Chairman of ATO, Baran, visited US Ambassador Flake.

The Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), Gürsel Baran, visited the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Jeffry Lane Flake. After the visit, Baran stated that they raised the issue of facilitating visa processes for ATO members who intend to conduct business meetings, conferences, seminars, meetings, fairs, and other purposes in the U.S. during their meeting with Ambassador Flake. Baran mentioned that their visit coincided with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s presence in the U.S. for the NATO summit, highlighting the longstanding allied relations between the U.S. and Turkey within the NATO framework, which significantly contributes to the peace and stability of the European-Atlantic region.
Baran emphasized that the relations between the U.S. and Turkey are based on three main pillars: military, political, and economic. As the second largest chamber of commerce in Turkey, they are particularly focused on the economic and commercial aspects of this relationship, expressing great pleasure in the development of trade relations in these areas. In 2013, Turkey had a total foreign trade volume of $19.9 billion with the U.S., including $6.6 billion in exports. The trade volume between the two countries has reached over $30 billion in recent years, setting a record level. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had set a target for the foreign trade volume between Turkey and the U.S. to reach $100 billion, a goal that current data suggests could be achieved in the medium term.
Baran highlighted the significant opportunities Turkey offers in terms of trade and investment, and shared the efforts they are making to enhance investment and trade relations between the two countries. He also provided information about the Ankara economy, mentioning that American citizens can engage in health tourism in the capital city. Accompanying Baran at the visit to the U.S. Embassy were ATO Vice Chairman Temel Aktay and Board Members Adem Ali Yılmaz and Ali Yıldız. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Trade Attaché Michael Lally.