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Jan 25 2024 
Statistics reveal Dutch trade dynamics in Türkiye
Dutch enterprises find themselves at a crossroads, as described in a recent publication by Rabobank titled (translated) “Sector Forecasts: Cooling Down and Sustainability in Many Sectors. In such a situation, international opportunities arise. Thanks to cleverly combining trade fair participation data, new insights come to light.
Editorial note: The author of this article has employed AI to ‘match’ the Rabobank report with what initially appears to be a completely different overview: a pie chart depicting the participation of Dutch visitors in various industries at Turkish trade fairs. AI brings forth new insights.
The displayed pie chart (source: Tuyap) tells a convincing story. With a substantial representation of 22% in the furniture industry and a notable 19% in the doors, windows, and glass sector, it’s clear that Dutch presence at Turkish trade fairs is both robust and diverse.
Significant involvement is also observed in the packaging and plastics industry, with 16% and 10%, respectively. It paints a picture of the versatile scope of Dutch industry. This pattern of participation also sheds light on the interests of Dutch industries in Turkey’s economic fabric. For example, the furniture sector, which constitutes a significant portion of Dutch visitors at 22%, aligns well with Turkey’s growth in urban development and increasing demand for quality and sustainable housing solutions.
Rabobank’s forecasts suggest a contraction in various sectors, with agriculture and industry bracing for a downturn. There is a clear divide where challenges in domestic sectors can translate into cross-border opportunities. The agricultural sector, expecting a 1.3% contraction, can find solace in Turkey’s demand for high-quality agricultural products and innovation in sustainable agriculture – areas where Dutch expertise is globally recognized.
In the realm of industry, where a slight decline in demand is observed, Turkish trade fairs have opened doors for 10% of Dutch companies specializing in plastics and 2% in machinery. These trade fairs offer unique opportunities to showcase Dutch innovations and forge new trade connections in a country with remarkable industrial growth.
Given these insights, international trade missions, such as those to Turkiye, are not merely a suggestion but a strategic necessity for Dutch enterprises.
To harness business potential and achieve optimal results, the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands – Turkiye foundation and expert partners advise to save costs by participating in a trade fair only once or twice (X-1000 €). In subsequent years, investment can be made in hiring a Dutch-speaking Turkish trade expert. Such experts can represent the Dutch company at a trade fair and follow up on individual contacts.
Contact for more informatio here.
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Dec 19 2023 
Building A Future After Earthquake
What has happened to the Giro 555 support from the Netherlands for the reconstruction of the earthquake-stricken region in Turkiye?
Presenter Jeroen Pauw visited the heavily affected areas in and around Hatay, Gaziantep, Adiyaman, and the border area with Syria in the program ‘Pauw in Turkije’ (watch video).
This NOS/NPO TV report also highlights the impact on trade (see minute 42:15), for which the Netherlands-Turkiye Chamber of Commerce foundation advocated on behalf of SMEs in the Netherlands (read article).
Collaborating aid organizations behind Giro555: Care Netherlands, Cordaid, Kerk in Actie, Red Cross Netherlands, Oxfam Novib, Save the Children Netherlands, Stichting Vluchtelingen, UNICEF Netherlands, World Vision Netherlands and People in Need / Robbert van den Berg. We express our gratitude for their support!
Analysis and statistics on the needs and opportunities for a sustainable recovery of the workforce in the earthquake-stricken area (field survey July 2023) can be requested from the foundation.
* Share impact import/export per region after earthquake If your company is interested in an individual or group trade mission to the Turkish region to explore needs together with local Chambers of Commerce and entrepreneurs, please contact the foundation.
How can we learn how to better prepare for such disasters in the future? Awareness of disaster risks should be heightened at all management levels and among employees in companies. The Chamber of Commerce foundation can direct you to experts and training programs for Disaster and Emergency Management Certification. Contact.
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Nov 03 2023 
National Export Event, Netherlands
Future-proof exporting, how do you do it? Where can you engage with exporters and managers of global embassies and consulates-general?
On November 1st, this was wonderfully facilitated during the “National Export Event” in the Netherlands. A total of 400 exporters were present. The Chamber of Commerce Netherlands-Turkiye Foundation was also, of course, part of it!
Did you miss it? Would you still like to discover opportunities in Turkiye or in the Netherlands under the personal guidance of Dutch-Turkish speaking experts? Many (satisfied) entrepreneurs have already received tailor-made assistance: your company is unique as well.
Feel free to contact us for a cup of coffee in Rotterdam (06 391 110 243). Membership is not required; we are easily accessible. Afterward, we can still establish a connection with expert partners in any region.
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Oct 24 2023 
International Chamber of Commerce / Black Sea Grain Corridor
Upon invitation from the International Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands-Turkiye foundation participated in the “ICC Agri-Food Hub Dialogues on Trade: Alternatives to the Black Sea Corridor for Food Security” on October 11, 2023.
The grain initiative for the Black Sea was negotiated in July 2022 among Turkiye, the UN, and Russia as a means to ensure that Ukraine, one of the world’s granaries, could facilitate the departure of its grain through its southern ports via the Bosporus. Experts during the ICC session included the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ukrainian Grain Association, the Danube Soya Association, UNCTAD and the WTO.
Recent research data were presented, encompassing statistics and trends related to grain production and export from Ukraine, importing countries, maritime and land routes, as well as the impact of the cessation of the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine on global supply chains, transportation costs, grain, and consumer prices. The Netherlands ranks as the 5th grain (oil) importer, just below Italy and Turkiye, who procure more grain from Ukraine. Until July 2023, Ukraine was able to export 33 million tons of grain and other foodstuffs thanks to the grain initiative via the Black Sea, as stated by the Secretary-General of ICC, Mr. John Denton.
Between March 2022 and September 2023, over 51.5 million tons of grain, oilseeds, and related products left Ukraine via the Solidarity Lanes. This is an EU initiative with alternative logistical routes by rail, road, and inland waterways, enabling the export of 60% of Ukraine’s grain since the beginning of the conflict, with 40% exported via the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
30% of the agricultural land in Ukraine is infected with mines. You can help clear grain fields in Ukraine by making a donation. How? Point your smartphone’s QR reader at the QR code in the attached photo. Alternative via website.
Stakeholders interested in more data can join a logistics roundtable discussion at the CCNT foundation in Rotterdam. Contact P. Wolters.
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Apr 18 2023 
Experience and view (video) Trademission Mersin, Antalya
Watch this animated video with a Dutch delegation of importers/investors. They are on their way to Mersin and Antalya to meet Turkish fresh produce producers/suppliers.
Why did delegation members decide to seek opportunities in Turkiye? What is there to observe, taste and do? Experience it yourself by watching the video (2022).
Interested in joining us in 2023? Other sectors are also welcome. Send your requirements and specifications.
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Mar 29 2023 
Meet Turkish healthcare sector, Amsterdam
The aim of the ‘Health Tourism Event’ is to create connections and networking opportunities between you (professional or citizen/consumer) and 90 participating Turkish hospitals, clinics, Dutch and Turkish medical tourism agencies, health institutions, insurance companies, doctors and investors in the health sector.
How to participate?
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Exhibition part is free for everyone after registering.
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B2B part is for institutions and companies that have received a private invitation from the organizers ALZ Fair & Go Fair.
Are you a health insurer (purchaser)? Join a group of the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands-Turkiye foundation (CCNT) that has already built up relationships with the Turkish organizers. Send an email with your company contact details, or call 06-391 102 43. B2B participants also have access to the conferences, the international networking cocktail reception and the event itself.
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Location: Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre, Paul van Vlissingenstraat 9-11, Amsterdam (Google Maps).
Next step: Healthcare Delegation to Turkiye
Would you like to take a look at local (modern, new) hospitals, elderly care institutions, clinics for bariatric surgery, gastroenterology, oncology, etc. in Turkiye under the guidance of a market specialist and interpreter? Would you like to personally meet a Turkish healthcare provider? Participate in the Health Care Trade Mission that will be facilitated in the autumn by the CCNT in collaboration with a local partner in Turkiye. Send your company contact data and specifications.
The biggest gain can be made by mapping out the top clinical institutions in Turkiye and subsequently making agreements and contracts. Any obstacles regarding adequate and high-quality care is then removed because it will be arranged by contract while the offer is formally described.
‘Work to be done’ will be to establish a coherent ICT. It goes without saying that ICT systems are not set up in such a way that the information flows between NL and TR can be exchanged. This is definitely going to have to be done. However, it should be borne in mind that healthcare in Turkiye is professional and that the ICT systems can easily be compared to those in the Netherlands when it comes to the degree of professional development.
Entrepreneurial initiative: Turkish information health care center, Rotterdam
The intention of the Turkish healthcare sector is to build a permanent Turkish information care center in Rotterdam. Although the exact role, structure and services are still open to be defined, this center will undoubtedly lead to high expectations among potential customers and more ‘traffic’ between the Netherlands and Turkiye.
Turkish care for Dutch frictions
In the past, a number of cross-border care initiatives were prompted on the one hand by large waiting lists for Dutch care and also to bridge cultural differences and thus enable faster treatment. Ultimately, lower costs for the insurer.
In recent years we have seen a “dramatic” increase in waiting lists for health care. Hospitals, nursing home care, mental health care and youth care are faced with waiting times that can run up to many months. Acute care is still guaranteed. Although this is at the expense of elective care, which puts further pressure on waiting lists. The two corona years have of course had a negative impact in terms of waiting lists. Oncological care has fallen considerably behind.
Staff shortages, being less attractive as an employer, working long hours, high absenteeism due to illness and constantly lagging behind the facts do not increase job satisfaction within Dutch healthcare institutions. Absenteeism rates of more than 15% are no exception. Working in many healthcare institutions is difficult, with the result that medical specialists and general practitioners want to follow a course to become a company doctor. Currently there are already 60 doctors in training (source: board member of the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands-TürkiyeFoundation, Oude Gracht Group, Stichting Praktijkopleiding Arbo Professionals).
Insurers have a duty of (health) care towards insured persons, which is becoming increasingly difficult to fulfil. On a daily basis, Zorgklacht.nl receives calls from insured persons asking whether they can mediate towards their insurer for receiving care.
The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) observes that the number of clinics and agencies that will offer different types of care is still increasing. That is not always a good development. Care fraud and not always clear quality of care is not desirable. Nevertheless, it does contribute somewhat to reducing the waiting lists.
Hedging risks
In recent years, Turkiye has proven to be a reliable partner when it comes to relations with the Netherlands. Many relationships within and between entrepreneurs and governments have led to good agreements with ditto services. It therefore seems time to seriously use the care provided by Turkish healthcare providers for Dutch patients, whether they are of Turkish origin or not.
Certainly bad examples have been mentioned in the media about the care in Turkiye from time to time. This reporting is without doubt tendentious. After all, these always concern clinics where, in particular, plastic surgery, Botox, Fillers, etc. take place. This is also a sector in the Netherlands where the quality of care cannot always be followed.
Furthermore, clients or patients often take an unnecessarily high risk by (conveniently and cheaper) having several medical procedures performed during one visit to Turkiye, which can have an effect on each other. A second mistake is that people use Google to quickly search any Turkish healthcare provider. It is less risky to hire a local, Dutch-Turkish-speaking expert or intermediary who has already conducted market research. The CCNT can possibly mediate here in collaboration with local partners (Contact CCNT).
In any case, it is important to establish a professional connection between the two countries. It will then be clear that, despite the distance, care can be provided at a high level at low(er) costs.
Interested in long-term care solutions between NL and TR? Ask for a meeting with the CCNT, which has short communication lines of communication with the Turkish Embassy in The Hague and relevant sector representatives in Turkiye. Send an email with your company contact details, or call 06-391 102 43 (Ethem Emre).
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Feb 28 2023 
Employers VNO-NCW ‘Business Support Turkiye’ meeting, The Hague
In addition to a good heart, money and medicine (today), a plan of action to get trade going again is the next step (tomorrow). With that in mind, the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands – Turkiye foundation took part in the ‘Business support Turkiye’ meeting in The Hague organised by the Dutch employers association VNO-NCW on 22 February.
Participants included the Minister of Foreign Affairs Liesje Schreinemacher, the Turkish Minister of Trade Affairs Mehmet Muş, the Turkish Ambassador to the Netherlands Selçuk Ünal, the host and chairman of VNO-NCW Ingrid Thijssen, the chairman of Hotiad, Hikmet Gürcüoğlu and the owner of Corendon, Atilay Uslu.
A list of possible action points was shared informally in advance by the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands – Türkiye foundation to stakeholders in its network. We are pleased that a number of points were, implicitly and/or explicitly, embraced by certain speakers.
🏙 City partnerships: currently there are only partnerships between the Netherlands and Turkiye between Alkmaar + Bergama; Amsterdam + Istanbul/Şişli & Izmit; Delft + Adapazarı/Sakarya. However, no partnership with a city in the earthquake-affected region. That is why the Chamber of Commerce foundation advocates an entrepreneurial partnership, for example with Kahramanmaras and Hatay.
⚡ Sustainable energy supply: as an example and for inspiration for others, we can mention the industrial, wooden pellet-fired boiler that was donated by a benefactor – via the Chamber of Commerce foundation – to Turkiye. Several streets or hospital complexes could supply hot water.
🤝 Trade missions: entrepreneurs should participate in trade missions to affected sectors, industries and / or commerce. Goal: matching Dutch importers with Turkish producers. The affected city of Adana has already been visited by a Dutch trade mission facilitated by the foundation in 2021.
Disaster training was not mentioned as such by speakers during the VNO-NCW meeting. Although this already exists in Turkiye, one can ask the critical question whether another form of disaster training is needed. A new private initiative for companies has therefore been created. Ask the Chamber of Commerce foundation for more information.
“National logistics plan” was also not mentioned at the meeting, while it turned out that there is a need for smooth (aid) supply chains. For several years now, an employee of the foundation has been arguing through the UN for more attention for a logistics (research) agenda supported by market players and government.
Do you want to help your Turkish colleagues on the other side of the supply chain in the longer term with the much-needed restart of their companies in the affected region?
Do you want to consult with your trading colleagues first? Entrepreneurs can use (free of charge) the meeting facilities of the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands – Turkiye foundation in Rotterdam.
Contact
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Nov 24 2022 
Satisfied Dutch customer sharing his Turkiye experience
It feels good. A satisfied Dutch entrepreneur who shares his adventure about Turkiye. But it didn’t go automatically! To make a boyhood dream come true, a helping hand is sometimes needed in the establishment of an organisation and HR activities.
Philip Knierim, CEO of Ecotone, declares to be a real fan of Turkiye. Ecotone started in Istanbul with the production of affordable and environmentally friendly office supplies. After having tasted success, he founded a second company in Turkiye. Currently, he offers employment to young, smart IT/ICT developers who deliver good work for Dutch customers.
Despite Covid-19 and increasing inflation in Turkiye, he has managed to grow his business significantly. This thanks to a long-term, robust, sustainable growth strategy.
Philip “Developing an understanding the way of doing business in Turkiye and being professionally guided by the offices in Rotterdam (CCNT foundation) and Istanbul (Turkish Dutch Trade Consulting) have contributed to my success”.
But it’s not all roses and moonshine over the Bosphorus. Philip says that specifically managing in the Turkish corporate culture is a difficult task for which he has also engaged the aforementioned parties as an interface.
Interested in ICT development in Turkiye?
A webinar on January 25 is planned by the CCNT foundation. Agenda: nearshoring and the execution of remote projects. Contact initiator Paul Tjia (paul@gpic.nl).
Watch video (Dutch spoken)
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Nov 22 2022 
Turkish brand experience – Dutch marketing
Plea for more intensive brand experience of Turkish quality products with the help of Dutch marketing strategies.
In the video, the vice-chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands-Turkiye foundation demonstrates various Turkish products that, despite their authenticity potential, could be placed stronger and more prominently on the Dutch market. With the help of more branding and marketing, the Turkish brand experience could be formulated and implemented and executed (distribution) stronger.
Watch video. Dutch spoken, Turkish subtitles.
Visit the Chamber of Commerce foundation in Rotterdam or partner/service provider Turkish Dutch Trade in Istanbul for market research and marketing activities. Contact: peter.wolters@kvknederlandturkije.nl and/or leyla.demos@turkishdutchtrade.com
Video: with courtesy of the amazingly beautiful Charisma hotel***** Kusadasi, Turkiye.
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Nov 02 2022 
Results successful Agri trademission, Mersin & Antalya
Full of expectations and curiosity, a delegation of Dutch agri-fresh producers, importers, investors and eco-innovation experts embarked from Schiphol on 16 October for the Turkish trade city of Mersin and agri-region around Antalya. To meet the Dutch retail agri-fresh demand, Turkish ‘qualitative good and cheaper’ products were sought.
Facts, key figures, priorities
First a few facts. Türkiye closed its Agri export in 2021 with more than $1 BLN. The export of fresh vegetables, fruit and related products increased by 9% in the first 6 months of 2022 compared to 2021 to 551 million. The Turkish target for agri-fresh in 2023 is 1.5 MLD. The most important export countries for Türkiye are Germany $93 MLN, US 87 MLN and Russia 65 MLN. In total, Türkiye exports to 122 countries.
Türkiye is looking for innovative solutions to deal with priorities in climate change, sustainable agriculture, residue-free agriculture and reducing logistics costs. The country has the ambition to use 30-50% less chemicals to start with mandarins, pomegranates and tomatoes.
B2B match making
More than 50 enthusiastic Turkish producers registered on October 17 to meet 11 Dutch delegation members during the first B2B matching session in Mersin. Matching is more than just shaking hands and getting to know each other. It requires thorough preparation, sometimes a month or two in advance, in order to align supply and demand. This was facilitated by the local Dutch-Turkish-speaking service provider Dutch Turkish Trade Consulting (DTTC). There was close collaboration with the Mersin Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MTSO).
The delegation visited several greenhouses by bus. Everywhere the Dutch were very hospitable welcomed with Turkish tea and homemade cookies for an informal introduction. Subsequently, greenhouses were entered, fruit tasted, hygiene, safety standards, EU and other certification checked.
Selection of companies visited: TARGID; EREN TARIM; AKSUN TARIM. In addition, also companies or greenhouses with peppers, tomatoes and a juicy citrus field.
Ample time was taken to ask many questions. Ultimately, the quality must be constant and reliable. Questions were about production, storage, packaging, distribution, etc.
A Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of promoting cooperation was signed by the chairmen of the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands – Türkiye foundation and the Mersin Chamber of Commerce & Industry, one of the oldest Chamber of Commerce in Türkiye with more than 16,000 members.
The process was supported by a very hospitable board and secretariat of MTSO. Read more about Mersin’s Agri Food sector such as climate and soil, R&D settings, agri production quantity, export and production seasonal calendar.
Open arms
Much inspired, the delegation took a domestic flight from Mersin to Adana airport and from there to travel by bus to the next trade mission destination: Antalya. More B2B matchmaking conversations were facilitated on October 19 in a representative hotel in Antalya. In a conference room, conversations were organised between Dutch members and Turkish producers at specified time intervals.
Individual company visits were carried out at the request of some delegation members. Obviously, these were always accompanied by a driver and a Turkish interpreter. A photographer was also continuously present to capture the management, the business environment, products and packaging methods. Selection of company visits October 19: Meysan and Ergida Tarim.
They were welcomed with open arms because the participating Dutch companies represent a total turnover of +/- € 575 MLN, which corresponds to the six-monthly Turkish Agri export in 2021. The participating companies are administratively supported by RAAD International.
Smart ‘green’ Turks
The delegation was presented with a lecture by Sivas Cumhuriyet University on October 20. As part of the “Net Green” project, tasty products are produced under optimal hygienic conditions without fertilization, sprinkling and excessive irrigation. Sustainability is taken seriously by Turks. The delegation members then visited several (logistics) companies and fruit and seed production greenhouses. Selection: Adalya Fresh; Ebeyler Tarim.
Exhibition
The Interfresh Eurasia fair was also on the program on 20 October. 41 Turkish exhibitors / exporters (websites available for delegation members) met buyers from many countries. Just like during the previous trade mission in 2021, Turkish ‘TRT’ television yet again engaged with the Chamber of Commerce Netherlands-Türkiye foundation for a brief conversation with the chairman and vice chairman at the exhibition.
Pleasant social moments such as lunches and dinners were a permanent part of the program. The bow cannot always be tense! Even for culture lovers there was an unexpected moment: a visit to the historic city of Taurus with the well of the Apostle Peter. Also used for fresh grapes at the time!
Additional market research
Getting to know the Turkish trade culture, building trust and eventually converting contacts into contracts is the ultimate goal of a trade mission. If desired, delegation members can request additional personal guidance, market and product studies from Dutch Turkish Trade Consulting for a fee. The not-for-profit foundation Chamber of Commerce Netherlands – Türkiye ensures that the quality of the service is guaranteed.
Joy after business
The return journey started on Friday 21 October from Antalya via the new, impressive Istanbul Airport to Schiphol. Some delegation members continued to enjoy themselves for several days. They combined work and private life while enjoying the beautiful beaches and good quality hotels on the Turkish Riviera. It runs on the south coast of Türkiye on the Mediterranean Sea from Marmaris-Antalya to past Alanya.
Interested in participating? Inform us about the needs or specifications of your company or sector via the registration form.