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A successful start to cooperation with Türkiye

A successful start to cooperation with Türkiye

In June 2025 the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme reached a significant milestone: a successful visit by the Turkish pilot group came to an end at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. This not only represents an extension of the country portfolio, but also provides important impetus for new developments in German-Turkish economic cooperation.

28.07.2025

During the official closing ceremony at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Dr Nina Wunderlich, Deputy Director-General for EU economic policy and bilateral relations, stressed the importance of the Turkish pilot group. The 14 entrepreneurs from Türkiye also drew a positive conclusion: first tangible beginnings of cooperation show that this partnership is promising and has great potential. The managers represented different sectors, including leading Turkish enterprises in the sectors of (industrial) solar installations, agricultural machinery, industrial cooling systems, metal processing and software development.

The Turkish entrepreneurs were full of expectation and emphasised their affinity with Germany. At the same time they were aware of the fact that it takes effort to access a market. The three-week trip to Germany was perceived as a challenge. All the participants agreed, however, that it was a worthwhile investment. Thanks to the intensive preparation and the numerous discussions, new business opportunities arose and a new foundation for a successful cooperation was created.

28.07.2025

Conclusion of the Turkish pilot group in Berlin ©BMWE/Steffen Goldacker

Devran Ayik from the Turkish Embassy underlines: “Türkiye offers a reliable partnership with many opportunities for the German economy. Partnering in Business with Germany will strengthen this direction to reach the right partners and deepen the bilateral relations between both countries.”

Türkiye and Germany have a long standing history of intensive trade relations – Germany is the most important trading partner for Türkiye and one of the most important foreign investors in the country. In 2023, our bilateral trade volume reached a new record level. Türkiye is an important sales and supply market for German companies, offering numerous business opportunities – in particular in the sectors of motor vehicles supplies, chemicals and mechanical engineering. In addition, as part of an energy partnership, Germany and Türkiye want to expand their cooperation in the areas of renewable energies and green hydrogen.

Cultural differences and synergies: opportunities for German-Turkish partnerships

During the stay in Germany it became clear that the different business cultures of Germany and Türkiye are both challenges and opportunities. Dr Cemal Gümüs, CEO of SCSoft Bilişim Teknolojileri, summarised his impressions and stressed that the combination of German discipline and Turkish agility create a unique synergy. This combination not only allows to increase efficiency, but also to develop high-quality products in manufacturing and innovation.

Gümüs emphasised that there is great potential in German-Turkish business relations as the values and strengths of both sides complement each other. He is already leading discussions with five German companies in order to start joint projects.

The Partnering in Business with Germany programme, initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, offers genuine added value for companies seeking to enter new markets and establish international partnerships. The inclusion of Turkey in the programme in 2024 marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral economic relations – a goal we, as the Turkish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, fully support. The Cooperation Exchange on 22 May provides concrete opportunities for businesses from both countries to connect, opening up new potential for sustainable cooperation, innovation, and joint growth. We are particularly pleased to contribute to this effort – alongside strong partners. Events such as this one not only foster exchange but also enhance the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises in both countries.

Okan Özoğlu, Managing Director of the Turkish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Expanding the network through B2B discussions ©GIZ/Milton Arias

A matchmaking event: first contacts and concrete projects

As part of the programme, the chambers of commerce of the Stuttgart region and the region of Rhine-Hesse organised a matchmaking event that gave 13 Turkish enterprises the opportunity to meet with 20 German companies. More than 50 B2B meetings took place, discussing potential partnerships and joint projects. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for an good talks and helped to forge personal contacts.

Many discussions resulted in follow-up meetings. Burak Çotuk from Klimex, producer of industrial air-conditioning systems, for example, led negotiations with a German business regarding the licensed production of air-conditioning systems in Türkiye. While visiting Germany, Can Baybolat, whose business manufactures agricultural machinery, discovered a promising niche for his products and has already found first prospective customers for a distribution partnership in Germany.

Other entrepreneurs used the matchmaking event to expand their network, gain useful insights into the German market and explore new business opportunities.

Teaser photo: B2B meetings during the cooperation exchange ©GIZ/Milton Arias

Short pitches: Turkish entrepreneurs present their businesses ©GIZ/Milton Arias

B2B-discussions during the matchmaking event ©GIZ/Milton Arias

Okan Özoğlu, Managing Director of the Turkish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce ©GIZ/Milton Arias

First arrangements for future cooperation during the matchmaking event ©GIZ/Milton Arias

Certificates award at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Verena Freynik, GIZ; Dr Nina Wunderlich, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; a Turkish entrepreneur; Dr Nahida Amado, the chamber of commerce of the Stuttgart region; Monika Stienecker, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (from left to right) ©BMWE/Steffen Goldacker

B2B-discussions during the matchmaking event ©GIZ/Milton Arias

Participants of the cooperation exchange ©GIZ/Milton Arias

B2B-discussions during the matchmaking event ©GIZ/Milton Arias

Verena Freynik, GIZ; Dr. Nina Wunderlich, BMWE; Turkish entrepreneur; Dr. Nahida Amado, Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Stuttgart Region; Monika Stienecker, BMWE (from left to right) ©GIZ/Milton Arias