Slovakia could see boost in Turkish tourism with eased visa restrictions: Trade Minister

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat pointed out the strong potential for tourism exchange between Türkiye and Slovakia, emphasizing that ease of visa challenges would boost the Slovakian tourism sector.

The remarks came during the Türkiye-Slovakia Round Table Meeting held at the Trade Ministry in Ankara, attended by Bolat and Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Denisa Sakova on Monday.

Pointing out that Türkiye hosts around 300,000 Slovak tourists annually—equivalent to 5% of Slovakia’s population—Bolat noted that Turkish tourists have a significant interest in visiting European countries, particularly those from middle and high-income groups. However, he explained that visa challenges complicate the process, adding that easing these obstacles would likely encourage more Turkish tourists to choose Slovakia as a destination.

‘Bilateral meetings to focus on key industries’

Bolat highlighted Slovakia as a “friend and partner” within the European Union, appreciating its support for Türkiye’s EU membership bid and efforts to modernize the Customs Union agreement to include services and international investments.

Underscoring that the trade volume between Türkiye and Slovakia has doubled since 2020 and reached $3 billion last year, Bolat stated “We believe we need to further advance trade and investment ties between the two countries.”

“We believe further progress in trade and investment between the two countries is essential. Many Turkish companies operate in Slovakia across sectors such as automotive, machinery, construction, and metal industries. We are also eager to promote mutual investments in digital technologies, renewable energy, and the automotive sector,” Bolat said.

Discussing challenges stemming from Far Eastern markets in international trade and the automotive industry, Bolat emphasized the need to enhance solidarity and cooperation between nations in these areas.

Reflecting on his visit to Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, about 11 months ago, Bolat noted the launch of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO). Bolat described the JETCO mechanism as a “key platform” for exploring trade and investment opportunities, underscoring the comprehensive partnership between Türkiye and Slovakia, extending beyond political ties to include economic, commercial, and cultural collaboration.

“We are delighted to host this meeting,” he said, adding that bilateral business-to-business (B2B) discussions would focus on sectors like metal, information technologies, cybersecurity, trailer transportation, railway systems, and wagon manufacturing.

“There are also significant opportunities for collaboration in the defense industry, as well as in the transportation sector,” Bolat added.