DTİK Balkan women’s gathering held in North Macedonia
The Balkan Women’s Gathering of the World Turkish Business Council (DTİK) was held in Skopje, bringing together Turkish women entrepreneurs, business representatives, government officials and members of the Turkish and local business community from across the Balkans.
The event was organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK) and DTİK, with the participation of Türkiye’s Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, North Macedonia’s State Minister Zülfikar Zeynula, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Skopje Fatih Ulusoy, North Macedonian parliamentarians and DTİK representatives.
Representatives of Turkish and local institutions, diaspora organizations, women entrepreneurs and businesspeople operating across the Balkans also attended the gathering.
Türkiye-North Macedonia trade ties highlighted
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Fatih Ulusoy described Türkiye and North Macedonia as friendly and allied countries with deep historical and cultural ties.
He highlighted the strength of bilateral economic relations, noting that Türkiye is among North Macedonia’s largest trading partners.
“Our bilateral trade volume is approaching $1 billion, and we share a common determination to increase it to $2 billion,” Ulusoy said.
The ambassador also highlighted the presence of women in managerial positions at major Turkish investments in North Macedonia, saying Türkiye would continue supporting the country with an inclusive approach.
Women’s role in economic growth
Berna Gözbaşı, a member of the DEİK Board and DTİK Executive Board, provided information about the organizations’ activities and emphasized the importance of the Balkans as a region connecting Türkiye and its business community.
Levent Sadık Ahmet, Chairman of the DTİK Balkans Representatives Board and DTİK Greece Representative, highlighted the historical significance of the Balkans for the Turkish world and Muslims.
He said the gathering represented an opportunity to bring women and young people together and strengthen cooperation across the region.
Meltem Taylan Aydın, Chairwoman of Halkbank’s Board of Directors, stressed the economic benefits of greater female participation in production and decision-making.
“Economies where women have a strong presence are built on stronger foundations,” she said, emphasizing women’s entrepreneurship as one of Halkbank’s priority areas.
Regional network of women entrepreneurs
DTİK North Macedonia Representative Fatih Şahbaz said the organization had brought together women across different Balkan countries who produce, invest, create employment and develop new ideas.
He emphasized that stronger female participation in economic life benefits not only women but also contributes to stronger companies, more innovative economies and more inclusive development.
The gathering highlighted the growing role of women entrepreneurs in strengthening economic ties between Türkiye, North Macedonia and other Balkan countries.
