Ankara meeting sets Turkey-UK FTA refresh, investment drive

Turkey-UK FTA modernization moved up the agenda in Ankara as Trade Minister Ömer Bolat met UK Minister of State for Trade Chris Bryant to expand trade and investment.

The two officials held talks at Turkey’s Trade Ministry on Wednesday, focusing on updating the free trade framework and accelerating bilateral investment flows. The meeting also touched on areas beyond goods trade, including broader industrial cooperation.

$24 billion trade base, $40 billion target

Bolat said Turkey-UK trade reached $24 billion in 2025, a level he cited as evidence of the relationship’s growth potential. Turkey and the UK are both NATO members, and officials framed the economic agenda as part of a wider strategic partnership.

Bolat and Bryant are seeking to lift annual trade to $40 billion once the free trade negotiations are concluded. Bolat said the parties expect momentum from the completion of talks this week, arguing that an updated deal should make trade “more competitive and integrated.”

Bolat shared his comments on NSosyal, a Turkish social media platform. He described the Ankara meeting as a step toward a more structured and higher-volume trading relationship.

Modernizing the FTA and widening cooperation

According to the Turkish Trade Ministry, the discussions covered efforts to deepen the economic partnership through a modernized agreement. Officials also reviewed ways to support business communities on both sides as negotiations continue.

The agenda extended to defense industry cooperation and potential collaboration on projects in third countries, the ministry said. Such topics signal an approach that links trade policy with broader industrial and cross-border project activity.

While the ministry did not detail specific chapters under discussion, the stated goal is to make bilateral commerce more integrated once the modernization is completed. For companies, an upgraded framework can reduce friction and clarify rules, supporting longer-term planning and investment.

Investment flows and the business message

Bolat said Turkey intends to keep taking joint steps with the UK to back commercial ties between firms. He characterized Turkey as a “reliable partner” for UK companies and emphasized the country’s manufacturing capacity and location as key advantages.

Ankara’s pitch positions Turkey as a regional hub, leveraging production strength and access to surrounding markets. For London, deepening trade links with a large nearby manufacturing base can support supply-chain resilience and provide additional routes into regional demand.

The $40 billion target sets a clear benchmark for the post-negotiation phase and raises expectations for measurable outcomes. The next milestone is the completion of free trade talks this week, which would define the scope of the modernization and set the trajectory for investment and joint initiatives.