Uzbek diplomats recently visited Turkey’s Kocaeli region to strengthen trade and economic ties, holding discussions with local officials and business leaders.
The meetings addressed opportunities for expanding cooperation in trade, economic, cultural, educational, and humanitarian sectors. Uzbek representatives highlighted ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan and the incentives available to foreign investors in its free economic zones.
Key figures in the talks included Kocaeli’s Mayor Tahir Büyükakın, Regional Governor Ilhami Aktash, Regional Industrial Chamber Head Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, and Gebze Güzeller Industrial Zone Director Adem Ceylan.
Mayor Büyükakın provided an overview of Kocaeli’s economic and social strengths, while Ayhan Zeytinoğlu expressed interest in boosting bilateral economic collaboration. Zeytinoğlu proposed facilitating exchanges between Uzbek and Turkish business delegations to foster stronger partnerships.
Adem Ceylan suggested establishing a dedicated logistics center for Uzbek investors within the Gebze Industrial Zone. The center would provide storage facilities for Uzbek-made goods and serve as a gateway for exporting products to Europe and Africa via the Gebze seaport.
The visit concluded with an agreement to organize a business forum in the Kocaeli region. The planned forum will feature a delegation of Uzbek entrepreneurs, aimed at enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation.
