Türkiye Offers Full Support for Ukraine’s Post-War Reconstruction
tr-ukraine
Trade Minister Ömer Bolat has reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to Ukraine’s post-war recovery, stating that Turkish companies stand ready to provide expertise and assistance in rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Türkiye-Ukraine Economic Collaboration Strengthens
Speaking at the Türkiye-Ukraine Roundtable Meeting held at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) Hall, Bolat emphasized the strong economic ties between the two nations. The event saw the participation of:
- Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Sviridenko
- Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval
- TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu
Bolat highlighted the Turkish contracting sector's global success, noting that Turkish firms have completed 12,450 projects worldwide worth $540 billion. In Ukraine alone, 329 projects valued at $10 billion have been undertaken.
Türkiye-Ukraine Reconstruction Task Force and EU Fund Participation
Bolat announced that the Türkiye-Ukraine Reconstruction Task Force, established in Istanbul in 2024, will hold its first meeting in Kyiv this March. Additionally, he confirmed that Türkiye is actively seeking participation in the EU’s €50 billion ($52.26 billion) reconstruction fund for Ukraine.
Bilateral Trade and Investment Outlook
Despite the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Türkiye-Ukraine trade volume reached $6.2 billion in 2023. Bolat remains optimistic that the Türkiye-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (signed in February 2022) will soon take effect, potentially boosting trade to $10 billion in the near future.
Regarding investments, he noted that Türkiye’s investments in Ukraine total approximately $3.5 billion, while Ukraine’s investments in Türkiye stand at around $16 million.
Turkish Business Community Eager to Contribute
TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu expressed the Turkish business community’s strong interest in Ukraine’s reconstruction. With 700 Turkish companies operating in Ukraine, he underscored Türkiye’s potential role in modernizing border customs gates and improving customs services, particularly at Poland-Ukraine crossings.
Bolat concluded by reaffirming Türkiye’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the Black Sea Grain Initiative Agreement (2022) as a key example of Türkiye’s commitment to Ukraine’s economic stability.
