Visa exemption 'accelerated' Turkish exports

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Mongolia became one of the last countries with a visa exemption agreement following Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's official visit two weeks ago. AA photo

Thanks to the visa exemption agreements with more than 21 countries over the past decade, Turkey’s exports have accelerated significantly, said Mehmet Büyükekşi, president of the Turkish Exporters’ Agency. 

The visa exemption agreements with Libya, Albania, Jordan and Kosovo in 2009, raised total foreign trade volume with those four countries to $4 billion in 2010, compared to $3 billion in 2009. 

Turkey signed the agreements for the regular passport holders with Russia, Lebanon and Serbia in 2010. “Visas constitute not only a technical barrier but also a psychological obstacle for foreign trade,” said Mehmet Büyükekşi. He added that the Turkish exporters wanted to open up to the world so they needed to have visa-free access to the markets they wanted to be in. “We export to 242 countries and customs areas around the world. Thanks to the visa exemption agreements with many countries, we are fast approaching our 2023 targets for exports, which is $500 billion,” said Büyükekşi.

Turkey signed such visa exemption agreements with seven countries in 2012, three in 2011, three in 2010, five in 2009, and one each in 2008, 2006 and 2004.