Manila, Philippines — The recent Türkiye-Philippines trade delegation visit and business-to-business (B2B) meetings held at the Fairmont Hotel Makati in Manila have highlighted the growing potential for enhanced economic cooperation between the two nations. Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines, Niyazi Evren Akyol, underscored the importance of these engagements, emphasizing that they serve as a foundational step toward deeper bilateral relations.
The trade mission, organized by the Turkish Exporters’ Union in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and other key institutions, brought together Turkish companies from diverse sectors including food, cosmetics, retail, defense, aerospace, and jewelry. Ambassador Akyol described the delegation as primarily an exporters’ mission, aiming to foster long-term partnerships and mutual understanding. “Big contracts require trust and preparation, and we see this as a strong start for sustained collaboration,” he remarked.
This visit marks the first Turkish exporters’ delegation to the Philippines in three years, reflecting both countries’ eagerness to revitalize and expand their economic ties. Both sides expressed a strong interest in establishing this as an annual initiative, signaling their commitment to ongoing engagement.
A key focus of the recent trade mission was agricultural trade, with discussions indicating increased exports of poultry products from Türkiye to the Philippines and a rising volume of Filipino fresh and dried fruits. Ambassador Akyol noted ongoing communication with the Philippine Department of Agriculture to facilitate these trade flows and expressed optimism about expanding these categories.
In addition, defense cooperation is poised for growth. Ambassador Akyol revealed that Türkiye is exploring opportunities to increase defense equipment exports to the Philippines, aligning with the country’s Defense Department’s modernization program, known as Re-Horizon 3. While specific projects remain under discussion, the mutual interest in defense collaboration underscores the strategic significance of this partnership.
Ali Can Yamanyilmaz, head of delegation of the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM), highlighted the Philippines’ status as a vital trade partner, noting that Türkiye’s exports to the Philippines reached approximately USD 140 million in 2024, with imports from the Philippines totaling USD 254 million. Notably, the defense and aerospace sectors experienced a remarkable 164% increase in exports during the first seven months of 2025, followed by growth in jewelry (55%), electrical electronics (26%), and grains (11%).
Yamanyilmaz expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Filipino counterparts and emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for Türkiye’s 150,000 exporters in this promising market. Both nations are committed to strengthening their economic ties through continued dialogue and cooperation. The recent trade delegation and B2B meetings at the Fairmont Hotel Makati serve as a testament to the mutual interest in building a resilient and mutually beneficial trade environment. With ongoing discussions and upcoming engagements, Türkiye and the Philippines are poised to unlock significant opportunities across various sectors, fostering long-term economic growth and partnership.