Türkiye aims to strengthen trade ties, investments with Asia-Pacific nations

Türkiye is working to enhance trade relations and mutual investments with Asia-Pacific countries, according to Nail Olpak, president of the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK).

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Olpak highlighted that Türkiye’s trade volume with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan has surpassed $8 billion.

These three nations are included in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s three-day Asia tour, which began on Monday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a public lecture at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre in Putrajaya on February 10, 2025. (AFP Photo)

High-level strategic cooperation council meetings

Erdogan’s scheduled meetings in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan are expected to advance existing partnerships through concrete projects.

The Turkish president will co-chair High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meetings in Indonesia and Pakistan alongside his counterparts. Additionally, he is expected to sign agreements in multiple sectors and engage with the business communities of these countries.

Beyond economic discussions, the meetings will also address regional and global issues, with a particular focus on the situation in Gaza.

Türkiye aims to strengthen trade ties, investments with Asia-Pacific nations — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (7th L) meets with Sultan of Perak Nazrin Shah (4th R), Turkish FM Hakan Fidan (5th L), Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler (2nd L), Presidential Defense Industry Director Haluk Gorgun (L) during his official visit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 10, 2025. (TUR Presidency/Murat Cetinmuhurdar – Anadolu Agency)

Business forums to expand trade opportunities

DEIK is set to facilitate discussions between Turkish business representatives and their counterparts from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan during Erdogan’s visit.

Olpak announced that the board will organize World Turkish Business Council (DTIK) meetings in the three countries to connect Turkish entrepreneurs with Türkiye-friendly business leaders.

“We will organize a business forum in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, another one in Jakarta on Wednesday, and one more in Islamabad on Thursday,” Olpak stated.

DEIK remains committed to global trade diplomacy by partnering with international organizations, aiming to identify and develop trade and investment opportunities across various sectors.

DEIK Chairman Nail Olpak — Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Chairman Nail Olpak. (Photo via X / @deikiletisim)

Expanding bilateral trade and investment sectors

Türkiye’s joint projects with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan are expected to increase, along with bilateral trade volumes. Currently, trade figures stand at approximately $5 billion with Malaysia, over $2 billion with Indonesia, and $1 billion with Pakistan.

Olpak pointed out key sectors for expansion, including defense, aviation, energy, infrastructure, construction, education, health, agriculture, tourism, green and digital economy, logistics, mining, contracting, textiles, transportation, chemical products, banking and finance, automotive, high-tech, and research and development.

“In addition, we aim to diversify and increase our economic and cultural relations with these countries and others, from trade to investments and bilateral cooperation,” he said.