A new collaboration between the Turkish Scottish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSCCI) and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has been formally signed.
Scottish and Turkish business owners joined Scottish and Turkish Government officials, MSPs and two MPs from the Turkish Parliament to witness TSCCI President Mr Sahin Firat and SCC Chief Executive Dr Liz Cameron CBE sign the joint collaboration document.
The agreement marks the start of a new working arrangement between the two organisations to promote and strengthen the development of economic and trade relations and co-operation between Scotland and Turkey.
Both TSCCI and SCC have agreed to promote trade and economic cooperation, assist in the exchange of trade and business delegations, and to participate jointly in trade and industry fairs and conferences.
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive, SCC, said “The signing of this agreement gives us a real opportunity to boost trade and business between Scotland and Turkey. The partnership will enable more businesses to understand the benefits of the Trade Agreement signed between the United Kingdom and Turkey and open up a world of opportunities for bilateral trade.”
Mr Sahin First, President, TSCCI, said “This agreement marks a step-change for TSCCI in its role to represent the interests of Scottish-Turkish Business and we look forward to working closely with our colleagues in SCC.”
Mr Tarik Sonmez, Chief Commercial Counsellor for the Republic of Turkey Embassy to the United Kingdom, said “Trade between the UK and Turkey is valued at over £18bn and Scotland represents a key location for bi-lateral trade” noting the success to date of trade in power generation equipment, textiles, and clothing.
Mr Foysol Choudhury MSP, Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development said “I have a special interest in ethnic minority business in Scotland and have strong connections within the Turkish Scottish business community. I value the contribution Turkish businesses make to the Scottish economy, and I congratulate TSCCI on their work to date in representing that community.
The agreement between TSCCI and SCC was welcomed by two members of the Turkish Parliament Mr Fatih Toprak and Mr Ergun Tasci. Mr Toprak said we travelled from Ankora to mark this occasion and show our support for TSCCI. We have had a very interesting visit to Scotland, were welcomed to the Scottish Parliament and enjoyed a short tour of places of economic interest.
Deputy Lord Provost Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron hosted the event at Edinburgh City Chambers and welcomed the guests on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council.
Did You Know?
Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Turkey was £18.1 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2021, an increase of 20.2% or £3.0 billion from the four quarters to the end of Q4 2020. Of this £18.1 billion:
Total UK exports to Turkey amounted to £6.5 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2021 (an increase of 9.8% or £580 million compared to the four quarters to the end of Q4 2020);
Total UK imports from Turkey amounted to £11.6 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2021 (an increase of 26.8% or £2.5 billion compared to the four quarters to the end of Q4 2020).
Turkey was the UK’s 18th largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2021 accounting for 1.4% of total UK trade.1
Source: gov.uk/guidance/summary-of-the-uk-turkey-trade-agreement
For more information on TSCCI visit tscci.org.uk
For more information on SCC visit scottishchambers.org.uk
