New opportunities on the table between Türkiye, Greece
With the current bilateral trade volume at $6.2 billion, both countries are now targeting strategic sectors like construction, automotive sub-industry, and services to elevate cooperation. In this context, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) hosted an online webinar titled “Trade and Investment Opportunities in Greece”, aiming to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
The opening speeches were delivered by Münir Üstün, a board member of ITO, and Çağatay Erciyes, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Athens. Following them, Hamid Tatcı, Trade Counsellor in Athens, and Gülcan İren, Commercial Attaché in Thessaloniki, shared current trade data and investment opportunities between Türkiye and Greece.
Sector-Specific Opportunities Discussed
The webinar highlighted potential investments and trade in contracting services, construction materials, automotive spare parts manufacturing, and various service sectors. Participants emphasized that these collaborations could boost Türkiye’s export potential while addressing Greece’s infrastructure and service demands.
Case studies from the field were also shared. Volkan Kırmızıoğlu, CFO of Dardanel Greece, and Haluk Yükler, Senior Integration & Project Manager at Avis Greece, discussed the activities of Turkish-origin companies in Greece, highlighting both the advantages of investing and structural challenges faced during the process.
Visa Process Remains a Barrier to Trade
Münir Üstün noted that the Schengen visa process remains a serious obstacle for the business world. “In 2024, bilateral trade reached $6.2 billion, of which $4.8 billion was Turkish exports. However, the Schengen visa remains a major hurdle for businesses. Our chamber is making intense efforts in this area,” he stated.
He also underlined that mutual trust and sustainable dialogue could pave the way for a new era in both economic and social relations.
In-Person Forum on May 9
A concrete next step following the webinar will take place on May 9. A Business Forum and B2B Meetings, jointly organized by ITO and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will bring together Turkish and Greek business representatives in Istanbul.
With 15 Greek firms expected to attend, the event aims to pave the way for mutual investments, establish sectoral partnerships, and help resolve visa-related issues. “Visa problems tie our hands, but platforms like this may help overcome them. That’s why May 9 is a critical date for our business community,” Münir Üstün concluded.
