Turkish-Greek Business Forum held in Istanbul: Target set at $10 billion trade volume
The Turkish-Greek Business Forum, hosted at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, marked a significant step toward strengthening economic ties between the two neighboring countries. Both sides emphasized cooperation in trade and energy, setting an ambitious goal of doubling the current trade volume to $10 billion.
Positive Signals from Both Sides
Tasos Hacivasiliu, Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy, highlighted the mutual benefits of deepening regional cooperation during his address. "Our business communities share a strong legacy of collaboration. On this foundation, we can build new opportunities that serve both sides," he said.
Energy Sector in Focus
One of the forum’s central themes was bilateral cooperation in energy. Hacivasiliu noted progress made since the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2023, suggesting that concrete projects in electricity interconnection and infrastructure investment may soon materialize. "Energy is not just an economic issue—it is also vital for regional stability," he added.
Commitment to Constructive Dialogue
Both Turkish and Greek officials underscored the importance of sustained and constructive dialogue, not only for economic relations but also for improving people-to-people connections. The forum facilitated direct contact between business representatives, enabling project-based negotiations and partnership exploration.
Looking Ahead
The event, closely followed by the Greek public, is expected to pave the way for further bilateral visits and technical-level cooperation mechanisms in the near future. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a positive agenda and fostering long-term economic diplomacy.
