Turkish Ambassador Eyes Greater Trade with the Philippines
Greater agricultural trade between Türkiye and the Philippines is expected following the recent trade mission attended by members of the Turkey Exporters Assembly (TIM) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Makati City on Tuesday. Türkiye’s Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol said in an interview during the sidelines of the event that poultry exports from Türkiye to the Philippines are expected to increase. At the same time, he anticipates a higher volume of fresh and dried fruits from the Philippines entering the Turkish market. “We are in contact, in touch with the Department of Agriculture here, going through the necessary procedures. So, these are two immediate items that I can mention. Of course, the possibilities are wide, but we are trying to focus on a few first and then expand from there,” Akyol explained to journalists. The ambassador is scheduled to meet with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to discuss further trade opportunities and cooperation.
Agricultural and Defense Opportunities
While agriculture remains a central focus, Ambassador Akyol also highlighted the possibility of increasing Türkiye’s defense equipment exports to the Philippines. He noted that the Philippines continues to advance its defense acquisitions under the Department of National Defense’s modernization program, which is now referred to as Re-Horizon 3. This initiative was initially structured as a five-year plan but was expanded into a 10-year program to meet broader modernization goals. “We are, of course, in touch with the DND and the branches of armed forces. And there is great interest in a variety of products. But, of course, if you are asking about concrete projects, it depends on the official announcement of new projects,” Akyol said. He chose not to disclose further details but confirmed that Türkiye is maintaining close communication with the Philippine defense sector.
Trade Data and Economic Growth
During the same event, Ali Can Yamanyilmaz, head of the Turkish delegation from TIM, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of the Philippines as a trade partner. He described the country as one of the most dynamic and high-growth economies in Asia and an essential partner for Türkiye’s expanding global trade. According to Yamanyilmaz, Türkiye’s exports to the Philippines amounted to USD 140 million in 2024, while imports from the Philippines reached USD 254 million during the same period. He detailed that the defense and aerospace industry had driven significant growth, increasing exports to the Philippines by 164 percent in the first seven months of 2024. Other industries also contributed to the expansion, with jewelry exports increasing by 55 percent, electrical electronics by 26 percent, and grains by 11 percent. “We look forward to building our ties and enabling more of our 150,000 exporters to participate in this promising market. We sincerely thank our Filipino friends for their warm hospitality,” Yamanyilmaz said, noting that the growing relationship could lead to broader cooperation in the years ahead.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The trade mission highlighted both opportunities and shared interests between the two nations. For the Philippines, Türkiye represents an important partner in the supply of agricultural goods, defense technologies, and industrial products. For Türkiye, the Philippines provides access to a dynamic Southeast Asian economy with strong growth potential. Ambassador Akyol emphasized that the agricultural exchange is expected to grow steadily, with poultry exports from Türkiye and fruit imports from the Philippines serving as immediate points of expansion. Meanwhile, the defense sector remains a long-term avenue of cooperation as the Philippines pursues its modernization goals. The involvement of TIM further underscores Türkiye’s broader trade ambitions in the Asia-Pacific, with the Philippines positioned as a gateway for Turkish exporters.
Both sides reiterated their willingness to deepen cooperation not only in trade but also in political and cultural ties. With more structured dialogue through agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of National Defense, the two countries are expected to strengthen their partnership across multiple sectors. The trade mission in Makati City reinforced the momentum for closer collaboration, setting the stage for expanded exchanges in goods, technology, and investment.