Türkiye-Belarus flights to boost commercial ties

Türkiye’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines will resume flights between Istanbul and Minsk, making it easier for businesspeople from both countries to visit each other, the chair of the Türkiye-Belarus Business Council within the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) told Anadolu.

Fatih Isik stated that the resumption of flights will pave the way for exploring new opportunities in the auto supply industry, machinery, energy equipment, and production technologies.

He noted that Belarusian industrial infrastructure and Türkiye’s production and export capacity can work together for potential joint production and access to third-country markets, but international sanctions on financing, payment systems, and logistics stand in the way of developing economic relations.

He stated that Turkish businesses need to further diversify their products and sectors to increase trade between the two countries, particularly Turkish exports to Belarus.

He mentioned that Belarus boasts a strong production infrastructure in engines and engine components, electric buses and other public transport vehicles, machinery and equipment, iron and steel, chemicals and petrochemicals, and lumber and forest products.

“We aim to establish a balanced trade structure that gathers the production capabilities of the two countries in a complementary way,” he said.

“Turkish firms can supply Belarusian manufacturers of automobiles, heavy vehicles, and machinery, while we also see cooperation potential in the energy, machinery and spare parts, production equipment, construction, and building material sectors,” he added.

Isik stated that the council prioritizes options for joint production in Belarus and jointly entering third-country markets, taking cooperation beyond product sales.

The council discussed the more effective use of alternative rail routes alongside existing routes with Belarusian authorities to facilitate commercial activities.

“The options we’re evaluating include Turkish public banks opening Belarusian branches and developing financing and payment channels for products not subject to sanctions,” he said.

The two sides also talked about new production investments in the Mogilev Free Economic Zone, such as offers regarding special lease terms of around $1.50 per square meter, which would allow Turkish investors to engage in production under a long-term lease model.

“Talks are underway for price quotes, procurement, and commercial contacts, and we deem these meetings in Minsk and Mogilev as a part of a process to follow up on concrete investments, joint production, and trade projects, as we aim to boost Türkiye’s exports to Belarus and reach a bilateral trade volume of $3-4 billion, up from the $2 billion figure currently,” he added.