BTSO and US Consul General discuss technology and trade expansion

The Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) hosted Michael Lally, the US Consul General in Istanbul, to discuss strengthening commercial ties between Turkey and the United States. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation into high-value-added sectors, including technology, aviation, defense industry, and technical textiles.

BTSO Chairman Özer Matlı highlighted Bursa’s role as a major production hub in automotive, textile, and food sectors. He emphasized the need to diversify trade relations and explore joint investment opportunities in third countries. Consul General Lally noted the goal of increasing bilateral trade volume to $100 billion, pointing out that approximately 2,400 Turkish companies, primarily located in the Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Bursa regions, already work with US firms.

Separately, BTSO Chairman Özer Matlı held sectoral consultation meetings with various professional committees. These meetings covered diverse industries such as energy, fuel, metal, recycling, plastic, and rubber to evaluate current market conditions and address business expectations.