DEIK, the Turkish-French Business Council, was established in 1987 to promote commercial relations between both countries. Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem has been the Vice Chairman of the Council for the last six years.
The Business Council also makes initiatives related to the textile sector to bring textile organizations together for cooperation both in Turkey and in third party countries and to the defense industry and R&D areas. In addition, the Business Council has made contacts with leading governmental officials in France in an attempt to change the negative image for Turkey created with the Kurdish problem and allegations of the so-called Armenian genocide. The Business Council also undertakes works to introduce French business community the economic reforms Turkey realizes to attract French investors.
FOREIGN TRADE
With Turkish exports to France amounting to USD 2,107 million in 2002, France, having as share of 6% in total exports from Turkey, ranked the fifth after Germany, the UK, the USA and Italy. Turkish exports to France increased by USD 212 million or 10%, compared with the previous year. And Turkish imports from France totaled USD 3,007 million in 2002.
Included among main Turkish exports to France are apparels made of leather and stout leather, textile products, hazelnut, color TV sets, and nuts. Turkish imports from France mainly consist of aircraft and air vehicles, land vehicles and parts and components thereof, oils made of bituminous minerals, ships, tubes made of iron and steel, vaccinations and medicines.
The number of companies with French capital operating in Turkey is 256. As far as foreign investments in Turkey are concerned, France has the 4th rank after the Netherlands, the USA and Germany. While the said figure was 8 in 1987, when the Business Council was established, it has exceeded 250 at the moment. Currently most of large-scale companies in France have presence in Turkey as well. The Business Council has recently concentrated its efforts on attracting small- and medium-scale French companies to Turkey.
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