely interested in knowing how its domestic support programmes are evolving and the changes which have been introduced. 
4.280.  We also view the development of the services sector in Turkey with great interest. In 2014, 
trade in services accounted for some 65% of GDP, and services is the most dynamic sector in the 
economy. While tourism and travel, financial services and telecommunications continue to represent a high proportion of trade, the develo pment of new sectors offers a very interesting 
template, with very useful experiences for other de veloping countries. In particular, we note the 
surge in certain medical services for foreign tourists (health tourism), a sector which has grown substantially in the last four years with an increase of over 200% in the number of foreign patients 
and an expansion of private health centres. 
4.281.  My delegation is aware of the significant effo rt that has been made by the country under 
review in preparing its responses to the question s that have been posed, and we therefore thank 
Turkey for its replies. 
CHINA 
4.282.  At the outset, on behalf of the Chinese Mission, I would like to express our sincere 
condolences to the people of Turkey for the tragic bombing attack that took place in Ankara last 
week-end. 
4.283.  As one of most vibrant and competitive global  economies, Turkey has continued to post 
impressive economic growth rates during the pe riod under review despite external challenges, 
against the backdrop of slowdown of global econ omy. Turkey’s domestic consumption and exports 
remained the key drivers for growth during the re view period, manufacturing continued to be an 
important part of the Turkish economy. As the Se cretariat’s report notes, progress was made in 
service areas such as financial services and telecommunications. The tourism sector was 
particularly positive to the trade balance and outpaced global tourism growth, making Turkey one 
of the top destinations for international travellers including an ever increasing number from China. Turkey attached great importance to attracting foreign direct investment and provided 
investor-friendly environments especially in its investment zones. Its share in global capital flow 
will be further enhanced. 
4.284.  Turkey has long been a firm supporter of the well-functioning multilateral trading system, 
and an active participant in the DDA negotiations. China highly commends Turkey as one of the 
most active and supportive members of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and we welcome Turkey's decision on submitting the TFA ratifica tion this week. China al so appreciates Turkey’s 
sustained efforts in recent years in providing official development aid to the development and 
LDC-related issues within the DDA.  
4.285.  On the bilateral front, the period under review has witnessed a sound performance of our 
bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Mutual  trade is increasingly deepened and China has 
become Turkey’s top trading partner. Our statisti cs showed that between 2012 and 2014, bilateral 
trade climbed from US$19 billion to US$23 billion, registering an increase of 21%. Despite a slowdown in 2015, bilateral trade still reached US$2 1.56 billion. Investment also flourished, by the 
end of 2015, the stock of China’s direct investment in Turkey’s non-financial sector was 
US$1.07 billion, and Turkey’s investment in China totalled US$230 million. This remarkable 
development testified the complementarity of our bilateral economic relationship, which was consolidated further by the meeting of our top leaders in 2015. During the state visit of Turkish 
President Erdogan to China, he and President Xi Jinping agreed on further promoting cooperation WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  on the high-speed railway and new energy, aerospace, finance and investment. We believe that 
the huge potential for mutually beneficial cooperation will be fully tapped.  
4.286.  While encouraged by the development of Sino-T urkish economic and trade relationship, we 
believe there is still room for improvement regarding some of its policies. China would like to refer 
to Turkey’s trade remedy measures in particular. As pointed out in the Secretariat report, Turkey 
was one of WTO's main users of safeguard and anti-dumping measures, and trade remedies continued to be an important policy tool for Turkey. China was still most affected by Turkey’s 
anti-dumping and countervailing measures in force, since the majority of them were initiated on 
products originating from China. China calls on Turkey to refrain from using trade remedy measures and launch investigations strictly in accordance with the WTO rules, to fulfil its anti-protectionist commitments. 
4.287.  China has posed some questions to Turkey and is grateful for the replies received, which 
we will study closely.  
MALAYSIA 
4.288.  Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by Singapore on behalf of ASEAN. 
We join others in extending our sincere condolence s to the Government of Turkey in connection to 
the recent attack in Ankara. 
4.289.  Malaysia enjoys close and friendly relations with Turkey since diplomatic affairs were 
established in 1964. The rapid and impressive econ omic transformation of Turkey over the past 
four decades coincides with Malaysia’s own growth and economic transformation programme. This has largely contributed to the multi-faceted cooperation, covering political and economic as well as 
people-to-people relations.  
4.290.  The existing cooperation is further augmented by high-level visits between our leaders in 
recent years and the continuing close rapport has raised the stature of our bilateral relations to a 
strategic level. In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic 
relations in 2014, both countries signed the Joint Declaration on the Framework for Strategic Cooperation during Prime Minister Erdogan’s visit to Malaysia on 9-10 January 2014. The joint 
Declaration was indeed historic and aims at boosting economic and technical cooperation in areas 
such as SMEs, services, agriculture and f ood, healthcare, energy, e-commerce, R&D and 
automotive sector. More recently, His Excellency Mevlut Cavusoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey attended the 48th ASEAN Ministerial Meet ing (AMM) held from 1-6 August 2015 in Kuala 
Lumpur as a special guest. 
4.291.  At the international level, Malaysia and Turkey are actively involved in various platforms of 
developing countries such as within the framework of the UN, NAM, the OIC and D-8. 
4.292.  In our efforts to further intensify trade and investment potential of both countries, the 
Malaysia-Turkey FTA (MTFTA) was signed on 17 April 2014 which subsequently entered into force on 1 August 2015. Both sides view the MTFTA as an  important milestone in our economic relations 
and are committed to expand the coverage of the current agreement to trade in services after the 
entry into force of the agreement.  
4.293.  Malaysia’s total trade with Turkey in 2015 reached US$1.4 billion, an increase of more than 
78% from the previous year. We look forward to a continuous upward trend this year. Malaysia’s 
major exports to Turkey in 2015 were among othe rs palm oil and palm-based products, textiles, 
clothing and footwear, chemicals and chemical products while imports from Turkey were petroleum products, machinery, appliances and parts and processed food.  
4.294.  Malaysia has significant investments in Turkey. As for 2014, Malaysia’s investment 
amounted to US$2.5 billion. Malaysia’s investment focuses on healthcare sector and airport management services and it is also worth noting that since then, more than 6000 job opportunities 
were created. Turkey’s investment in Malaysia concentrates in manufacturing sector which 
amounted to more than US$106 million. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.295.  Turkey is also considered as an important market for Malaysia in the field of tourism which 
led to the establishment of the Tourism Malaysia’s office in Istanbul in May 2012. In 2014, more than 16,000 Turkish nationals visited Malaysia; 29% higher compared to the previous year. At the 
same time, 70,000 Malaysians visited Turkey in 2014.  
4.296.  The reports being considered today also demonstrate that Turkey remains committed to a 
rules-based and transparent trading system. Turkey  has been an important player, both in the 
context of the regular work of the WTO and in the DDA negotiations. Malaysia also appreciates 
that Turkey is committed to integrating the LDCs into the multilateral trading system through its 
significant contributions to DFQF market access. We also look forward to Turkey’s continuous active participation in bringing the DDA to a conclusion. In this, we appreciate the role played by Ambassador Haluk Ilicak and his team.  
4.297.  Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Turkish delegation for 
responding to our questions and these are being exam ined at the Capital. In addition, we will also 
be submitting additional questions and we  look forward to receiving the feedback. 
KENYA 
4.298.  Kenya joins previous speakers in expressing its sincere condolences to the victims of the 
recent attacks in Ankara. 
4.299.  Kenya is pleased to participate in the Trade Po licy Review of Republic of Turkey. Turkey is 
a key partner of Kenya particularly in the area of trade and investments. Bilateral relations between Kenya and Turkey have consistently de veloped and strengthened over recent years. 
4.300.  In April 2014, the second meeting of the Kenya-Turkey Joint Economic Commission was 
held in Ankara during which trade and investment relations between the two countries were 
reviewed which lead to the signing of 10 agreements and memoranda of understanding in various fields including security, trade, financial and technical cooperation, energy and mining. There is no 
doubt that the agreements will contribute to th e improvement of social and economic relations 
between the two countries.  
4.301.  Kenya’s foreign trade volumes with Turkey have been increasing steadily over the years 
with imports of gasoline and steel accounting for much of increase.  
4.302.  We note from the reports that trade continues to play an important role to the economic 
growth of Turkey. Trade policy instruments pursued at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels have contributed in making trade as the main engine of economic growth making the economy 
largely dependent on international trade.  
4.303.  While we appreciate the contribution of trade to the economic growth of Turkey, we note 
with concern that Turkey’s tariff protection remains high on several of products including 
agriculture products which has adversely affected our tea exports to Turkey.  
4.304.  We note from the reports that recent economic indicators have become increasingly mixed 
as a result of Turkey’s vulnerability to capital inflow, contraction in agriculture output due to 
adverse weather, external shocks, and geopolitical crisis which have all continued to pose 
challenges to sustained economic growth.  
4.305.  However, we commend the Government of Turkey  for its continued efforts in implementing 
various policies aimed at addressing economic  challenges and which have seen the country 
r e g i s t e r  e c o n o m i c  g r o w t h  h i g h e r  t h a n  m o s t  o f  c o u n t r i e s  a t  c o m p a r a b l e  l e v e l s  o f  d e v e l o p m e n t  
during the year 2015. We encourage Turkey to  sustain the process of addressing economic 
challenges in order to maintain the curren t trend of its economic growth and outlook. 
4.306.  Finally, we express our appreciation to Turkey for its strong commitment to the multilateral 
trading system and for collaborating closely with Kenya delegation particularly on issue of interest to developing countries in the context of WTO negotiations. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  MONTENEGRO 
4.307.  Montenegro would like to associate itself with the statement of the European Union.  
4.308.  At the outset, I would like to extend sincere condolences and solidarity with the 
Government and the people of Turkey for the latest terrorist attack in Ankara.   
4.309.  Montenegro would like to commend Turkey on the scope and the overall quality of 
economic transformation of the country in the last decade. My delegation recognizes Turkish 
constructive engagement in the WTO and its valuable contribution to the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.310.  Montenegro would like to commend Turkey on securing one of the highest rates of 
economic growth, notwithstanding the global financial crisis, low oil prices and turbulent political instability in the Middle East. To this end, Monten egro notes that Turkey secured 8.8% GDP growth 
in 2011, and positive economic growth rates ever y year since 2001 except 2009. By all accounts, 
this is an impressive achievement.  
4.311.  In agreement with the Secretariat, Montenegro recognizes that trade is an important part 
of the Turkish economy. In this regard, Monteneg ro notes that total trade in goods and services 
grew from the equivalent of 48% of GDP in  2010 to 60% in 2014. Moreover, since 2010 exports 
have increased by 38%, to more than US$150 billion in 2014.   
4.312.  As the Government of Turkey notes in its re port, exports have been the main engine of 
Turkish economic growth in recent years. In this context, Montenegro will continue to follow closely the implementation of Turkish export stra tegy for 2023, with very ambitious programmes 
in improving export performance and increasing export diversification. 
4.313.  Montenegro further recognizes the achievements that Turkey has made with regard to 
foreign investment. As the Government of Turkey observes in its report, between 2004 and 2014, Turkey has secured 8.5 times more foreign direct  investment than it had secured during the 
previous 80 years. To secure such positive inflow s of foreign direct investment in such a short 
period is a big success. Despite some signs that fo reign direct investment is decreasing in recent 
years, Montenegro hopes that Turkey will cont inue to experience positive developments the 
investment sphere. Signing a more comprehens ive investment agreement and continuing to 
deepen economic ties with the EU will no doubt be of further assistance. Montenegro hopes that 
such positive trends will continue notwithstanding the challenges that Turkey faces.   
4.314.  On the bilateral side, in the framework of excellent relationship between our two 
Governments, the results of economic cooperatio n and trade relations make Turkey one of the 
most important trade partners of Montenegro. In 2015, the value of bilateral trade in goods was over €60 million and Turkish direct investments amounted to €17.4 million. Working through the 
joint business forum and connecting successful trading with right investment decisions resulted in 
some of the highest single investments of Turkish companies in our region. Let me mention some of them: €35 million in 2009 in the biggest shopping mall, €15 million in the hotel complex and the 
latest successfully concluded deal - €35 million to develop a new marina in the central part of our 
coast. At the same time, Montenegro has become an important tourist destination for Turkey with 27,000 visitors recorded last year and an expanded  regional hub for Turkish Airlines. The biggest 
Turkish Bank has acquired a licence to start financial operations in 2015, which will boost the 
overall economic cooperation. Montenegro is looking forward to exploring the interests of Turkish 
businesses for cooperation in energy, health, medical and tourism industries. I would like to use this opportunity to extend appreciation of my Government for the engagement of TIKA (Turkish 
International Cooperation and Development Agency), which has implemented 150 small 
development projects in the amount of €30 million since the beginning of its assistance program in 
Montenegro in 2007. 
4.315.  To conclude, Montenegro is looking forward to continuing excellent and constructive 
engagement with the delegation of Turkey in Geneva and my distinguished colleague Ambassador H.E. Haluk Ilicak.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.316.  Finally, my delegation would like to thank the outgoing Chair, Ambassador of Bulgaria, 
H.E. Atanas Paparizov for his commitment and extraordinary work on the TPR, to thank him for his transparency and inclusiveness and to extend warm welcome to our incoming chair, my dear college Permanent Representative Irene Young of Hong Kong China. 
THAILAND 
4.317.  Let me first of all join the previous speakers in expressing our country’s condolences to 
Turkey on the terrorist attack occurred in Ankara on Sunday.  
4.318.  Thailand would also like to associate itself with ASEAN’s statement previously delivered by 
Ambassador Ms. Yee Woan TAN of Singapore.   
4.319.  Turkey and Thailand have a long-standing trad e relation, and we look to further enhance 
our bilateral trade with the launch of an FTA negotiation between the two countries later this year. 
During the past year, bilateral trade between Tha iland and Turkey stood at US$1.2 billion. Turkey 
ranked as our 32nd export destination and 50th import source. Although our bilateral trade has 
been declining in recent years, we hope that our fundamentally strong relationship will help 
enhance these statistical numbers in the near future.  
4.320.  The TPR reports indicate that although Turkey ’s economic growth has declined during the 
review period, it has been able to attain growth at a respectable rate of 2.9% in 2014. We are 
pleased with Turkey’s efforts with regard to tr ade facilitation, including the development of a 
Single Window application, the launch of a "one-stop-shop" pilot project for terrestrial border posts, and the implementation of the Authoriz ed Economic Operator (AEO) programme for AEO 
certified companies. Thailand also notes that Turkey’s investment schemes have been enhanced 
over the review period with a view to attract FDIs in certain areas and sectors. 
4.321.  Nevertheless, Thailand remains concerned re garding Turkey’s trade regimes in certain 
areas, including its particularly high Tariff protection in Agriculture, the continuation of high usage 
of safeguard and anti-dumping measures, and the relatively high supports in Agriculture.  
4.322.  In this review, Thailand submitted quite a number of questions to Turkey, covering the 
policies and measures of our interests regarding Investment and Trade Facilitation policies, tariffs 
system, TRQ administration, and various support programs for agriculture products. We look 
forward to Turkey’s responses, for which we will study carefully with great interest. 
4.323.  In conclusion, Thailand would like to express its appreciation to the Turkish delegation for 
today’s presentation and responses to our questi ons. We are thankful for the cooperation with 
Turkey in every level, including that between our Geneva-based delegations. 
URUGUAY 4.324.  First of all, we associate ourselves with the expressions of condolences for the tragic 
events that took place in Ankara last weekend. 
4.325.  We congratulate Turkey on its good econ omic and trade performance in the period 
2011-2015, especially in the difficult external en vironment described in the Secretariat's report. 
4.326.  In our intervention, we should like to highlight specific sections of the Secretariat's report 
relating to the agriculture sector. In this respect,  w e  t a k e  n o t e  o f  t h e  f a c t  t h a t  T u r k e y  l i e s  i n  
seventh position in the global ranking of major agricultural producers, and also of its impressive annual trade surplus in agricultural products. In 2014, agricultural products made up 11.7% of 
total exports, and the sector also generated appr oximately 9% of GDP and 21% of employment in 
Turkey. 
4.327.  The Secretariat's report also alerts us to the trade and production distortions brought 
about by certain government programmes, particularly in agriculture. Likewise, it flags the high 
applied tariffs for agricultural goods, a factor that creates uncertainty for those trading partners not covered by trade agreements. Lastly, it reveals that Turkey has not notified its domestic 
support or export subsidy programmes to the WTO Committee on Agriculture. With this in mind, WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  we call upon the Turkish authorities to fulfil their multilateral notification commitments as soon as 
possible. 
4.328.  Elsewhere, we acknowledge the progress made in customs procedures, in particular the 
Single Window application and the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) 
programme, and are also attentive to the notification of Category A commitments under the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
4.329.  Uruguay cannot but recognize Turkey's active participation in the multilateral trade 
system. Turkey demonstrates a high level of commitment in WTO's work and is also a strong 
driving force in the ongoing negotiations. 
4.330.  In concluding, we cannot pass up the opportunity to endorse one of the comments made 
by the delegation of Brazil on the desirability  of reactivating the MERCOSUR-Turkey framework 
agreement. In this regard, we also wish to put on record Uruguay's interest in resuming 
discussions under that instrument. Indeed, one of the questions transmitted by Uruguay to Turkey 
under this trade policy review relates precisely to our country's interest in knowing about the 
negotiations under way and any efforts to strengthen trade ties between Turkey and third 
countries and/or groups of countries. 
4.331.  We look forward to receiving the replies to the questions transmitted by Uruguay today, 
and take the opportunity to wish the Turkish delega tion every success in this latest review of its 
trade policy. 
NORWAY 4.332.  At the outset, allow me to express our sincere condolences to Turkey and our sympathy 
with the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Ankara. 
4.333.  Between 2001 and 2010, Turkey experienced continued economic growth, but since 2010, 
growth levels have not been as stable. Nonetheless, trends are still positive despite low growth in 
the EU-Turkey's main trading partner. The main drivers of growth have been domestic 
consumption and exports. Contributing factors have been relatively low labour costs, good infrastructure, and proximity to the EU. The recent geopolitical crisis in the region and the ongoing 
refugee crisis pose challenges to sustained growth. 
4.334.  Women's contribution to business and trade is often overlooked. Raising awareness about 
the gender perspective is important. We note that one of the targets in the newly developed National Entrepreneurship Strategy and Action Plan for 2015-2018 involves women's 
entrepreneurship. Norway would be interested in learning more about plans and actions to 
promote this particular objective. 
4.335.  Trade between Norway and Turkey is moderate  but growing. In 2015, Norway's imports 
from Turkey amounted to US$680 million. The most important imports were articles of apparel and 
accessories and transport equipment. Norwegian ex ports to Turkey amounted to US$500 million in 
2015, with maritime, energy and seafood as the most prominent sectors. We have seen an 
increase in Norwegian seafood exports to Turkey for many years, but there is still untapped 
potential. 
4.336.  Norway attaches high importance to uphold ing the safety and quality of our seafood. 
Norwegian regulations in this field are fully harm onized with those of the EU. However, Turkey 
requires all seafood-trucks from Norway to be tested for dioxin before entering Turkey. The 
seafood is exposed to the same tests prior to expo rtation. We therefore ask Turkey to look into 
these procedures. 
4.337.  Together with the other members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Norway 
signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turk ey in 1991. EFTA and Turkey are currently 
undertaking a review to modernize and expand the FTA. Norway is committed to finding solutions 
that accommodate the interests of both parties. 
4.338.  Allow me a few additional comments on Turkey's trade policy. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.339.  Like others we note that Turkey is a considerable user of both anti-dumping and safeguard 
measures. During the review period, Turkey has extended several existing anti-dumping 
measures. Since 2012, Turkey has launched five sa feguard investigations and extended safeguard 
measures in eight cases. Norway encourages a more restrictive use of trade defence instruments. 
4.340.  About 50% of Turkey's tariff schedule is unbound. Only 34% of industrial tariff lines are 
bound. The gap between bound and applied duties  on industrial products, combined with a 
relatively low incidence of tariff bindings, produces a lack of predictability and transparency. 
Norway encourages a higher level of tariff binding. 
4.341.  Turkey continues to lag behind when it comes to providing WTO notifications on 
agriculture. Norway urges Turkey to redouble it s efforts in contributing to transparency by 
updating its notifications in line with the notification requirements. 
4.342.  I would further like to emphasize our common interest in the Environmental Goods 
Agreement (EGA) negotiations. 
4.343.  Norway would also like to highlight the importance of reducing fossil fuels subsidies. In this 
regard, we encourage the Turkish authorities to share lessons learned from their previous reform 
efforts. 
4.344.  Like others, we welcome and appreciate that Turkey has completed its domestic ratification 
process on the Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
4.345.  After Bali and Nairobi, new and creative ideas on the way forward, constructive 
engagement and cooperation among all members ar e necessary to advance the WTO negotiations. 
Norway urges all Members to take an active part in this process, and looks forward to continued 
cooperation with Turkey to support and strengthen the WTO in the time to come. 
PHILIPPINES 4.346.  The Philippines would also like to express our deepest condolences to the victims of the 
recent car bombing incident in Ankara. 
4.347.  Turkey as an upper-middle-income country and the 17th largest economy in the world 
managed to gain modest grow over the five-year period (2011-2015) despite the difficult 
environment with low growth in the EU and conflict in the Middle East region. 
4.348.  It has remained to be an influential player in the global economy, especially through its 
leadership in the Group of Twenty (G-20) in 2015.  The Philippines would like to commend Turkey's 
G-20 Presidency for setting an agenda that focused on inclusive and robust growth through 
collective action. This was further identified as the Three I's of the Turkish Presidency: 
Inclusiveness, Implementation and Investment for Growth. 
4.349.  Trade was an integral part of this agenda, and we appreciate the emphasis given on the 
policies for enhancing the participation of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and Low 
Income Developing Countries (LIDCs) into the global economy as it coincides with the Philippines' priority to foster the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in regional and 
global markets. 
4.350.  MSMEs are an integral part of the Philippine s economy, accounting for 99.6% of the total 
enterprises and 65% of total employment. Similarl y, in the Global perspective, MSMEs make up 
over 95% of all firms and account for 60% of to tal employment. They are likewise an important 
source of innovation and job creation, in particular for women and youth. 
4.351.  In line with this, the importance given by the G-20 to SMEs, through the presidency of 
Turkey, can be considered as a significant step to wards the realization of the greater participation 
of MSMEs in the global trade. 
4.352.  The Philippines would also like to acknowledge its more than 65 years of diplomatic 
relations with Turkey, which have broadened and deepened remarkably in recent years. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.353.  The Philippines looks forward to the conv ening of the inaugural meeting of the 
Philippines-Turkey Joint Economic Commission (JEC) as a way forward to develop further the trade and investment relations between our two economies. We understand that scheduling has been challenging for both sides but Philippines is welcom e to convene the first Philippines-Turkey JEC at 
a mutually agreed date. 
BENIN
  
4.354.  The delegation of Benin presents its deep and sincere condolences to Turkey following the 
tragic events that occurred in Ankara last Sunday. 
4.355.  The Benin delegation thanks Turkey for the important information it has provided on 
Turkey's achievements in respect of the econom y and trade since its last trade policy review. 
4.356.  It would like to emphasize the efforts deploy ed by the Turkish Government to implement 
the various recommendations arising from its last trade policy review, which have helped it 
achieve significant results, with a GDP growth ra te of 3.1% in the first quarter of 2015 (9.2% GDP 
growth in 2010). 
4.357.  Ranked as the 17th largest economy in the world, Turkey has built an economy that is 
driven by domestic demand to the tune of 5. 4 points in 2015, while net exports contributed 
1.2 points in the same year. 
4.358.  These outcomes are the fruit of a budgetary policy founded on a strategy that aims to 
strengthen the country's macroeconomic and financia l position by bolstering growth and reducing 
the current account deficit. 
4.359.  As regards trade, Turkey performed well during the period 2010-2015, growing more 
rapidly than the global average. Exports increased overall, despite a global stagnation of trade in 
goods observed by WTO in 2014. WTO statistics indicate that Turkey lies in 15th position in a group 
of 40 Members which managed to increase their total exports annually. This expansionary trend 
has led to a total trade to GDP ratio of 50% in 2014. 
4.360.  This performance is particularly visible in the automobile, machinery, electrical and 
electronic products, agribusiness and textile sector s. Turkey is also promoting trade in services, 
which accounts for 22% of the country's gross exports, and over 40% in value-added terms. 
4.361.  The delegation of Benin highlights with grea t appreciation that Turkey is one of the 
countries that have concluded the largest numbe r of multilateral trade agreements, showing a 
strong attachment to the Doha Development Agenda  (DDA). It has also concluded several bilateral 
agreements with various countries and groups of co untries, in different regions of the world, which 
testifies to its genuine attachment to trade liberalization. As a result, Turkey counts among the countries that are the most integrated in the multilateral trade system. 
4.362.  During the period 2004-2014, by virtue of its investment incentive programme Turkey 
received 8.5 times more FDI than it had attracted during the preceding 80 years. The dynamic activity of Turkish construction companies abroad was also confirmed at the end of 
November 2015. 
4.363.  Elsewhere, the delegation of Benin welcomes the excellent cooperation relations that so 
happily exist between Benin and Turkey, involving exchanges of high-level delegations, notably 
several visits by the Head of State of Benin to Ankara, and economic missions undertaken to 
Ankara and Cotonou, respectively, by Beninese and Turkish officials and entrepreneurs for the 
purpose of economic and trade exchanges. On th ese occasions, a number of investment promotion 
and protection agreements in various sectors of activity have been concluded. 
4.364.  Turkey also lends its expertise and technical assistance to Benin through the training of 
Beninese students in Turkey, the organization of  trade and craft fairs, development of the cotton 
and textile sector, tourism, etc. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.365.  The delegation of Benin would like to express its heartfelt congratulations to 
Ambassador Ilicak and his team for their effective involvement in and contribution to the work of 
the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations. 
MAURITIUS 
4.366.  At the outset, my delegation wishes to convey  the solidarity of the people of the Republic 
of Mauritius with the people of Turkey in this enduring time following the vicious attack in Ankara on Sunday, which has cost the lives of more than 34 people. We wish to commend the resolve and 
resilience of the Government and People of Turkey in these dire moments. 
4.367.  Turkey’s geographic location, the size of the potential market, its young and growing 
population, a customs union with the EU, free fore ign-exchange and capital flows, and a large and 
dynamic private sector, show promising signs. Re forms carried out by the Government of Turkey 
have put the public finances and the financial system on a sounder footing.  
4.368.  We wish to laud Turkey’s economic growth performance. We recognize that improvements 
in the policy environment could produce substantially better results and thus we encourage the 
Government of Turkey to pursue those reforms that it has embarked upon aimed at improving the 
doing business climate.  
4.369.  Mauritius and Turkey are bound by close and friendly ties. Although our diplomatic relation 
dates back to the 1890's, our trade relations are more recent. Our two countries are, however, 
working hard to consolidate trade relations through the different agreements that we have concluded including the Free Trade agreement signed in 2011 and which came into force in 2013.  
4.370.  The Free Trade agreement is a turning point in  the Mauritius-Turkey commercial relations. 
It has enabled Mauritius to benefit from enhanced market access. The Agreement provides duty 
free access on all industrial products from Turk ey and preferential access on a list of some 
50 agricultural products. The FTA is a reliable platform for creating greater synergy for the 
business communities of both countries.    
4.371.  Although there has been a slight fall in our exports to Turkey from US$5.5 million to 
US$4.7 million from 2013 to 2014 respectively, there has been a diversification in our exports to 
Turkey shifting from denim fabrics to products such as high value added garments, biscuits (cake 
decoration), medical equipment among others.   
4.372.  As per the agreement, a Joint Committee needs to be established at senior official level to 
address the technical issues devolving from the FTA.  
4.373.  The rationale for an FTA with Turkey was prompted by the fact that Turkey is a signatory 
of a Customs Union Agreement with the European Union. Under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement, Mauritius enjoys duty free quota free access to the EU on all products.   
4.374.  There is a need for greater access to Turkey in  particular on products such as sugar, which 
so far has been excluded from the agreement.   
4.375.  Another issue which has to be addressed under the FTA is the streamlining of procedures 
related to Tariff Rate Quota which is a major challenge for Mauritian operators to export 
agricultural products to Turkey.   
4.376.  To make the FTA meaningful, the FTA will have to be aligned with the IEPA signed with the 
EU. We hope to discuss this issue under the structures which have been established in the 
agreement. 
INDIA 4.377.  My delegation associates itself with your statement, Mr. Chairman, of condolence and 
solidarity with the people and Government of Turk ey on the recent car bomb attack in Ankara. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.378.  Turkey has maintained a positive trajectory  in its economic growth since 2001 (except 
2009), which is commendable. However, like other countries, its economy has not been completely insulated from the difficult global economic enviro nment, low growth rate in the EU area and the 
geo-political stresses in the region. As a result, du ring the period under review, Turkey maintained 
a positive but uneven growth. In the first half of  2015, Turkish economy posted a growth rate of 
3.1 %, which is higher than the OE CD and the Euro area average.  
4.379.  Trade remains an important component to the Turkish economy and, as noted in the 
Secretariat report, the contribution of trade in  the GDP grew from about 48% in 2010 to 60% in 
2014. While the Customs Union with the EU continues to be a corner stone in Turkey’s foreign trade policy, its emphasis on diversifying its trade basket as well as markets has yielded positive results. On the trade facilitation front, Tu rkey has taken steps to modernize its customs 
procedures, and to achieve harmonization with its Customs Union partner in respect of technical 
regulations and the SPS regime. However, as rega rds tariff protection, we note that Turkey’s 
overall applied tariff average increased slightly during the review period to 12.8 %.  
4.380.  We take note of the "Vision 2023" programme under which Turkey aims to expand its 
share in the world trade to 1.5% by using regional integration processes, fostering competitiveness, development of human capital an d up-gradation of technological base. We wish 
the Turkish Government every success in sustaining the positive growth momentum, 
notwithstanding geo-political challenges and the hesitant recovery in the global economy, through sound management of its fiscal policies, transparent, open and predictable investment and trade policy regime.  
4.381.  At the bilateral level, Turkey and India have deep historical connections. Today, our 
bilateral partnership is expanding across diverse sectors of mutual interest. The economic and trade ties between India and Turkey have deepen ed over the years and constitute an important 
pillar of the bilateral relationship. India’s trade with Turkey doubled from US$3.5 billion in 2010 to 
about US$7 billion in 2014. A number of Indian co mpanies have invested in Turkey. Similarly, 
Turkish companies continue to expand their operations in India, particularly in the infrastructure 
sectors. Though India’s exports to Turkey in certain sectors have been affected by increased use of 
trade remedy measures, going forward, we are co nfident of strengthening our partnership further 
and harnessing the full potential of trade and economic linkages between our two countries.  
4.382.  Both India and Turkey share a strong commitment to a fair and equitable multilateral 
trading system. We applaud Turkey’s active partic ipation and contribution in the DDA negotiations 
under the leadership of Ambassador H.E. Mr. Halu k Ilicak and his team in Geneva. Turkey and 
India have worked closely in the on-going negotiations, including as members of the G-33, and we 
look forward to continue our cooperation with the Turkish delegation. 
ALBANIA 4.383.  First of all, we express our deepest condol ences and sympathy for the victims who lost 
their life by the terrorist attack in Ankara. 
4.384.  Albania aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.  
4.385.  We commend Turkey as the 17th largest economy in the world with 8.5% GDP growth in 
2011. Although the economy slowed down in 2012,  for the following 2 years, Turkish economic 
growth rates were substantial in an environment where the global economic growth level remained 
low where the main engine of growth was net exports.  
4.386.  From our perspective, ,there are several areas where the Turkish economy has 
demonstrated success: First, the fiscal sector has been one of the cornerstones of Turkey’s 
ongoing economic resilience and has played leading role in maintaining a solid outlook in macroeconomic parameters; agriculture which remains an important part of the economy, and 
Turkey is a major world producer of agricultural products, ranking 7th in the world; manufacture 
where, over the past three decades, much of Tu rkey's economic development has been based on 
the country's large and diverse manufacturing base, including the SMEs which constitute a key part of the industrial sector in Turkey.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.387.  In the area of relations with EU, it is to denote that Turkey has continued its efforts to 
achieve harmonization of its legislation with the EU acquis. In addition, Turkey's National Rural Development Strategy that covers the period 201 4-2020, intends to create an integrative policy 
framework for rural development enabling the harm onization of Turkey's rural development policy 
with that of the EU within the context of its accession process.  
4.388.  In relationship with WTO, Turkey is an important partner and stakeholder in the Doha 
Development Round and we recognize its active participation in the DDA negotiations, and we are 
sure on the continuation of Turkey's strong commitment and contribution the WTO objectives.   
4.389.  In the area of bilateral relations, Turkey is an important trading partner for Albania, ranked 
in the third place after Italy and Greece with US $363 million trade exchanges in 2015. In the field 
of FDI, about 400 Turkish companies have invested in mining and heavy industry, road 
construction, banking services, etc.  
4.390.  We also acknowledge those relations are still far from the existing potentials. There are 
many promising sectors for more intensive trade and investment connections: infrastructure, 
energy, tourism, construction and services as well as  joint activities in the third markets, especially 
in the South-East Europe. 
4.391.  The recent geopolitical crisis in the region and the associated influx of refugees pose 
challenges to a sustained economic growth. In  this economic environment and the worldwide 
economic and financial crises, we support the Turkish Government to overcome those difficulties and to continue its objectives on economic and social prosperity.   
4.392.  While congratulating the Turkish economic ac hievements, Albania en courages the Turkish 
government for further efforts to implement "the Tenth Development Plan, the Input Supply 
Strategy, and Turkey Vision 2023" which has set out multiple objectives for manufacturing, including increasing production of intermediate and finished goods in order to reduce the trade 
deficit. 
REPUBLIC
 OF MOLDOVA 
4.393.  First of all, let me convey our most heartfelt condolences to the Turkish people and to the 
families of the victims of the terrorist attack th at occurred in Ankara on Sunday. We condemn such 
acts of violence and stand in solidarity with the Turkish people. 
4.394.  We would like to congratulate Turkey on its ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.395.  Ever since the Republic of Turkey became a Member of the World Trade Organization 
(WTO) in 1995, its economy has been on a path of  trade development and economic liberalization, 
moving from a centrally-planned economy towards a market-driven economy, becoming the 17th largest economy in the world, and the 7th largest retail market in Europe, with a significant growth 
of the total trade in goods and services from 48% of GDP in 2010 to 60% in 2014. After achieving 
significant growth of the real GDP of 4.2% in  2013, the economy slowed again to 2.9% in 2014. 
This reflected Turkey's vulnerability to capital inflows and contraction in agricultural output, due to 
adverse weather conditions. 
4.396.  Despite a challenging geopolitical environment, regional instability, currency devaluation, 
Turkey's economy and trade continued to grow over the 2011-2015 period. Growth has been 
based on relatively low labour costs, good infrastructure, and proximity to the European Union, its 
main trading partner. Turkey has aligned its unilateral preference regime with that of the EU as 
well, and with few exceptions, offers GSP, GSP+, and Everything-But-Arms (EBA) arrangements to certain developing and least developed countries. 
4.397.  To date, Turkey's Free Trade Agreements notified to the WTO, only cover trade in goods, 
but not services or investment. Nevertheless, Turkey has initiated procedures to include services and investment, as well as some other subject ma tters, in FTAs concluded with several countries, 
such as Republic of Korea, Albania, Bosnia-Her zegovina and the former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.398.  We commend Turkey for applying the Gene ralized System of Preferences scheme, 
implemented by the Government of Turkey, acco rding to Art. 16 of Decision No. 1/95 of the 
Turkey–EU Association Council. With a view to maintain a positive trend in developing our trade relations, the Republic of Moldova considers pertinent for Turkey to continue extend the application 
of the GSP preferential regime to Moldova, until the ratification of the Moldova-Turkey Free Trade 
Agreement by both our countries and its further entering into force. This thesis is also supported by the DG Trade of the EU Commission. 
4.399.  The Republic of Moldova has signed a Fr ee Trade Agreement with Turkey, with the 
objective that following its ratification by both sides, we shall be able to increase significantly the volume of the bilateral trade and economic relations between our countries. Moldova is in the process of ratifying this Agreement. It is now in the Parliament for the second reading and shall be 
ratified by the end of the current month. We expr ess our hope that the Turkish side shall fulfil its 
commitment to ratify this important document as well, by which both countries will be able to contribute to the increase in volume of our bilateral trade of goods. 
4.400.  Turkey is one of the most important trading part ner of Moldova, last year export to Turkey 
accounted for 3.3% and imports from Turkey 7,2%, of the total bilateral trade volume, which exceeded US$349,5 million in 2015 – a 16% increase compared to the year before.  
4.401.  Here, I would like to underline our appreciation of vast programme of assistance provided 
by TIKA in Moldova, in areas like regional development, social care and infrastructure. Turkey is one of the most dynamic investor in real estate and medical services. 
4.402.  We are convinced that there is still a great potential to be explored in the fields of bilateral 
trade and investments.  
4.403.  The Republic of Moldova is confident that the 6th exercise of the trade policy review will 
help Turkey to achieve its economic objectives and fully honour its international commitments. 
4.404.  We look forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations with Turkey. 
PAKISTAN 4.405.  It is a great honour for me to speak today at this 6th TPR of Turkey. Pakistan and Turkey 
share important common history and important bilateral trade relations.  
4.406.  We express deepest condolences to the Govern ment and people of Turkey on the tragic 
incidents on Sunday and recent past. 
4.407.  Before commenting on Turkey's trade policy which is the primarily focus of this TPR, allow 
me Chair to briefly say a few words on the deep and strong history that our two countries share 
since Turkey-Pakistan relations derive their strength from history. 
4.408.  Following the establishment of Pakistan, both countries extended each other their support 
during the most difficult times. While Pakistan wa s supportive of Turkey in its independence war, 
Turkey provided unparalleled and unforgettable relief assistance to Pakistan when it was devastated by massive earthquake and flash floods in recent past.  
4.409.   On technical cooperation and economic front Turkey has been instrumental in helping 
develop Pakistan’s first comprehensive Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in two major cities and it is run by the Turkish Companies. Turkish companies are investing in field of renewable energy particularly, wind and solar. 
4.410.  People-to-people relations have been flourishing since long. The number of Pakistani 
c i t i z e n s  v i s i t i n g  T u r k e y  i s  o n  a  s t e a d y  r i s e  i n  r e c e n t  y e a r s .  T h o u g h  P a k i s t a n  i s  n o t  a  Turkic-speaking country, its languages, particularly Urdu, is strongly influenced by the Turkic 
language of the Mughals before it became their empi re's official language. As a result, it has many 
loanwords from that language. The etymology of the word "Urdu" traces itself back to Turkic (Mughal) rule. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.411.  Both Turkey and Pakistan share Muslim tradition in Sufism and Mysticism from Jal āl ad-Dīn 
Muhammad R ūmī – the mevlana of Konya and Shams Tabriz. 
4.412.  Pakistan and Turkey are both Members of Econ omic Cooperation Organization (ECO), a ten 
(10)-country organization that is an intergovernmental regional organization established in 1985 
by Iran, Pakistan and Turkey for the purpose of promoting economic, technical and cultural 
cooperation among the Member States. ECO is the successor organization of Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) which remained  in existence since 1964 up to 1979. 
4.413.  When looking at the Turkish economy under review , it is hearty to note the positive growth 
posted by the Turkish economy despite the many ch allenges it faced in the economic Environment, 
coupled with the migration crisis in the region. Turkey today has the largest number of refugees, 
which is a burden on its economy and society. Pakistan can understand the economic and social 
impacts of this, for we have hosted 3.5 million refu gees for almost two decades. Despite all of this, 
Turkey's economy sustained a slow but nonetheless a steady growth. 
4.414.  The Turkish Government has developed well-targeted economic strategies consisting of 
comprehensive reforms in different sectors:  fiscal, monetary, foreign investments. 
4.415.  In order to further develop its trade, Turkey has developed important FTAs and PTA and 
still continuing to seek for FTAs with other partners including Pakist an. Pakistan-Turkey FTA 
framework agreement will hopefully be signed on 22 March 2016. 
4.416.  Strong domestic demand coupled with strategically devised and implemented fiscal policy 
actions were the key drivers for a positive growth of 2.9% of the economy in 2014. Despite a slowdown in the contribution of exports to the total economic growth, the economy still posted a 
positive trend. 
4.417.  It is also worth noting the adoption by Turk ey of a well devised strategy for the medium 
and long-term in its fiscal policy: reducing current account deficit and achieving inflation target to 
maintain price stability, curbing public sector borrowing requirements and primary expenditures, 
controlling the pace of expenditures through infrastructure investments, promotion of regional development, education and R&D support. 
4.418.  Pakistan wishes Turkey all the best with its reforms and well targeted actions in order to 
achieve its Vision 2023 that will require Turkey to  transform its export composition from low-tech 
to high-tech products, diversify its target markets and sectors for exports, and pursue a pro-active policy both in goods and services exports. 
4.419.  In the end, I must acknowledge, active and ro bust participation of Turkey at the WTO via 
its representation in Geneva, particularly H.E. Ambassador Haluk Ilicak under whose dynamic leadership Turkey has played critical role in all aspects of WTO's work. 
ARGENTINA 
4.420.  First of all, we extend our deep condolences to the Government and people of Turkey in 
relation to last weekend's terrorist attack. 
4.421.  The Argentine Republic is most interested to  note the evolution of Turkey's economy and 
trade, this Member having been successful in s eeking sustained growth of its economy since 2001, 
with the exception of 2009, a year when the majority of countries were hit by a global economic crisis. It is laudable that Turkey has achieved economic growth, giving priority to its people's 
development, with clearly targeted plans to th is effect, such as the Ninth Development Plan 
(2007-2013), which focused, inter alia , on increasing employment, strengthening human 
development and social solidarity, and enhancing th e quality and effectiveness of public services. 
4.422.  We also stress in particular that Turkey has b een shifting industrial and services production 
towards high added value activities. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.423.  These measures will doubtless cement the grow th that Turkey has been experiencing. We 
sincerely hope that Turkey will satisfactorily fulfil the objectives it has set itself under its Tenth Development Plan (2013-2018), in order to make it one of the world's leading economies by 2030. 
4.424.  Argentina wishes to highlight Turkey's commitm ent to international trade, and shares its 
efforts to contribute to a fair and balanced multilateral trade system. 
4.425.  In the context of this trade policy review, Argentina recently submitted questions to Turkey 
relating, among other things, to its tariff scheme and its export support, including subsidies, for 
agricultural products. We are grateful for the replies which the Turkish Government is in the 
process of providing. 
4.426.  By virtue of the size of its economy, Turkey is an important market for placing Argentine 
products and attracting investment in our country . However, the volume and mix of our bilateral 
trade are still a long way from reaching their full potential. Indeed, current trade figures fall far 
short of the US$1.5 billion target set for 2012 which was agreed bilaterally in 2009 at the third meeting of the Joint Economic Commission. 
4.427.  The trade balance regularly shows a slight surplus in favour of Argentina. In 2015, 
however, a deficit was recorded for the first time, albeit fairly negligible (US$9 million). Argentina's exports to Turkey are essentially centred on agriculture-based products. In particular, exports of 
soya flour and pellets account for over 53% of our sales to Turkey (2015 data). 
4.428.  Imports from Turkey, on the other hand, comprise mainly industrial products, primarily 
capital goods (49.4%) and automotive products, and to a lesser extent intermediate and consumer products. 
4.429.  It should be recalled that, as from 1 January  2014, Argentina, along with other countries, 
has lost the status of beneficiary of Turkey's GSP scheme, the same restrictions as introduced by the European Union having been incorporated Turkey's rules in this regard. 
4.430.  The Argentine Republic wishes to continue wo rking together with Turkey to deepen our 
bilateral ties, and is willing to deploy efforts wi th a view to expanding relations between the two 
countries in the areas of agriculture, science, technology and health. 
4.431.  To conclude, while reiterating our appreciation of this fresh opportunity to exchange 
viewpoints and comments on the trade policies and practices of Turkey, may we again draw 
attention to the importance of this exercise in tr ansparency, in all its aspects, and wish the Turkish 
authorities a successful conclusion to this policy review. 
KYRGYZ
 REPUBLIC 
4.432.  On behalf of the Kyrgyz delegation, let me br ing the condolences to Turkey on the tragic 
events in Ankara. We extend our deepest solidarity to the Government and people of Turkey. 
4.433.  Turkey is the 17th largest economy in the world. The Trade Policy review reports prepared 
by the Government of Turkey and by the Secretar iat reveal the stability of the Turkish economy. 
4.434.  The Kyrgyz Republic and Turkey have strong economic relationships. Turkey takes one of 
the leading positions among the major trad ing partners of the Kyrgyz Republic. 
4.435.  The Kyrgyz Republic has a number of bilateral agreements with Turkey in spheres such as 
promoting the economy, investments, technical cooperation and others. 
4.436.  The delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic wi shes Turkey a successful sixth Trade Policy 
Review. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  GABON 
4.437.  On behalf of the Gabonese Government and personally, I should also like to address my 
sincere condolences to the Government and people of Turkey, victims of the terrorist attacks in 
Ankara last Sunday. Gabon most vigorously condemns this odious act. 
4.438.  The reports produced by the WTO Secretariat and by the Turkish delegation reveal that 
Turkey's economy, which is dependent on inte rnational trade, has not been spared by the 
instability in the financial and money markets, as shown by its growth, which stood at 2.1% in 
2010, 2.9% in 2014 and 3.1% in the first half of 2015. 
4.439.  My delegation would like to encourage Turkey in regard to the efforts made since its fifth 
trade policy review to facilitate communication and collaboration between businesses, in particular through the launch of the one-stop-shop pilot project for terrestrial border posts and the 
implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. 
4.440.  The delegation of Gabon also welcomes Turkey's attachment and commitment to the Doha 
Development Agenda (DDA), which is so fundamen tal to the establishment of a fairer and more 
equitable multilateral trade system. 
4.441.  Gabon and Turkey maintain both diplomatic and economic relations. These ties were 
strengthened by the visit of President Abdulla h Gül to Libreville on 24-26 March 2011 and the 
visits by President Ali Bongo Ondimba to Ankara on 17-18 July 2012 and in May 2015. 
4.442.  Gabon and Turkey are bound by a number of  agreements, notably the General Agreement 
on commercial, economic, cultural and technical cooperation; the Framework Agreement on military training and technical and scientific cooperation; the Agreement on cooperation in 
tourism; the Agreement concerning the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments; the 
Agreement on air services; the Agreement on cooperation in the field of health science and medicine; and the Agreement on cooperation in the defense industry. 
4.443.  A host of other agreements are currently being negotiated in order to extend even further 
the scope of our already extremely rich cooperation. 
4.444.  Trade between our two countries has fluctuated in  recent years, particularly in terms of our 
imports, which rose from around CHF 7 million (CFAF 4 billion) in 2008 to more than 
CHF 83 million (CFAF 50 billion) in 2013. 
4.445.  Gabon imports a whole range of products from Turkey (iron and steel, furniture, 
equipment, foodstuffs and textiles). These impo rts quadrupled between 2012 and 2013. In the 
other direction, the main products export ed by Gabon to Turkey are oil and wood. 
4.446.  Turkey possesses a lot of positive features that make it a large market, as well as 
harbouring considerable economic potential. 
4.447.  It is with this in mind that my delegation expresses the hope that this sixth trade policy 
review of Turkey will be a success and that the ensuing measures will help to consolidate the 
existing multisectoral relations between our two countries. 
SRI
 LANKA 
4.448.  My delegation wishes to join in others expressing our deepest condolences on the 
devastating terrorist attack happened in Ankara last Sunday. 
4.449.  My delegation commends the efforts taken by the Government of Turkey to face challenges 
of the global economic crises. We believe that th e results of these measures are emerging to show 
their impact as the Turkish economy has already started to show signs of coming back to its usual growth pattern. We also note the remarkable gr owth in exports during the period of 2011-2014 
mainly led by its key export sectors of automotive  industry and apparel. My delegation noted with 
great interest, the achievements of 2023 vision of the Government of Turkey. We also welcome 
Turkey's ratification of the TFA WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.450.  Let me also briefly reflect on the historical close bilateral relations between Turkey and 
Sri Lanka. Turkey is a very important trading partner for Sri Lanka. The strong relationship 
between the two countries has grown steadily over the time. The value of total trade turnover between the two countries has increased from US$97 million in 2005 to US$311 million in 2014, 
registering an increase of around 310% compared to 2005. Both countries entered in to an 
agreement on Economic and Technical Co-operati on in August 2002 and it came into force in 
November 2007. Turkey has been a traditional supp lier of agri-products to Sri Lanka. Similarly, 
Ceylon Tea has been popular among Turkey's cons umers and we believe there is great scope for 
further expansion of trade between the two countries. 
4.451.  My delegation welcomes Turkey's continued commitment to the multilateral trading system 
and its active engagement in the negotiations in the WTO. I take this opportunity to convey our 
sincere appreciation to the Ambassador Haluk Ilicak and his team for their active role in the 
negotiations in Geneva. 
NIGERIA 
4.452.  Let me extend our condolences to the Govern ment and people of Turkey for the inhuman 
attacks of last Sunday. As stated by President Muhammadu Buhari "We all have to come together to present a common front to deal with terrorism". 
4.453.  As indicated by the Secretariat report, Nigeria is pleased to note that trade in goods and 
services grew from the equivalent of 48% of GDP in 2010 to 60% in 2014; and, in 2010, exports 
increased by 38% to US$157.7 billion in 2014 (curre nt prices). The majority of Turkey's exports 
are manufactured goods, in particular textiles and clothing (18.5%), automotive products 
(11.1%), chemicals (5.8%) and iron and steel (6.8%). This is a demonstration of how important 
trade has become to the economy of Turkey. 
4.454.  Trade remedies continue to be an important trade policy tool for Turkey, as it is one of the 
WTO's main users of safeguard and anti-dumping measures. Since 2012, Turkey initiated four 
safeguard investigations and extended safeguar d measures eight times. As for anti-dumping 
measures, Turkey ranks among the WTO's top ten users of these measures and activity has been 
high since 2012 with 25 investigations initiated and 14 measures imposed. There have been some 
amendments to Turkey's safeguard legislation during the review period impacting the investigation period. Nigeria, therefore, would like to undersco re the importance of preserving the fundamental 
principles of the existing trade remedy rules an d ensuring that those rules remain effective in 
addressing the problems of unfair trade confronted  by all Members, including developing countries 
and LDCs. 
4.455.  Nigeria and Turkey have maintained cordial political and economic relations, being 
members of the D-8. Nigeria and Turkey have over the years sought a way to fill the vacuum that 
exists between the two countries trade relations,  through signing of bilateral agreements and 
organizing joint trade and investments forum to help in fostering businessmen and investors' 
better understanding of investment opportunities that exist in both countries. Nigeria hopes that 
the relations would yield more investment to boost major sectors, including power, manufacturing, mining, construction, agro-allied, aviation and security. The two countries have signed an Economic, Scientific and Technological Co-operation Agreement that allows for the establishment 
of joint venture projects, exchange of technica l and scientific information and personnel. The 
present level of trade is far from reflecting the real potential of both countries, although there had been a considerable increase in the volume of trade. We acknowledge Turkey's leading role and 
active contributions to the DDA negotiations and its commitments to an ambitious and balanced 
outcome in agriculture and its support for a pro-development outcome. As members of G-33, both countries remain conscious of the subsistence nature of agriculture in developing countries and 
stress the need to ensure sustenance of li velihood of poor and vulnerable farmers. 
4.456.  The Federal Government recently (on 2 March 2016) signed a Memorandum of 
Understanding (MoU) on trade and economic partnership agreement with the Turkish Government to boost commerce and economic activities. The obje ctive is to raise the current trade volume of 
both countries, which currently stands at US$2.3 billion, through investment drive. Currently, our 
Government is facilitating discussion with up to 150 Turkish Businessmen and key representatives of the private sector in Nigeria to explore more areas of investments. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.457.  As Member of the WTO, Turkey has continued to play a leading role in the DDA 
negotiations, and Nigeria hopes to continue further collaboration in the negotiations with Turkey.  
EL SALVADOR 
4.458.  On behalf of the Government of El Salvador, I wish to join the delegations who have 
preceded me in expressing solidarity with the Government and people of Turkey in relation to the 
deplorable events of last weekend in Ankara. 
4.459.  In spite of the external factors affecting Turkey 's economy, such as the recent geopolitical 
crisis in the region and the associated influx of refugees, climatic conditions and the aftermath of 
the global economic recession, it has not ceased gr owing during the review period, as stated in the 
Government's report, thanks to a number of deci sive comprehensive economic policy programmes, 
robust macroeconomic foundations, capital market advantages and loan expansion. 
4.460.  We have also observed the efforts which th e Turkish Government has been making to 
minimize the effects of the volatility of capital flows on domestic markets and enhance financial stability; enhance consolidated banking supervision and coverage of risks emanating from 
non-banking entities in a group; regulate oper ations and surveillance of payment systems and 
security settlement systems; and take measures regarding consumer loans, especially credit cards, in order to control the systemic risks. 
4.461.  As far as exports are concerned, it is notewort hy that the sectoral mix of Turkey's exports 
has been changing towards more capital- and technology-intensive products. The Turkish apparel sector is among the most critical in terms of co ntribution to GDP, employment generation and net 
exports, focusing on value-added products. It is interesting that Turkey is increasingly positioning 
itself in the world of international fashion by emphasizing new designs and fashion collections for 
the top-end international apparel market, coupled with the Government's aim to make Istanbul one of the top five fashion centres of the world as of 2023. 
4.462.  Within the services sector, we also observe th e global positioning and growth of Turkey's 
audiovisual services: as stated in the Government's report, according to the Theatrical Market Statistics published by the Motion Pi cture Association, Turkey ranked 15
th among international box 
office markets in 2014, generating revenues of around US$30 million. 
4.463.  Bilaterally, trade between El Salvador and Turkey is fairly complementary, insofar as 
El Salvador's exports to Turkey during the period 2012-2014 comprised primarily, inter alia , 
refined sugar, clothing, handbags and reptiles, while the main imports during the same period 
were medicines, paper and cardboard products, au tomobiles and plumbing articles, among others. 
4.464.  Furthermore, we note that bilateral trade with  Turkey is growing, since our exports climbed 
from US$105,000 in 2012 to US$1 million in 2014. A si milar trend is discernible in imports from 
Turkey, which climbed from US$2 mi llion in 2012 to US$3.7 million in 2014. 
4.465.  Multilaterally, Turkey was an active participant in the Doha Round and has been a staunch 
supporter of a balanced outcome of the negotiat ions. It has also backed the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA), which is currently going through its national ratification process, and has 
already ratified the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement. As far as plurinational negotiations within WTO are concerned, Turkey has officially participated in the negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), with the aim of eliminating tariffs on a list of products 
agreed as environmental goods, since the fifth round of talks held in March 2015. 
4.466.  Although there are still challenges that it needs to overcome, such as those flagged in the 
Secretariat's report pertaining to government programmes in the agricultural sector that distort 
trade and production, as well as the uncertainty for trading partners that stems from the low level 
of tariff bindings for non-agricultural goods and high applied tariffs for agricultural goods, Turkey has achieved fine economic performance, making it the 17
th largest economy in the world, with a 
GDP of US$799 billion in 2014. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  QATAR 
4.467.  Let me begin by expressing our deep condolen ces to the people and Government of Turkey 
on the tragic events that occurred on Sunday even ing in Ankara. On behalf of my Government, we 
stand in firm solidarity with Turkey and reiterate our continued support. 
4.468.  Turkey has an open and strong economy with a robust macroeconomic foundation. As 
shown by the reports, it is imminent that sinc e they're previous TPR Turkey has shown positive 
economic advancement. In 2014 Turkey's economy grew by 2.9%and in the first half of 2015 it 
grew by 3.1%. 
4.469.  Turkey's geographical positioning is very import ant to the region as it is a bridge between 
the Middle East and Europe. Turkey is also a stra tegic partner for the state of Qatar. We have 
successfully managed to translate our strong political relationship into a deep economic 
cooperation. Our two countries are characterized by robust two way trade and investment flows. 
4.470.  As a major trading nation, they are active Members in the WTO negotiations as we would 
like to applaud their efforts in advancing DDA negotiations. They have, on previous occasions, 
emphasized the need to integrate developing countri es and in particular LDC's into the multilateral 
trading system. 
4.471.  In conclusion, we appreciate the efforts made by Turkey at the regional and multilateral 
level to maintain an open global trading system and we wish Turkey a very successful sixth Trade 
Policy Review. 
OMAN 4.472.  At the outset, Oman would like to join others in expressing its condolences and solidarity 
with the Turkish Government and the people of Turkey following the horrific incident that took 
place in Ankara last Sunday. Our prayers are with  the 37 victims who died on that day and with 
their families and loved ones.  
4.473.  Oman has friendly, cordial relations with Turkey not only in the field of trade and economy 
but also in international affairs. We also cooperate in WTO activities and in Doha Round negotiations. 
4.474.  Turkey is the 17th largest economy in the wo rld with a GDP of around US$800 billion. In 
2014, Turkey was the 21st biggest exporter of good s, the 15th biggest importer of goods and the 
16th biggest exporter of services. It is the 7th bi ggest producer of agricultural products in the 
world. These figures show the importance of Turkey  in the world economy and its place and role in 
the multilateral trading system. 
4.475.  My delegation congratulates Turkey on the im pressive performance of its economy and its 
foreign trade despite a challenging environment. It is noteworthy that in the first half of 2015 the 
Turkish economy grew faster than the OECD, G-7, EU and Euro Area. 
4.476.  Turkey’s performance in external trade has been  remarkable in recent years. According to 
the WTO Secretariat report, Turkey’s total trade in  goods and services grew from 48% of GDP in 
2010 to 60% of GDP in 2014. Exports increase d by 38% from 2010 to 2014, reaching an 
impressive total of US$157 billion. 
4.477.  Whereas Turkey’s export performance has been impressive, its goods tariff has a lot of 
room for improvement. Unlike some smaller econ omies which have bound 100% of tariff lines, 
Turkey has bound tariffs only on 50% of its tari ff lines, and its bound rates are relatively high: 
72% bound tariff on agricultural products and 17.6% on non-agricultural products. The average 
applied tariff is 12.8% which is relatively high.  
4.478.  Turkey is an old Member of the multilateral trading system having joined the GATT in 1951 
and is an original Member of the WTO. Moreover, Turkey is actively engaged in a number of FTAs and Preferential Trading Arrangements. It support s a balanced outcome of DDA negotiations, and 
is also deeply committed to a balanced outcome of the negotiations. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.479.  The delegation of Oman is impressed by th e future economic and trade policy goals of 
Turkey. It is aiming to become the tenth largest economy in the world by the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Turkish Republic in 2023. 
4.480.   Its ambition is to achieve 12% average annual increase in exports to reach an export 
target of US$500 billion by the year 2023. We wish  Turkey all the success in its noble aspirations 
bringing development and prosperity to its people. 
4.481.  Finally we would like to congratulate Turkey on completing its internal process for 
accepting the protocol of amendment relating to the Trade Facilitation Agreement. 
MALI
  
4.482.  Our country expresses its sincere condolences following the attacks perpetrated in Ankara, 
which have killed and hurt a lot of innocent victims. We feel great sadness, and vigorously 
condemn these vile acts. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families, and we 
pray for a speedy recovery of those injured. We reiterate our wholehearted and unflinching 
solidarity towards Turkey and all countries afflicte d by such actions, not least those in our own 
West African sub-region which has hardly been spared of late. 
4.483.  The delegation of Mali would like to thank and congratulate the Turkish authorities for the 
clarity and precision of the report they have just presented to us. 
4.484.  This meeting comes amid an outlook of uncerta in growth in the wake of the major global 
economic crisis. 
4.485.  This has not, however, undermined the Turkis h Government's efforts or deterred it from 
opting to pursue a courageous and bold policy, which has enabled it to achieve the results we can 
admire today. Indeed, since 2001, when its growth stood at 8.8%, Turkey has continued to record 
positive GDP growth in spite of a persistently difficult international environment. 
4.486.  Rigorous budgetary discipline consistent with the Government's strategy to bolster 
macroeconomic stability contributes strongly to supporting the sustainable economic growth that is 
indispensable for development. 
4.487.  My delegation notes with interest the remarkable external trade performance Turkey 
achieved in 2014, yielding a significant trade surplus. This places Turkey in an honourable 
15th position among the 40 countries which managed to increase their total exports annually. 
4.488.  In this context, my delegation is delighted with the excellent economic and trade relations 
developing on an ongoing basis between my country, Mali, and Turkey. 
4.489.  My delegation takes this opportunity to pay tribute to Turkey's remarkable efforts to open 
up to the rest of the world, in particular the African countries, including Mali, and encourages it to pursue the reforms initiated, including implementation of the Basel II and Basel II.5 norms 
of 2012. 
4.490.  We are of the opinion that the Turkish Gove rnment's Vision 2023 project has set ambitious 
goals, and constitutes a major step towards fu ll development for the population and dynamic 
regional integration. Further trade liberalization to open up more commercial opportunities would 
also be beneficial for attaining the objectives set under the Vision 2023. 
4.491.  While praising its acceptance of the Protocol  amending the Marrakesh Agreement relating 
to the Bali 2013 Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement, we 
strongly encourage Turkey to step up its efforts in regard to notifications on trade in agricultural 
goods including, in particular, cotton. 
4.492.  My country, Mali, is pleased with the excellent political, economic, trade and cultural 
relations it maintains with Turkey, culminating two and a half years ago in the opening of 
respective embassies in our two capitals. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.493.  Mali reiterates its determination to do everything possible to render this young but 
dynamic cooperation with Turkey even more fruitful. 
TUNISIA 4.494.  I should like first of all to express sincere condolences to the delegation of Turkey following 
the atrocious terrorist act perpetrated recently in its capital, Ankara. My country has also suffered 
similar attacks, and we are united with the Turkish Government and people in this regard. 
4.495.  My delegation wishes to underscore the considerable efforts Turkey has made since its 
previous trade policy review in pursuing its economic and trade liberalization policy by reinforcing 
the process of opening up its economy, establishi ng an environment conducive to the development 
of investment and diversifying its trade and economic relations with its partners, including my country. 
4.496.  Tunisia congratulates Turkey on the growth achieved in recent years and the efforts 
deployed to combine balance, development and stability, despite the global crisis that has continued to affect the world economy. 
4.497.  Turkey's economy has displayed robust growth in recent years, thanks to decisive 
economic policy programmes and solid macroeconomic foundations. This performance makes Turkey the 17
th largest economy in the world. 
4.498.  Trade is an important component of the econ omy and, since 2010, exports have grown by 
38%, climbing to US$157.7 billion. 
4.499.  The security and humanitarian crisis afflicting the Middle East region and the associated 
influx of refugees have also posed challenges to sustained growth for several countries, including 
Turkey. 
4.500.  In spite of these problems, during the first six months of 2015 Turkey's economy recorded 
an appreciable 3.1% growth. 
4.501.  There are common historical ties between Tuni sia and Turkey, which contribute to their 
dynamic bilateral relations. On top of this, the two nations share similar positions and converging approaches to modernization. 
4.502.  In recent years, Tunisia and Turkey have managed to establish cooperative relations in 
various spheres, with a number of cooperation agreements and protocols. 
4.503.  At the sectoral level, there are several Tunisian-Turkish commissions in various domains 
that meet periodically. In respect of trade, in November 2004 our two countries signed an 
agreement on the establishment of a free-trade area. A number of Turkish exporting firms have 
set up in Tunisia (either entirely or pa rtly), thereby creating a number of jobs. 
4.504.  We give Turkey's efforts our full support and wish the country every success in its trade 
policy review. 
HONDURAS 4.505.  On behalf of the Honduran delegation, we wish to express our solidarity with the 
Republic of Turkey in relation to the attacks perpetrated in Ankara. 
4.506.  We note with considerable interest from the re port provided that, in the first half of 2015, 
industrial production (primarily in the automobile sector), consumption and private investment were the main contributors to growth in Turkey. 
4.507.  At the same time, services sectors combined contributed about 65% of GDP, mostly from 
transport, storage, wholesale and retail trade and real-estate activities. Financial services, tourism 
and telecommunications are also well developed and important services sectors. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.508.  We remark that total trade in goods and servic es grew from the equivalent of 48% of GDP 
in 2010 to 60% in 2014, and, since 2010, exports increased by 38%. 
4.509.  Turkey continues to recognize the importance of attracting foreign direct investment 
through its many programmes of incentives, schemes and free zones, and has also aligned its 
unilateral preference regime with that of the EU, with a few exceptions, in particular to focus 
preferences on countries most in need, such as Honduras, which is a beneficiary of GSP offered by Turkey. 
4.510.  We note that, in 2015, the Turkish Government introduced new investment incentives for 
companies which included, inter alia , additional tax breaks, more insurance premium supports, 
reduced input costs for industrial imports and guarantees for business loans. 
4.511.  We observe that Turkey is a major global producer of agricultural products, ranking 
seventh in the world, registering a trade surplus in agricultural products of approximately 
US$3 billion. 
4.512.  Much of Turkey's economic development ha s been based on the country's large and 
diverse manufacturing base, allied with relatively low labour costs, a well-trained workforce and its 
strategic location. 
4.513.  Our attention is drawn to Turkey's fundamenta l long-term Vision 2023, under which it aims 
to become one of the top ten economies in the wo rld, with a GDP of around US$2 trillion, a GDP 
per capita of US$25,000 and exports of US$500 billion. In order to achieve these objectives, Turkey has developed several short- and medium-term plans. 
4.514.  According to its Export Strategy for 2023, Tu rkey plans to gain a 1.5% share of world 
exports, by increasing exports by an average of 12% a year. It is noteworthy that the growth of 
Turkey's tourism sector has outplaced global tourism growth. 
4.515.  Turkey ranked sixth in the world in terms of international tourist arrivals and 12
th in terms 
of tourism receipts in 2014, and it is targeting US$50 billion of revenue and 50 million tourists 
by 2023. 
4.516.  At the regional level, Turkey has taken steps to initiate negotiation of a PTA with the 
Central American countries. As regards our bilateral trade, we are exporting US$650,000 worth of 
clothing, coffee, toys and furniture and importing US$5.3 million worth of machinery, iron and steel, clothing, vehicles and pharmaceutical products, among others, in 2015. 
4.517.  In 2015, representatives of our countries si gned an economic and commercial agreement 
with a view to fostering cooperation in the following areas, among others: agriculture; 
development of livestock farming and food safety; energy and mineral resources; fishing; health; 
social security; industry; development of sm all and medium enterprise; construction and 
consultancy services; tourism; science and technology. 
4.518.  We thank the Turkish Cooperation and Coordina tion Agency (TIKA) for the delivery of a 
US$313,598.25 donation in support of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) - 
Western Regional University Centre (CUROC), the University School Hospital, the Secretariat of 
Health, the Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School and the National Association of Industrialists (ANDI). 
TAJIKISTAN 
4.519.  On behalf of the Tajikistan's delegation, let me bring the condolences to Turkey on the 
tragic attack in Ankara. 
4.520.  Turkey takes one of the leading positions amon g the major trading partners of the Republic 
of Tajikistan. 
4.521.  I want to express my gratitude to Turkey for having prepared a comprehensive and 
detailed trade review. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.522.  The delegation of the Republic of Tajikist an wishes Turkey a successful Trade Policy 
Review. 
GEORGIA 4.523.  First of all, allow me to express my heartfel t condolences regarding the recent tragedy in 
Ankara. 
4.524.  Turkey-Georgia cooperation is a remarkable example of how two neighbouring countries 
can mutually enjoy each other's potential in order to increase the prosperity of their people. In 
recent years, as a result of the liberalization  of trade between Georgia and Turkey, successful 
projects and initiatives were implemented almost in all areas of the Georgian economy. 
4.525.  Now, I would like to indicate main macroeconomic indicators. 
4.526.  According to the latest statistics, in 2015, trade turnover between Georgia and Turkey 
exceeded US$1,5 billion (1 516.7 min, which is 15% share in total trade turnover of Georgia), 
which makes Turkey the second largest trading partner of Georgia, following the EU with total trade turnover. 
4.527.  In 2015, Export amounted to US$186 million (8 % share in total export of Georgia) and 
Import amounted to US$1,3 billion (1 330.7 million) (17% share in total import of Georgia). 
4.528.  Now let me draw your attention to the information on FDIs. 
4.529.  Turkey has been one of the top investor countries in Georgia in recent years. In 2015, the 
flow of the Turkish FDIs in Georgia has increa sed by 23% and amounted to US$77.3 million (6% 
share in total FDIs of Georgia). 
4.530.  In parallel with these developments, the bilateral cooperation in different sectors, including 
tourism produced remarkable results as well. Number of overall visitors from Turkey to Georgia 
serves as clear demonstration of the mentioned cooperation. For your information, during the past 10 years the number of overall visitors from Turk ey has amounted to almost 9 million visitors. 
KINGDOM
 OF BAHRAIN 
4.531.  I would like to join others in offering our condolences to the Turkish people for the events 
in Ankara on Sunday, our thoughts and prayers are with them. 
4.532.  Turkey is an important regional partner of Bahrain, sharing a strong economic relationship. 
The value of our total bilateral trade reached US$500 million last year, up more than 36% since the last review in 2012. Turkey is also the major destination for Bahraini aluminium, making up more than 70% of the US$290 million exports to Tu rkey last year. This trade has been further 
cemented by a number of bilateral economic agreements such as the Agreement on Economic, 
Trade and Technical Cooperation and Agreement fo r Promotion and Protection of Investments. 
4.533.  Therefore, we are happy to see that Turkey's economy has been able to continue to grow 
by 3.1% last year, despite the challenges faced during the period under review, including the 
ongoing geopolitical situation at their borders, as a result of their comprehensive economic policy programmes. We are also delighted to see from the report that, if the targets set as part of their 
Vision 2023 Programme are reached, Turkey will be among the world's largest economies, and 
promises to have trade liberalization at all fr onts, with potential to deliver new trading and 
investment opportunities, which could further increase our current economic relationship. 
BANGLADESH 
4.534.  Let me join others in expressing our deepest condolences to the people of Turkey and to 
the victims of the terrorist attack. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  4.535.  As noted in the Secretariat report, the economy of Turkey had an uneven growth during 
the period under review despite a significant in crease of trade GDP ratio which shows Turkey's 
importance to trade. We appreciate the active role of Turkey in the WTO negotiations. 
4.536.  Bangladesh has long history ties in cultural, political and economic relationship with 
Turkey. We cooperate with each other in multilateral fora. 
4.537.  We would like to note that Bangladesh has benefitted from the duty-free and quota-free 
market access provided by Turkey since 2007 in lin e with the European Union. This initiative has, 
indeed, increased Bangladesh exports to Turkey and allowed to have huge development of benefits 
to Bangladesh, particularly in employment. 
4.538.  In 2001, Turkey was the fourth largest dest ination of our exports after the European 
Union, the United States and Canada. 
4.539.  However, the additional duty imposed by Turk ey on textile and clothing in July 2011 has 
hampered the export growth of Bangladesh in Turkey . In this context, we would be grateful if the 
delegation of Turkey could inform us whether this a dditional duty on textile and clothing is still in 
place. If yes, has the Government of  Turkey any plan to withdraw it? WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TURKEY AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
5.1.  At the outset, let me once again state that we are sincerely grateful to Members who have 
expressed their solidarity with the people of Turkey following the recent terrorist attacks in Ankara and also would like to thank you all for your support. 
5.2.  I also thank all the distinguished Members for having participated in the sixth Trade Policy 
Review of Turkey. Let me express my sincere gratitude to the Permanent Representative of 
Malaysia, Ambassador Mariam MD Salleh, for being the discussant of our TPR and her insightful 
comments. I would also like to convey our apprec iation to Ambassador Paparizov for the efficient 
way via which he has conducted our work. 
5.3.  We were pleased to observe the keen interest and very active participation displayed by 
Members on Tuesday. Fifty-three delegations made interventions, which Turkey considers an 
explicit sign of interest. Turkey welcomes all those constructive contributions and interventions 
made.  
5.4.  We were also encouraged by the positive rema rks on the strength of the Turkish economy in 
an environment of global slowdown, and do appr eciate the desire expressed by all members for 
having deeper bilateral trade and economic relations with Turkey. 
5.5.  I am pleased to inform you that we have submitted written answers to over 400 questions 
raised before the deadline. I hope Members ha ve had time to review these responses.  
5.6.  We have listened to all the contributions and have also taken note of concerns raised.  
5.7.  Let me underline that Turkish economy continues to grow. The average annual growth rate of 
the Turkish economy was 5.4% between 2009 and 2014. Despite serious economic and financial 
volatility in the global economy and geopolitical tensions in the region, the Turkish economy 
posted a robust performance in 2015, with a growth rate of around 4%.  
5.8.  In 2015, the decline in commodity prices genera ted a strong downward pressure on imports. 
In this economic environment, Turkish export s volume increased by 1.3%. Consequently, the 
current account deficit to GDP ratio declined to around 4.5% in 2015 from 5.8% in 2014. 
5.9.  Since most of the issues raised are common, I intend to cover key points without addressing 
them on country basis. I am hoping to cover most of the raised issues.  
5.10.  Agriculture continues to be a key sector for the Turkish economy. Although Turkey has 
undergone certain restructuring efforts in its agricultural policies in the last two decades, there are persistent problems. It is a fact that an agricultural transformation is a long process with potential 
implications on wider economic and social policies. That fact requires countries to act cautiously, 
including Turkey.  
5.11.  Because of the sensitivity of agriculture, in order to deal with market access issues fairly, 
agriculture policies should be treated in their entirety including export competition and domestic 
support issues along with the tariffs. Thus, the best way to deal with agricultural market opening is multilateral negotiations and Turkey is open to contribute to the negotiations under the WTO.  
5.12.  We believe that in addition to our engagement in multilateral negotiations, alignment with 
the EU acquis and continuing FTA negotiations are the tools to carry forward Turkish agricultural sector to a more open and competitive environment.   
5.13.  Turkey will notify its export subsidies by June meeting of the WTO Committee on 
Agriculture. On the other hand, we have al ready started a work programme to complete 
notifications on agricultural domestic support programmes as well.  
5.14.  In response to concerns expressed by many Members regarding the frequent use of trade 
remedy measures, I would like to reiterate that the process for trade remedies is conducted in a 
transparent manner strictly in line with the WTO Agreements. Throughout the process, Turkey fully invokes its rights under the WTO to address unfair trade practices causing injury to the domestic WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  industry. Also, for example, since the inception of WTO, Turkey has taken 14 safeguard measures 
of which only three were taken during the last seven years. Currently, four safeguard measures are in effect and one of which will be phased out next month. Furthermore, all the safeguard measures are progressively liberalized in order to ensure the adaptation of the local industries to 
international competition.  
5.15.  As for the unbound tariffs in non-agricultural goods, Turkey is committed to bind its 
remaining tariff lines according to the agreed final outcome within the context of the Doha 
Development Agenda, 
5.16.  In public procurement, legislation and implementation in Turkey do not create a significant 
barrier for the participation of foreign bidders to public contracts. Foreign and domestic bidders have the same rights regarding any procurement proceedings and information disclosure. 
5.17.  Turkey has a quite liberal FDI regime based on equal treatment of domestic and foreign 
investors. Some Members expressed their concerns about investment restrictions in a limited number of sectors. These types of restrictions are applied in most countries for the sustainability of 
the domestic services industry and national secu rity purposes. Even some of these requirements 
such as permissions or licenses are valid both for foreign and domestic investors. 
5.18.  Turkey’s requirements in some areas such as mega healthcare public-private-partnership 
(PPP) projects are not aiming to discriminate foreign investors but to provide an enabling 
environment for the cooperation between domestic and foreign investors. 
5.19.  Thanks to the increasing foreign trade volume and to favorable business climate, Turkey has 
become a major hub for global FDI flows. With its outstanding performance in the last 13 years, 
Turkey succeeded to host US$12. 7 billion of FDI on annual average. Despite negative global 
conditions, upward trend in FDI inflows pursued with a 32.4% increase and inflows reached up to US$16.6 billion in 2015. 
5.20.  Turkey is aware of the fact that improving investment climate is an ongoing process. 
Accordingly, improving investment environment is among the top priorities of 2016 Action Plan of 
the Government as well as the 10th Development Plan. In addition, possible concerns of 
international investors in Turkey are taken into account through the Coordination Council for the 
Improvement of Investment Environment (YOIKK). This Council is a public-private dialogue platform prioritizing private sector suggestions. Recently, the chairmanship of that Council has been upgraded to Deputy Prime Minister level in order to underline the political ownership of the 
process. 
5.21.  When it comes to intellectual property rights, Turkey continues to support effective 
implementation of rights and obligations with in the framework of the TRIPS Agreement.  
5.22.  In parallel to economic development in the last decade in Turkey, the number of 
applications for the protection of patents, trademarks and designs are on the constant rise. According to the latest report of WIPO, Turkey has been ranked at the 7th place in the world 
according to its resident Intellectual property activity by origin out of 80 countries. 
5.23.  Implementation of IP policies is among the top priorities of Turkey and enforcement capacity 
is being further strengthened on a continuous basis. In addition to those, new Industrial Property Rights Law is in the pipeline. 
5.24.  As commended by many Members on Tuesday, in recent years, development policies have 
started to play much bigger role in the overall policy making in Turkey. As one of the concrete 
indications of this policy move, official developm ent aid provided by Turkey is on the rise. Annual 
development aid which was US$601 million in 2005 reached to US$3.6 billion in 2014. 
5.25.  In line with its development policy, Turkey has taken decisive steps towards integrating 
LDCs more into the global trading system.  
5.26.  Turkey has already notified its preferential tr eatment for LDCs in services trade. Turkey 
believes that market access opportunities should go hand in hand with capacity building efforts for WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  LDCs. In addition, facilitation of the mobility of LDC service suppliers is vital for them to 
meaningfully benefit from th e preferential treatment.  
5.27.  Turkey provides important market access opportunities for LDC’s exports under its GSP 
Scheme which further increases export capabilities of the LDCs. Turkey’s unilateral preferential 
imports for 2014 amounted to 8.3% of its total imports.  
5.28.  In the course of first day’s discussions, some countries pointed out the importance of 
increased Global Value Chain (GVC) participation. Indeed, Turkey has a strong presence in GVCs, 
while there is room to upgrade production chains  with a focus on high value added products. In 
recent years, services sector has gained an incr eased role in GVCs. According to OECD Trade in 
value added (TIVA) indicators, the contribution of services in Turkey is over 40% in value added 
terms. In coming years, policies towards reaching out more open, diversified and competitive 
markets will help further to improve productivity in the entire economy. 
5.29.  Let me open up a parenthesis and say that taking into account the SMEs’ contribution to 
value-added exports, increasing their productivity and competitiveness are the main policy targets 
of Turkey in order to move up in Global Value Chains. 
5.30.  As highlighted by many Members during the fi rst day of the review, since services sector 
has a prominent role in the Turkish economy, the competitiveness of services is a priority in our 
strategic plans.  
5.31.  We are already observing success stories in sect ors such as film industry, health services 
and software production alongside traditional export sectors like tourism, transportation and construction. In this respect, Turkey prioritizes diversification of services exports in terms of both 
destination and sector wise.  
5.32.  In order to level the playing field and address genuine impediments faced by the business 
community, Turkey increasingly negotiates trad e agreements covering trade in services.  
5.33.  Let me also take this opportunity to make a few remarks over women’s participation in 
business in Turkey. In last ten years, number of women entrepreneurs in Turkey increased by 78%. Among other things, "The 10th Development Plan (2014-2018)" aims at increasing women’s 
participation in the work force, while raising the quality of labour for the youth and women.   
5.34.  Also, it was the first time in the G20 that Turkey, as the G20 Term President, organized a 
Women 20 Summit in October 2015 in Antalya which underlined the importance of economic empowerment of women.  
5.35.  Vision 2023 which aims to carry Turkey into on e of the world’s biggest economies puts an 
ambitious goal to achieve.  
5.36.  Certainly, as a country targeting 1.5% share from global trade by 2023, Turkey aims at 
increasing its international competitiveness, transforming its production structure from low to 
medium and high tech products and diversifying its export markets among others.  
5.37.  Proactive policy to broaden the scope of Free Trade Agreements both in terms of coverage 
and geography is a solid indication of Turkey’s determination to reach the goals of Vision 2023. 
Also, upgrade of the Customs Union with th e EU will be a giant step in this vein. 
5.38.  In compliance with its efforts to diversify its export markets, Turkey’s trade has already 
reached to US$19.5 billion with African countries and US$7.2 billion with Latin American countries. 
5.39.  I would like to emphasize that the 64th Government of Turkey announced a comprehensive 
structural reform agenda in order to support su stained economic growth and reach to the 2023 
targets.  
5.40.  On the monetary policy front, the Central Bank of Turkey maintains its instrument 
independence. The price stability objective, which is of primary importance, will be supplemented by the measures to attain financial stability.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  5.41.  Guided by these institutional principles and re form agenda, we strongly believe that Turkey 
will manage to reach the 2023 targets. 
5.42.  Before I finish my words, I hereby would like to share with you that this trade policy of 
Turkey has also coincided with Turkey’s submission  of Trade Facilitation Instrument of Acceptance 
by becoming the 71st ratifying Member of the WTO. 
5.43.  I thank all delegates for their contribution and comments.  
5.44.  Let me also thank Mr. Paparizov and welcome the incoming Chair Madame (PR) Irene Young 
and wishing her good luck. 
DISCUSSANT 5.45.  I would like to thank Mr. Husnu Dilemre and his team for the comprehensive response to 
the issues raised on Turkey’s trade polices during this review.  
5.46.  I believe that your open and constructive approach throughout this exercise has allowed 
Members to better understand and benefit from Tu rkey’s experiences. The additional information 
provided in your statement helped to further clarify some of the issues. We note that additional 
questions have been posed and that you will provide the answers in due course.  
Overall assessments 5.47.  We had heard Members’ acknowledgement of the efforts made by the Government of 
Turkey to stay on course of its economic refo rms and improvement of its trade policies. These 
have helped Turkey weathers through recent ex ternal shocks. Despite its currency and financial 
market volatility coupled with high inflation since mid-2013, it is recognized that Turkey’s economic growth is an inspiration to many developing countries. 
5.48.  W i t h  o v e r  5 0  M e m b e r s  t a k i n g  t h e  f l o o r ,  i t  s h o w e d  t h e  i m p o r t a n c e  o f  T u r k e y  a s  a  t r a d e  
partner. Members underscored Turkey’s construc tive engagement in the WTO, its valuable 
contribution to the work of the regular Committees and in the DDA negotiations. We look forward 
to Turkey’s leadership and pragmatism as Members prepare for meaningful outcomes for the 11th 
Ministerial Conference next year. 
5.49.  I would like to highlight some of the comments made by Members particularly the LDCs that 
took the floor. Members praised the significant role played by Turkey in assisting LDCs’ integration 
to the multilateral trading system. These includ e Turkey’s commitments in implementing the 
duty-free and quota-free (DFQF) market access, pref erential treatment for LDCs in services trade 
as well as ratification of the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement. I take this opportunity to 
congratulate Turkey for being the 71st Member of the WTO to ratify the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. It is important that others follow su it so that the Agreement can be fully implemented 
as soon as possible and benefit all Members. 
5.50.  Members have also expressed some specific concerns. Without being exhaustive, I would 
like to flag some of them. 
Challenges  
5.51.  Members noted that, despite the various steps of  trade liberalization taken by Turkey, high 
tariff remain a potential barriers to trade. Specifically, the gap between the overall bound tariff rates and the applied MFN rates as well as the high level of tariff protection in agriculture as compared to industrial goods. Members encouraged Turkey to review swiftly the 70 over lines that 
are beyond its maximum binding commitment at the WTO. We certainly welcome the 
announcement made that Turkey will be submitting and updating its notification in domestic support as soon as possible. 
5.52.  There were also concerns expressed on string ent SPS and TBT requirements and the need to 
align these with international standards. Members I am sure welcome the statement made by Mr. Dilemre that this is one area being pursue d for improvement by Turkey. Above all, Members WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  urged Turkey on the need to ensure that sanitary regulations and technical rules are based on 
scientific study, risk analysis and international standards, and for them to be transparent and predictable. 
5.53.  Members welcome the streamlining of Turkey’s customs procedures and the implementation 
of trade facilitation measures such as abolishmen t of licensing requirements for a wide range of 
products as well as implementation of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) to facilitate trade. However, at the same time, Members have also expressed concerns on the import regime which in 
some procedures remain complex and burdensome and resulted in costly delays at the border. 
5.54.  One of the common concerns raised was on Turkey’s frequent use of safeguard and 
anti-dumping measures. Members urged Turkey to exercise due restraint and conduct a thorough review to ensure that measures are taken only  if they are fully justified and not used for 
protectionist purposes.  
5.55.  To foster a stronger investment regime and business facilitation, Members are of the view 
that deeper reforms, reinforcing security measures, reducing the costs of doing business and 
strengthening protection and enforcement of the intellectual property rights would contribute 
towards attracting more FDIs. 
Concluding remarks 
5.56.  TPR is of value when Members believe that a constructive and critical dialogue would help us 
towards a deeper understanding of each other's policies and the commitment to align them with 
WTO rules and obligations. I am confident that Turkey would continue with its reform agenda.  
5.57.  We wish Turkey every success for its Vision 2023. I can foresee that at the 7th Trade Policy 
Review, we will hear more of the various mileston es to be achieved through the short and medium 
term plans as outlined in this review. 
5.58.  I take this opportunity to wish Mr. Dílemre and his team a safe trip home to Ankara while 
enjoying a bit of Geneva for the rest of the day. 
5.59.  Chair, let me take this opportunity to also thank you for your excellent chairmanship of the 
TPRB for the past year and welcome my friend Irene Young of Hong Kong, China, as the incoming 
Chair. 
THE
 SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
5.60.  My delegation thanks Turkey for its replies to our written questions and we would also like 
to express our sincere congratulations to Turkey for approving the TFA and taking the reform 
agenda. 
5.61.  We have one follow-up question on safeguard, investment, investigation partners and seek 
clarification from the Government of Turkey. The qu estion has been sent to the Secretariat and we 
look forward to receiving the replies. 
EUROPEAN  UNION 
5.62.  The EU would like to thank the delegation of Turkey for the comprehensive replies provided 
to our advance written questions.  
5.63.  The EU hopes that Turkey will be in capacity to make all the notifications announced, in 
particular, but not solely, in the agricultural field.  
5.64.  The EU welcomes the confirmation that no export subsidies have been (or will be) granted 
to the Turkish fruits and vegetable sector. In the same way, we also welcome the confirmation by 
the Turkish delegation during this TPR that Turkey  intends to notify export subsidies for the next 
Committee on Agriculture in June 2016. The EU looks forward to that review.  WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  5.65.  However, the EU noted that in relation to the WTO transparency obligations for domestic 
support on agriculture, the Turkish replies do no t provide indication (even approximate) on when 
the Turkish authorities intend to submit this pending information to the WTO. The EU would like to recall the importance of the transparency provisio ns on domestic support for agriculture and that 
those pending notifications should be done as soon as possible and we have taken careful note of 
the statement this morning in this regard. 
5.66.  Additionally, the EU notes that there are still areas in Turkey's trade policy - in particular 
regarding import and customs procedures, VAT collection and SCT - that deserve some further 
clarification. Therefore, the EU has submitted a few follow-up and some additional questions 
covering these issues. We thank in advance the delegation of Turkey for its replies by the 
deadlines set in this Organization.  
5.67.  In conclusion, the EU would like to thank again the delegation of Turkey for its reactive and 
constructive participation in this trade policy review. 
5.68.  Finally, the EU would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your work 
during this past year and welcome our new incoming Chair. 
UNITED
 STATES 
5.69.  I would like to join others in thanking the Turkish delegation for the active and constructive 
participation in the TPR. The statement this morning was very useful in responding to issues that have been raised and as well the written answers to questions which we have studied with great 
interest. In particular, I would like to highlight our thanks to Turkey for its announcement this 
morning in regard to the agriculture notifications an d I would also like to emphasize that it will be 
to everyone's benefit for Turkey to be fully up-to-date with all of its notifications which will be 
consistent with its role as taking a leadership position in the WTO. 
KAZAKHSTAN 
5.70.  Since our delegation takes the floor for the first time during this TPR, we would like to 
express our most sincere condolences to the Turkis h delegation and to the people of Turkey and 
solidarity with them on the tragic incident in Ankara on Sunday. 
5.71.  Turkey is a strategic and close partner of Kazakhstan. Trade and economic relations 
between Kazakhstan and Turkey are strength ening every year, including cooperation in 
construction, transportation and logistics, energy, agriculture, financial services and other areas. 
5.72.  Volume of total trade between Kazakhstan and Turkey, being among our top ten largest 
trading partners, reached approximately US$2 billi on in 2015, including US $1.3 billion of exports 
from Kazakhstan to Turkey and US$0.7 billion  of imports from Turkey to Kazakhstan. 
5.73.  Kazakhstan exports mainly oil, gas, ferrous and non-ferrous metals to Turkey. The structure 
of importation from Turkey to Kazakhstan is more diversified and includes machinery, equipment, textiles, products of plastic, chemicals and industrial products. 
5.74.  Turkish companies greatly contributed into the economic development of our country. More 
than 1700 Turkish companies are registered in Kazakhstan, including around 1600 small 
enterprises, 50 medium-sized enterprises and 50 large companies. 
5.75.  During our last ten years, around US$2.1 billion were invested by Turkish companies into 
the economy of Kazakhstan. The flow of tariff in vestments from Kazakhstan to Turkey during the 
same period of time amounted to approximately US$1 billion. 
5.76.  In closing, I would like to emphasize again that Turkey is one of the most important 
partners of Kazakhstan and we are confident that there is further potential for the development of 
our mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation in the years to come. 
5.77.  Taking this opportunity as a recently acceded Member, we would also like to thank the 
Turkish Government once again for its continuous  support of the accession of Kazakhstan which 
made our accession at the end of last year possibl e. We look forward to continue our work with 
you within the Organization. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  The sixth Trade Policy Review of Turkey has offered us an important opportunity to have a 
dialogue about the developments of the economic, trade, and investment policies of Turkey since 
the last Review in 2012, and the changes that have occurred during the interim period. Our 
discussion has benefited from the active participation of the Turkish delegation, headed by 
H.E. Mr. Hüsnü Dilemre, Deputy Undersecretary, Ministry of Economy, and by the insightful comments from the discussant, the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the WTO, 
H.E. Ambassador Mariam MD Salleh. Turkey's time ly response to more than 500 advanced written 
questions has been greatly appreciated by Memb ers, and we look forward to answers to any 
outstanding questions no later than one month after this meeting. 
6.2.  Several delegates noted that, in many ways, Turkey is an important bridge, not just 
geographically between east to west and north to south but also, as a developing country member 
of the OECD, between developed and developing co untries. Turkey's position as the 17th largest 
economy in the world, a leading trading partner for many WTO Members, and as 7th biggest 
agricultural producer in the world all testify to its importance in the world economy and the WTO. 
6.3.  Members appreciated Turkey’s commitment to th e multilateral trading system and to trade 
liberalization. The prominent role it played in a number of economic fora, including its recent G20 
presidency was particularly commendable. Turkey's dedication to the system was demonstrated by 
its participation in the Doha negotiations, and in TiSA, EGA, and the expanded ITA. LDCs and other vulnerable economies particularly appreciated Turkey’s development assistance and implementation of duty-free-quota-free for leas t developed countries and other preferential 
arrangements. 
6.4.  Turkey was commended for its trade and GDP gr owth during the period despite structural 
vulnerabilities and the geo-political instability in the region. GDP growth fluctuated in recent years 
reflecting changes to capital inflows and contraction in agricultural output. Turkey was encouraged 
to continue addressing its significant current account deficit which remained a challenge. It was noted that Turkey’s economy is highly dependent on trade, a trend that intensified during the 
review period as exports and imports grew to the equivalent of 60% of GDP in 2014. However, 
many also noted that, while trade had increased, it was still below its potential for many of its trading partners, especially those that had free trade agreements with Turkey and neighboring 
countries, although it was also noted that this was partly due to the recent turmoil in the region. 
6.5.  Turkey’s "Vision 2023" was noted as an important policy initiative in which Turkey was 
working towards a number of ambitious goals rega rding the economy and trade to mark the 100th 
anniversary of the Turkish Republic. These in cluded: increasing GDP to over US$2 trillion, 
becoming one of the top ten countries in terms of nominal GDP, achieving an export volume of 
US$500 billion, and shifting production to higher valued added goods. 
6.6.  It was noted that transparency was of paramount importance to the functioning of the WTO 
and that Turkey has a mixed record of compliance with WTO notification obligations. In particular, 
the lack of notifications to the Committee on Agri culture on export subsidies and domestic support 
measures were mentioned as being outstanding for several years. Members urged Turkey to address all pending notifications to fulfil its WTO obligations. I note with satisfaction the statement 
of Deputy Undersecretary Dilemre that Turkey will present its notification on export subsidies to 
the Committee on Agriculture by its June meeting. 
6.7.  Members welcomed Turkey's most recent developments in facilitating trade at the border, 
including the single window application, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and 
the "one-stop-shop" pilot project. In particular, Turkey announced this morning that it had submitted its ratification of the Trade Facilitati on Agreement on 16 March to the WTO Secretariat 
and it was particularly applauded. 
6.8.  On investment, it was recognized that FDI was an important contributor to Turkey’s economic 
development and that increased investment woul d support future prosperity. While Turkey has 
maintained a relatively open investment regime for most sectors, the continuation of restrictions in 
a number of important sectors prompted Members to enquire about further liberalization 
initiatives. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  6.9.  Members acknowledged the importance of agri culture to Turkey's economy and trade. 
However, there are a number of restrictive measures in the sector, including high tariffs, high domestic support levels, and other trade-distorting measures and several delegations encouraged reforms and called for an increase in transparency. Although SPS measures were gradually being 
aligned with the EU acquis, questions still remained on barriers to trade in certain subsectors, 
including live animals and adherence to international standards. In addition, several questions were raised about the role of marketing boards, in particular the Turkish Grain Board and its 
operations. 
6.10.  Tariffs were another area of significant interest by Members. Providing traders with a 
predictable and reliable tariff regime was compromised by the low level of tariff bindings (50%), and a relatively large gap between applied and bo und rates and Turkey was encouraged to bind 
more tariffs. Some Members also noted that applied rates exceeded the bound rates on 47 tariff 
lines, that tariff rates were particularly high on many goods, and the use of non- ad valorem  tariffs 
on some products were also a burden to exporters. Law No. 474 on the customs tariff schedule 
has also created an unpredictable situation for traders as it allowed the Government to increase 
tariff levels to provide adequate protection to domestic industries. 
6.11.  Members noted with some concern the frequent use of trade remedies, in particular because 
Turkey is one of the top ten WTO users of anti-dumping, and top three users of safeguard 
measures. The increased use of these measures, enforcement procedural issues, and aspects of the investigation process vis-à-vis WTO rules were also questioned. Thus some Members called upon Turkey to reduce the use of such measures or to terminate investigations where they had a 
particular trade interest. 
6.12.  Government procurement was an area that ha s undergone some reforms in recent years 
and Members called upon Turkey to become a party to the Government Procurement Agreement 
(GPA). With respect to intellectual property, Member s were appreciative of Turkey’s acceptance of 
the TRIPS Protocol. However, several requests were made for improvements in Turkey’s IPR 
system in terms of the data exclusivity period, gr anting of compulsory licenses, enforcement, and 
protection of undisclosed information. 
6.13.  The services sector continues to be an important sector in terms of economic growth, 
employment and trade. The sector accounted for over half the economy and 23% of gross exports 
in 2014 and Turkey has continued to liberalize the se ctor by including services in new and revised 
FTA agreements and by participating in the TiSA negotiations. Travel and tourism were noted as 
important service sectors for trade, and the growth of the tourism sector, including health tourism, was particularly impressive. 
6.14.  Members congratulated Turkey for the resilience of its economy, the stability it provides to 
the region, and also for its humanitarian actions. The sixth Trade Policy Review of Turkey was successfully concluded to the benefit of all Members. The large number of advance written 
questions submitted before the meeting and the 53 delegations that took the floor during the first 
day of discussions highlight the importance Memb ers attached to Turkey's trade and related 
policies and its role in the multilateral trading system. 
6.15.  In closing, I would like to thank Deputy Undersecretary Dilemre and the rest of the Turkish 
delegation, all the other delegations, the discussant and the Secretariat for the very positive and 
active contribution to the sixth Trade Policy Review of Turkey. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  7  ELECTION OF A NEW CHAIRPERSON FOR THE TPRB 
7.1.  As indicated in the order of the first day of this meeting, we now move to the election of the 
Chairperson for the TPRB for 2016. At its meeting on 24 February 2016, the General Council noted the consensus on the slate of names of Chairp ersons for WTO bodies, including the Permanent 
Representative of Hong Kong, China, Ms. Irene B. K. Young, as the Chairperson of the Trade Policy 
Review Body. 
7.2.  Under its rules of procedure, the Trade Policy Review Body is now invited to elect Ms. Young 
as the Chairperson for 2016. I would like to su ggest that Members of the TPRB confirm their 
support for her election with a round of applause. 
7.3.  It has been my pleasure and duty to have  chaired the reviews of 25 Members through 
21 meetings of the TPRB as well as our meetings  to consider the Director-General's reports on 
trade policy developments, including the annual overview of developments in the international 
trading environment. I would like to thank delegates and all delegations, both those based in Geneva and those that came from capitals, for the constructive collaboration during all these 
meetings. The trade policy review process is a valuable exercise not only for WTO Members 
generally but especially for the Member under review and I wish the Permanent Representative of Hong Kong, China, Irene Young, every success in the work of this important WTO Body. 
7.4.  I sincerely thank everyone for their cooperation during the past year and I now hand over to 
Ms. Young. 
MS.
 IRENE  YOUNG 
7.5.  Thank you all very much for entrusting me with this responsibility. It is a responsibility that I 
do not take lightly and I know very well that it is going to be a very demanding job. But I am lucky 
to have my predecessor, Ambassador Paparizov, to help me. So, while we still have him with us on the podium, I take this opportunity to thank him not only for the advices he has given me, but also 
for the good work that he has done for the TPRB. 
7.6.  Ambassador Paparizov, watching you chair the TPRB meetings and learning from your 
excellent example, I know I really have big sh oes to fill. Actually, when I said this was a 
demanding job, it was not an overstatement. This year, we have two dozen TPRs, meaning some 
50 days of meeting to go through, not to mention all the preparatory and follow-up work that goes 
with it. And this is on top of the regular trade monitoring work that we have to do in parallel. Are all the delegates ready for that? Well, I am, and I am also ready to give my best to this particular 
area of WTO work that I really like. 
7.7.  I like the TPR Mechanism because it is very useful. It provides information, promotes 
transparency, stimulates reflection and encourages  improvement. It is such a powerful tool and 
has so much to offer, that I think we will be doing ourselves a disservice if we do not make the 
best use of it. And it is also special in the sense that none of us can just sit back and say "I am just an onlooker; let other people do the business". We cannot say that because, at some point, 
we will all be the Member under review, at othe r times we will be asking questions and making 
comments from the floor, and some of us will also contribute as discussants. So, in one way or another, we are all active participants. Like it or not, we all have a stake in this. It is only in our common interest to energize the process and make each Review and each meeting a constructive 
and rewarding experience. 
7.8.  I know I am speaking to an audience that has just gone through two days of intensive 
meeting, and I know how tiring it is, because I have  been sitting in this room, over there, with all 
of you throughout.  
7.9.  I will not, therefore, stand any longer between you and your well-deserved break, but I only 
wish to leave you with one thought: the TPRB is a joint venture of 162 WTO Members; how much 
we gain from it depends on how much we are prepared to invest in it, individually and collectively. 
As stakeholders, you can make the difference, an d it is only you who can make the difference. 
Think about that. WT/TPR/M/331 • Turkey 
 
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  UNITED  STATES 
7.10.  I apologize for taking the floor again but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to offer 
expression of the United States' thanks to Ambassador Paparizov for his exemplary service to the membership leading the TPRB over the past year, not least for consistently starting the meetings 
on time, as well as, of course, maintaining a high level of engagement and make this process so 
valuable.  
7.11.  As well, I would like to welcome our new Chair and the inspiring words that you have just 
made. We look forward to a very active year in the TPRB. 
CHINA 7.12.  China would like to join others to express our sincere appreciation for the excellent hard 
work that Ambassador Paparizov has done in the past year. And we would also like to take this 
opportunity to welcome Irene Young as the new Chairwoman. We are confident of your leadership 
and please be assured that you have full support from China. We look forward to work closely with you in the coming year. 
TURKEY 
7.13.  I would like to congratulate you, Irene, for th is very important job in the WTO and I am sure 
that with your able conduct and with your experience you will make the TPR exercise a joy for all 
countries.  
7.14.  I also thank and wish all the best for Ambassador Paparizov. His last chairmanship coincided 
with our TPR exercise. We thank him for his able conduct of the TPR meeting. As our American colleague said, all this in time and we very much appreciate that. Thank you and all the best. 
RUSSIAN
 FEDERATION 
7.15.  Since the floor seems to be open, let me join my colleagues in extending words of 
appreciation and gratitude to Ambassador Paparizov for his wise guidance throughout this year 
and his highly personal contribution to this proce ss. Special thanks for his multilingual skills and, 
from the Russian delegation, for his fluent Russian. We would like to wish you all the best in your future. 
7.16.  We would like, of course, to welcome the new Chair of the TPR Body, Ms. Young. This year 
is going to be a special one for Russia since we are preparing our third Trade Policy Review in September and we are pleased and honoured to undergo this test under your leadership. We wish you all the best as well and you may count on our full support. 
MS.
 IRENE  YOUNG 
7.17.  If no other delegations wish to take the floor, may I invite all of you to give a big hand to 
the outgoing Chairman and thank him for the excell ent work that he has done for our TPRB. Thank 
you. The meeting is adjourned. 
__________