Warm Welcome from Israel to Trade Delegation

Turkish Delegation Receives Warm Welcome in Israel Following a lengthy hiatus, the delegation of Turkish exporters comprising 100 companies conducted over 1,000 bilateral business meetings with more than 400 Israeli firms. A memorandum of understanding on cooperation was signed between the Turkish Exporters Assembly and the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce. The memorandum was signed by Turkish Exporters Assembly Chairman İsmail Gülle and Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce President Uriel Lynn.

Trade Mission Aims to Boost Export Figures

The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), which brings together over 100,000 exporters with buyers worldwide through sectoral and general trade delegations, continues unabated with its trade missions. Following a physically robust first trade delegation of 2022 to the United Arab Emirates, TİM dispatched its second delegation to Israel, composed of leading exporters from various sectors, to establish new partnerships and sales opportunities that would increase export figures. TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle stated: "Israel is an exceptional market where our exporters wish to have greater presence. Considering the economic structures of both countries, it is clear that we possess significant potential in terms of bilateral trade volume. I firmly believe our delegation will help polish this gem between our two countries. Our delegation will strengthen existing commercial ties and open doors to long-term partnerships."

Visit Held in Tel Aviv

The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), representing 100,000 exporters under a single roof and having conducted 105 trade missions in 73 countries since the start of the pandemic, organized its second physical trade delegation of 2022 to Tel Aviv, Israel. Aiming to increase Turkish companies' foreign trade volume, establish new partnerships, and help them explore new investment opportunities, TİM held its second physical trade delegation in Tel Aviv.

Participating Organizations and Individuals

The opening ceremony of the Israel Trade Delegation, which included representatives from 36 associations and 41 companies across 22 sectors, was attended by Republic of Turkey Chargé d'Affaires in Tel Aviv Mehmet Şekerci, Israel-Turkey Business Council and Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Gad Shoshan, Director of the European Division of the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry Ami Levin, President of the Israel Export Institute Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin, President of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce Uriel Lynn, and TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle.

Improving Relations Encouraging for Our Exports

TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle, noting the recent diplomatic rapprochement between Turkey and Israel as two important actors in the region, stated: "The process will gain momentum and advance with a summit to be attended by our Presidents in the near future. The development of relations is also quite gratifying for us as the export community."

Exports to Israel to Continue in 2022

Emphasizing that Israel, the second destination of the trade delegations, is an exceptionally important market where exporters wish to increase their presence, TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle said: "In 2021, Turkey's exports to Israel reached USD 6.4 billion with a 35 percent increase. In the same period, Israel exported USD 2 billion to Turkey. The strong growth performance in our exports to Israel continued into 2022. In the first two months of the year, our exports increased 33 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching USD 1.357 billion." Noting that they clearly see opportunities to reach higher levels than the announced figures when looking at year-on-year foreign trade, TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle stated: "As Turkish exporters, despite all regional and global geopolitical challenges, our exports to Israel have increased 2.5 times over the past eight years. During a period when geopolitical developments favor trade, we have the potential to bring these figures to much higher levels."

Statement from Ami Levin

After two long years when travel was not possible and businesspeople could not meet one another, Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry European Division Director Ami Levin expressed great satisfaction with hosting the Turkish Exporters Assembly trade delegation as a face-to-face organized event, stating: "Since the signing of the Israel-Turkey free trade agreement twenty-five years ago, Turkey has become a permanent trade partner for Israel."

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signed

Following the opening remarks, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation was signed between the Turkish Exporters Assembly and the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce. The memorandum was signed by Turkish Exporters Assembly Chairman İsmail Gülle and Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce President Uriel Lynn. After the signing ceremony, bilateral and roundtable meetings were held between the 77 Turkish representatives in the delegation and over 400 Israeli business representatives.