LONDON: Britain’s trade minister Kemi Badenoch is scheduled to meet Turkish counterpart Omer Bolat during a trip to Istanbul on Friday to discuss strengthening ties, ahead of the expected launch of negotiations on a new free trade deal later this year.
Both the UK and Turkey recognize the potential for expanding the scope of their existing free trade agreement, which was carried over after the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Expressing enthusiasm about the upcoming discussions, Badenoch stated, “I am pleased to be in Turkey ahead of talks to modernize our existing trade deal for the 21st century.” She highlighted the potential benefits, especially for Britain’s services sector, and emphasized the substantial opportunities for UK businesses in Turkey. Badenoch is eager to explore ways to ensure that the new trading relationship with Turkey maximizes these opportunities.
In addition to the ongoing negotiations with India for a new free trade deal, the UK’s trade ministry aims to advance talks on service-oriented trade agreements with Switzerland, Mexico, South Korea, and Turkey in 2024. During her visit, Badenoch will also tour Turkish Airlines, which is poised to purchase 220 Airbus jets in a contract hailed by the British government as one of the UK’s most significant export deals to date, owing to the Airbus and Rolls-Royce components manufactured in the country.
