U.S.-Turkish relations are arguably as strong as ever, and Ankara is a strategic partner on many geopolitical issues. Bilateral commercial relations, however, have not kept pace with these close political and military ties. The Obama administration has placed considerable emphasis on deepening the U.S.-Turkey economic and trade relationship and has prioritized its engagement with Turkey as part of the National Export Initiative. This past year was a record year for bilateral trade, which reached approximately $20 billion, and the future potential for trade and commerce is enormous.
Secretary of Commerce John Bryson, the co-chair of the U.S.-Turkey Framework for Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation, will discuss the way forward and his vision for how to deepen even further the U.S.-Turkish commercial relationship.