TTIP in Light of Turkish Trade Policy and Economic Relations with the United States

On May 15, the Center on the U.S. and Europe at Brookings (CUSE) hosted Turkish Minister of Economy Nihat Zeybekci for an address. In his remarks, the minister explored Turkish trade policy, how it is evolving to address the impact of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on Turkey. He also explored the prospects of Turkey’s inclusion in TTIP and the possibility of negotiating a bi-lateral Free Trade Agreement with the United States.

Minister Zeybekci was appointed in December 2013. Prior to his appointment, he served as member of the parliament for the governing Justice and Development Party. Previously, he served as the chairman of Denizli Textile and Ready-Made Exporters Union for two terms as well as mayor of Denizli between 2004 and 2011.

TÜSİAD Senior Fellow Kemal Kirişci provided introductory remarks and moderated the discussion. Former Assistant Secretary of State Jose W. Fernandez offered comments following the minister’s remarks.