The U.S.-Turkey Business Council (USTBC) is the premier business advocacy organization established to expand the bilateral commercial relationship and increase trade and investment between the United States and Turkey. The Council represents more than 40 of the largest U.S. companies from various industries with investments in Turkey. With offices both in Washington, D.C. and Istanbul, the Council acts as the principal interlocutor for U.S. businesses operating in Turkey.
The USTBC is a core program of the Middle East and Turkey Affairs, located at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is part of the U.S. Chamber’s International Affairs, which boasts a collection of top trade, policy, and legal experts who advocate on behalf of the U.S. private sector across the globe. The Council has full access to the U.S. Chamber’s congressional and legal affairs divisions, as well as various Chamber institutes and programs. This access can be used to advance USTBC policies, programs, and initiatives.
Turkey is the 15th most attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development World Investment Prospects Survey.
Despite Turkey’s impressive economic gains, the U.S.-Turkish commercial relationship has not yet reached its full potential. Turkey has a population of almost 79 million and boasts a $960 billion economy, though the U.S.-Turkish trade has only reached $20 billion, with a mere 3.9 percent of Turkish exports destined for the U.S. market and 5 percent of its imports originating from the United States.
The Chamber’s Middle East and Turkey Affairs program is committed to advancing the business goals of its member companies, while adding meaningful value on the policy level to our members. By leveraging our relationships at the highest levels of the United States and regional governments, we are able to assure that the imperative of private sector-led growth remains at the forefront of the policy agenda. We work to secure greater protection of intellectual property rights and lower barriers to trade and investment. Through our Middle East and Turkey Affairs programming, our team works with regional partners to facilitate good governance and respect for the rule of law among other critical elements that altogether engender an environment conducive to long-term private sector investment and growth.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business association representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. They all share one thing in common—they count on the Chamber to be their voice in Washington, D.C.