The Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) continues to guide its members on their export journeys. As part of its UR-GE projects supported by the Ministry of Trade, firms from the ‘processed’ and ‘frozen’ food sectors have created new trade bridges in Azerbaijan, a sister country with a market worth 250 million, acting as a gateway to a huge market.

BTSO has added a new initiative to its efforts to enhance the international competitiveness of its members. As part of its UR-GE projects, which aim to elevate its food sector members to a more active and powerful position in global markets, BTSO has brought together companies from the ‘processed’ and ‘frozen’ food sectors for a trade mission to Azerbaijan. A delegation of 46 people, consisting of representatives from companies involved in these two separate UR-GE projects, began their international marketing activities by first visiting Turkiye's Ambassador to Baku, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cahit Bağcı. The BTSO members then met with Deputy Chairman Natig Hasanov and board members of KOBIA, the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Azerbaijan. After gathering detailed information on investment and trade opportunities in Azerbaijan, the Bursa food sector representatives' next stop was the Azerbaijan-Turkiye Businessmen’s Union (ATIB). There, they held consultations with ATIB President Mürsel Rüstemov and board members, before engaging in B2B meetings with over 100 companies.

"Important Opportunities in the 250 Million Market"

Burhan Sayılgan, Chairman of the BTSO Food Council, stated that Turkiye and Azerbaijan are two sister countries with common history, culture, language, and faith. He emphasized that Azerbaijan's National Leader Heydar Aliyev set the direction of bilateral relations by saying "One nation, two states" and expressed the desire to crown this strong bond with trade. Noting that bilateral trade between Turkiye and Azerbaijan reached $7.5 billion in 2023, Sayılgan added that they aim to contribute to the target of $15 billion in trade, especially from the food sector. He also highlighted that Azerbaijan not only shares historical, cultural, and fraternal ties with Turkiye but also offers access to a population of approximately 250 million through duty-free trade with Russia and the Turkic republics. "Our visits and B2B meetings here were highly productive. There are significant opportunities in this market. We believe we can scale up our trade to much higher numbers. I thank the Ministry of Trade and the BTSO Board of Directors for their support," Sayılgan said.

"New Doors Will Open"

Özkan Dangaç, Business Representative of Bursa-based Doğbes AŞ, pointed out that the importance of exports in Turkiye's economic policies has been increasing each year, adding that food sector representatives are making great efforts to develop the market. Dangaç emphasized that UR-GE projects offer a significant opportunity for export-oriented companies, stating, "When we started our UR-GE efforts, we had no exports at all. However, with the support of the Ministry of Trade and BTSO, we have become a company that increases its exports every year. Azerbaijan, our latest stop, will open doors for us to Russia and the Turkic Republics."

"We Want to Expand Our Market"

Gökhun Yalçın, Deputy General Manager of Asbal Gıda, said that their company has been operating for nearly 43 years and serves all local chains in Bursa, while also exporting to 11 countries. "Thanks to the services offered by the Ministry and BTSO, we are now in Baku. Our meetings here were very productive. We believe we will achieve our goals in this market in the shortest time possible," Yalçın said.

Zafer Özgün, Sales and Marketing Director of Kocamanlar Balıkçılık Fish World, mentioned that they have been selling products to the largest supermarket chains in Azerbaijan for the past three years. He stated that they aim to increase their operations and expand their reach under the Food UR-GE program, expressing satisfaction with the discussions held.

"We Are Pleased to See Turkish Companies Here"

Mürsel Rüstemov, President of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye Businessmen’s Union (ATIB), said that they aim to further develop economic relations between the two countries. He noted the significance of BTSO members' interest in the Azerbaijani market, saying, "In January, we hosted representatives from the chemical sector. Today, food sector representatives have held very important meetings with local companies. These trade meetings are among the most crucial steps towards our shared goals. If these meetings continue, I believe we will witness how rapidly trade develops. We are very pleased to see more Turkish companies here."

Intense Interest from Regional Firms

The B2B event held in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, attracted strong interest from regional companies. The bilateral meetings were closely followed by Turkiye's Commercial Attaché Ahmet Erdal and representatives of various civil society organizations. Meanwhile, members of BTSO's Food UR-GE project also visited major chain supermarkets in Azerbaijan.