Background
Many Appalachian states are undergoing a dramatic change in their economic landscape, and with it, the prospect for greater growth and prosperity. At the same time, Turkey is fostering a fast-growing economy that strengthens regional stability and lays the foundation for a solid market economy. Recognizing the potential for a robust economic and commercial relationship, Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia initiated “The Appalachian-Turkish Trade Project” to encourage mutually beneficial trade and investment between the Republic of Turkey and Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) states. The ARC states include
Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia
Both United States and Turkish Government Officials signed a “Declaration of Intention” on March 30th, underscoring their support for this initiative.
The Commercial Service, based both in Turkey and here in the
United States, will work hand-in-hand with Appalachian firms to
investigate investment opportunities in the energy, high
technology, transportation and other infrastructure related
projects. Opportunities also abound for exporters of coal, mining
equipment, construction equipment, building materials, automotive
parts and services, high-end textiles, environmental
technologies, medical equipment and supplies, chemicals, oil and
gas processing technologies, and household products, including
cabinetry, flooring windows and furniture.
Our Commercial Service in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir, together
with the U.S. Consulate in Adana, will work to identify business
opportunities for Appalachian-Turkish cooperation. The Overseas
Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), U.S. Export-Import Bank
(Exim), U.S. Trade & Development Agency (TDA) representatives
at Ankara-based Caspian Finance Center will seek out creative
ways to fund feasibility studies and provide financing and
insurance in support Appalachian exports to, and investment in
Turkey.
Overview of the Role of the Rural Export Initiative
Through the Rural Export Initiative (REI), the Commercial Service
provides companies in rural areas with better access to export
assistance and global market research, by facilitating their
access to international trade services and increasing the number
of companies in rural areas engaged in exporting. The REI,
together with our Commercial Service team in Turkey and the
Appalachian Regional Commission, would also plan to sponsor
seminars and conferences, as well as counseling and trade events,
to highlight opportunities for Appalachian-Turkish cooperation.
In cooperation with Senator Byrd’s office, we hope to develop
specific market research, seminars, and trade promotion events to
further commercial ties between the states in Appalachia and
Turkey.
The Appalachian-Turkish Trade Project offers a unique opportunity
to expand trade, advocate for U.S. business interests, advance
policy objectives and build a lasting and mutually beneficial
relationship between the Appalachian states and Turkey. We plan
to turn this concept into a reality through the joint efforts of
the State Export Councils, the Commercial Service, the
Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Congressmen from the ARC
states.
Best Industry Prospect Sectors for Turkey
- Energy (Pipelines and Power)
- Defense and Aerospace
- Telecommunications and Information Technology
- Travel and Tourism (Outbound and Infrastructure)
- Architectural/Engineering/Construction Services
- Food Processing and Packaging
- Environmental Technologies
- Medical Equipment
- Safety and Security Equipment
- Auto Parts and Service Equipment
- Building Products
- Franchising
U.S. Commercial Service Project Contacts
James Fluker
Senior Commercial Officer
Embassy of the United States of America
Atatürk Bulvari 110, Ankara, Turkey
Tel: [90] (312) 467-0949 Fax: [90] (312) 467-1366
James.Fluker@
mail.doc.gov
Serdar Cetinkaya
Senior Commercial Specialist
Embassy of the United States of America
Atatürk Bulvari 110, Ankara, Turkey
Tel: [90](312) 455-5555 Ext. 2570 Fax: [90](312) 467-1366
Serdar.Cetinkaya@
mail.doc.gov