Can trade dialogue help improve Turkish-US ties?
Amid the lingering threat of US sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian missiles, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross paid a long visit to Turkey, leading many to believe bilateral trade will be set apart from the political rows between the two countries.
Turkish-American ties never cease to surprise. They remain mired in myriad discords, from the safe zone plan in northern Syria to Ankara’s acquisition of Russian missiles. In an intriguing episode this week, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was asserting Washington’s intent to penalize Ankara over the S-400 missiles, as Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross was holding talks in Turkey on a quest to boost bilateral trade.
During his five-day visit, which began Sept. 6 and was the longest ever by a US Cabinet member, Ross met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ministers and the business community, including representatives of 43 American and 52 Turkish companies. As Ross confirmed, US President Donald Trump and Erdogan have set a target of $100 billion in annual bilateral trade — a big jump from the some $20 billion accomplished last year.
During Ross’ visit, the two sides agreed to set up sectoral committees to explore trade opportunities, focusing on textile, furniture, marble, cement, chemicals, automotive and related side industries, jewelry, civil aviation, machinery and logistics. Ross encouraged US companies to invest in Turkey instead of China.
The trade target may be a rather modest figure for the American economy, but can this rapprochement help Turkey’s fragile economy, which is currently in the grips of recession? Can economic collaboration put off political tensions?
