H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Ömer BOLAT, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, on July 14, 2023. The purpose of the visit was to discuss potential areas of interest to enhance trade among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

During the meeting, H.E. SELÇUK extended her heartfelt congratulations to H.E. BOLAT on his recent appointment and conveyed her sincerest wishes for a prosperous tenure. She expressed her confidence that the visit would pave the way for stronger bonds and contribute to the advancement of trade among the OIC countries.

SESRIC, as a vital subsidiary organ of the OIC, is entrusted with the responsibility of fostering socio-economic development among the member states. In line with this mandate, the Centre strives to promote intra-OIC cooperation, including in the field of trade. Accordingly, SESRIC actively collaborates with relevant national and OIC institutions dedicated to the development and promotion of trade.

Türkiye, one of the largest economies in the Organization, serves as a major trade partner for the member states, and contributes to promoting trade within the OIC. It is among the 14 member states for which the Trade Preferential System among the Member States of the OIC (TPS-OIC) has become operational.

H.E SELÇUK provided a brief overview of SESRIC’s impactful work in the field of trade, highlighting several research reports, capacity building programmes, and statistical activities. In closing, she emphasized the importance of working with national, regional, and international institutions engaged in trade. She proposed recommendations, such as a joint workshop on business register modernization and a partnership for project development on halal sector statistics, as potential avenues for cooperation.

The visit concluded with both parties expressing optimism about the prospects for enhancing trade projects within the OIC. By fostering strategic initiatives, SESRIC and the Ministry of Trade of Türkiye can work together to help overcome challenges and cultivate a prosperous future for the member states.