The UK and Turkey have initiated discussions about a post-Brexit free trade agreement with a focus on the service sector of the economy.
The UK government sees “enormous opportunities” for British businesses to export to Turkey, one of the fastest-growing economies in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development group of nations. Trade between the two countries was valued at £26bn in 2022.
The talks come at a critical time in relations between Turkey and western governments, with the UK trade secretary, Kemi Badenoch, emphasizing the importance of Turkey as an “important economic and strategic partner.”
The deal would provide British consumers with improved choice and better access to imported Turkish goods such as nuts, bulgar wheat, and tomatoes, the government said.
The UK government highlighted significant opportunities for British businesses in transport, engineering, financial services, manufacturing, and tech, driven in part by Turkey’s decarbonization efforts and significant investment in rail.
The UK’s world-leading services sector, which makes up 80% of GDP, would gain a competitive edge in the growing Turkish market, potentially supporting jobs across the UK, according to Badenoch.
2024-03-14 07:44:53
Original from www.theguardian.com