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@N0SPAM.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@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov