Frequently Asked Questions

Why a trade mission to Turkey?

• Location. Turkey is a regional commercial hub. It is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
  
  
• The political environment. Turkey is a parliamentary democracy with a civil law system influenced by Europe’s legal systems.¹ It is well-connected to the international community through membership in the Council of Europe, G-20 major economies, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), NATO and the UN.
  
  
• The economy. Turkey is growing. The government has initiated a number of economic reforms, adopted a tighter fiscal policy and reduced corporate tax rates to further strengthen the economy. Growth averaged over 6 percent for several years but has pulled back a little in the current global economic environment.¹ 
  
  
• Foreign direct investment. Turkey is recognized as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development ranks Turkey as one of the most attractive 15 economies for foreign direct investment.² 
  
  
• A relatively young population. Turkey has a relatively young population. The median age of the country’s more than 70 million people is under 28 years.² 

Sources
¹The CIA World Fact Book – Turkey
²United Nations Conference on Trade and Development: World Investment Prospects Survey, 2008–2010. p. 21

Why should U.S. businesses be interested in this trade mission?

Delegates on this mission will meet with pre-screened potential business partners, distributors, agents or buyers through appointments scheduled in advance for them by the U.S. Commercial Service in Turkey.

Delegates will see first-hand the potential offered by this growth market and be able to explore it under the umbrella of FedEx and the U.S. Commercial Service.

Turkey’s economy is growing faster than that of the U.S. economy. The country is relatively stable and has initiated reforms to further support economic growth and make it easier for foreign companies to do business in the country.

Turkey is located between Europe and Asia and is near Africa and the Middle East. Its location facilitates access to consumers in these markets. For those interested in reaching additional markets, Turkey can serve as a bridge to them.

Who should go on the FedEx Trade Mission to Turkey with the U.S. Commercial Service?

This mission is designed for U.S. companies interested in expanding their international business. This includes both new and existing exporters interested in entering or expanding into the Turkish marketplace.

Where can one go to find out more information on the Trade Mission to Turkey?

Information on the trade mission is available on the "Turkey Trade Mission" link on export.fedex.com. Information on the U.S. Commercial Service in Turkey is available at www.buyusa.gov/turkey/en/.  For answers to specific questions not found on this site, please send them to tradeevents@fedex.com

Will delegates need a passport or a visa?

Those traveling to Turkey must have a valid passport and a visa to enter the country. You must first have a valid passport to apply for a visa. It can take an extended period of time to obtain a passport. Therefore, those interested in participating in the mission should begin the process early. In addition, U.S. airlines normally check for passports prior to letting passengers board for international flights. Delegates may need to show their passport and visa when checking into hotels in Turkey.

U.S. citizens can obtain a visa for Turkey in advance or upon entering the country. Many people get their visas at the airport once they arrive in Turkey. For more information on visas, click here.

What should delegates expect to pay for this trade mission?

The trade mission participation fee for Turkey is $2,000 per company. The fee includes Commercial Service matchmaking sessions (Gold Key Service) between U.S. businesses and potential business partners, distributors, agents or buyers identified for mission delegates by the Commercial Service.

Note that the Commercial Service is negotiating special rates for delegates at the trade mission hotels. Mission delegates are responsible for making their own hotel reservations and also their flight arrangements to, from and within Turkey. Mission delegates will be provided with additional information.

When is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline is October 5, 2009. The U.S. Commercial Service initiates the search for you for potential business partners, distributors, agents or buyers in Turkey once the participation fee has been paid. This takes time. In addition, service providers in Turkey (hotels, ground transportation providers, etc.) require advance notice on the number of people attending. Even though delegates are responsible for making their own hotel reservations, rooms will be blocked out for delegates as participation fee payments are received. 

Does the mission include cultural tours in the mission cities?

Mission participants are encouraged to work with the hotels in each city if they would like to go on a tour. Tours outside of the mission site visits are not covered in the participation fee. Delegates are expected to pay the hotel or service provider directly.

Webinar about Turkey.

The Commercial Service has an archived webinar on Turkey.  Please go to www.export.gov and select "Watch Export Webinars".  Then select "Market Opportunities in Turkey Webinar".