"TİM Export Talks" Online Panel Series Continues

Turkey's Exporters Council (TİM) is continuing to implement action plans to address the effects of shrinking international trade during the Covid-19 period, compensate for export losses, and secure a stronger position in the new global order that will emerge after the crisis. In this context, the second in a series of "TİM Export Talks" online panels hosted ambassadors, featuring TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle and Turkey's Ambassador to the Netherlands Şaban Dişli, discussing "What opportunities await exporters in the Netherlands after Covid-19?" The event was broadcast live on TİM's social media accounts.   Noting that commercial and diplomatic relations with the Netherlands began before most other European countries, TİM Chairman İsmail Gülle stated: "Our exports to the Netherlands have grown from USD 2.1 billion to USD 5.4 billion in a relatively short period, representing a 155% increase. Although bilateral trade has seen nearly 100% growth over the past 10 years, Turkey's share in the Netherlands' imports still remains below 1%. Significant potential exists for our exporters. In the top 50 products most imported by the Netherlands in 2019, Turkey's import share stood at only 0.4%. To increase our market share in the Netherlands, we first need to gain ground in the top 50 imported products that hold the most important position in Dutch imports. In particular, the Automotive, Apparel and Chemicals sectors stand out in our exports to the Netherlands. In 2019, exports from these three sectors accounted for 62% of our total exports to the Netherlands. Based on our analyses, despite our country's high competitiveness in many products in the automotive, steel, grain and fresh fruit and vegetable sectors, we found we have not captured sufficient market share in the Netherlands market. These products include wheat flour, automobiles, sodium carbonate, sunflower oil, tomatoes and plastic containers," he said.   Chairman Gülle continued: "We are working to keep the export door wide open. We listen to our exporters. We are trying to provide all kinds of support. We have completed our work on developing virtual and e-commerce. Next week we will launch a trade portal featuring all our sectors. This period will pass. Normalization will begin as of June. Until now, price was the primary criterion in exports. From now on, we believe that countries producing healthy products, that are reliable, keep their word, and fulfill their responsibilities in the supply chain will be preferred more in exports.

Our exports, which surpassed the record set in 2019 during the Republic era, will bring many new opportunities. On behalf of our 95,000 exporters, I thank our Ambassador for the valuable work he has done for our exports and exporters even during such a difficult period. Turkey will continue its blessed progress toward new export records and the light of our 2023 economic targets, cementing its position as a "Reliable Supplier Haven." he said.

  Turkey's Ambassador to the Netherlands Şaban Dişli stated: "With the Dutch public's compliance with precautions, quick results were achieved. Last night, the Prime Minister announced some openings such as reopening schools and kindergartens. Gradually, efforts have begun for social life to resume, particularly in the HORECA sector, while maintaining social distance."   Dişli continued: "The Netherlands is more of a trading country than a production country. It is a country that buys and sells goods from other countries. In this sense, there will be a slowdown. However, the contraction in industrial production is at the 1%-1.5% level. The service and transport sectors have been heavily affected. For this reason, both the Netherlands and the European Central Bank announced very substantial support measures. Due to the pandemic's impact, a contraction of 1.5%-7% in the Dutch economy and 1%-8% in exports is expected. However, like us, the Netherlands adapts very quickly to changes. Our exports to the Netherlands increased 2.5% despite all the negative factors. Our imports declined 1.2%. We have a foreign trade surplus with the Netherlands. The Netherlands will be the country in Europe that will overcome this period the fastest. We will also increase our exports. By the end of May, beginning of June, God willing, bilateral trade will reach previous levels. With the impact of the food, textiles, automotive, chemicals and software sectors where Turkey has advantages, we will quickly bring our exports back to previous levels. The perception of Turkish products is strong here. In the Netherlands, there are major opportunities for exporters in the digital economy, toy sector, pools, kitchen equipment, office and building materials. To further strengthen the perception of Turkish products in the Netherlands, we need to transition to innovative, environmentally friendly, novel and circular economy-compatible products," he said.