The Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Álava has hosted an institutional meeting with representatives from the Turkish Embassy in Spain, as part of the Álava Welcome programme. This initiative, in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Álava, aims to connect strategic markets with local businesses and promote international collaboration.
The event, held at the Chamber's headquarters, was attended by Gregorio Rojo, president of the Chamber, Ander Larrinaga, director of Economic Development and Innovation of the Provincial Council, and Santiago Barrueco, general director of the Chamber. They welcomed the Turkish representatives and emphasised the importance of strengthening economic ties with Turkey, a market with significant potential.
Representatives from the Turkish Embassy included Önder Tongal, chief commercial counsellor, Yasemen Korukçu, senior counsellor for Invest in Turkiye, and counsellor Gizem Şen. During the meeting, the Embassy highlighted the strong commercial relationship between Turkey and Spain, noting the prominent role of the Basque Country and Álava in these economic relations.
The attractiveness of Turkey as a strategic market for Alava businesses was underscored, with its population exceeding 85 million, an economy open to foreign investment, and a key geographical position between Europe and Asia. Turkey serves as a natural bridge to the southern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Additionally, the strong trade relationship Turkey maintains with the European Union and Spain's role as one of its main partners were highlighted.
The meeting included a presentation on the Alava economy and existing bilateral relations, as well as the identification of new cooperation opportunities. The Turkish delegation presented key commercial and investment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure and railway transport, energy and renewable energies, the chemical and environmental industries, and intermediate goods, within the context of Turkey's industrial modernisation.
The event concluded around 1:30 PM with contributions from Alava businesses and an open discussion that facilitated direct exchanges between institutional and business representatives, reinforcing Álava's commitment to internationalisation and the strengthening of its external economic relations.
