The 29th Japan–Türkiye Joint Business Council Meeting, organized jointly by the DEİK/Türkiye–Japan Business Council and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), took place in Tokyo on October 5, 2026. The meeting brought together Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye; Syuji Miyamoto, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; Ahmet Çalık, Chairperson of the DEİK/Türkiye–Japan Business Council; Kei Uruma, Co-Chair of Keidanren's Japan–Türkiye Economic Committee; and approximately 120 business representatives from various sectors.
A Joint Statement was signed by Ahmet Çalık and Kei Uruma and Hiroshi Ide, Co-Chairs of Keidanren's Japan–Türkiye Economic Committee. The statement emphasized the opportunities to combine Türkiye's manufacturing capacity and regional connectivity with Japan's technological expertise, project development capabilities and financing resources in joint projects.
Held in the 40th anniversary year of the Türkiye–Japan Business Council, the meeting highlighted the Council's role in strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries. Three panels explored ways to improve the trade and investment environment, foster partnerships that promote innovation, and build on successful examples of cooperation in overseas markets. The Joint Statement reflected both business communities' shared commitment to advancing cooperation. Participants also agreed to hold the 30th Türkiye–Japan Joint Business Council Meeting in İstanbul in 2027.
Tuzcu: "The EPA will support trade, investment and joint production"
Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, emphasized the growing importance of supply security, energy and technological capabilities in global trade, underscoring the need to strengthen long-term partnerships between Türkiye and Japan. Noting that bilateral trade reached USD 5.7 billion in 2025, Tuzcu stated that concluding a balanced and mutually beneficial Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would support trade, investment and joint production. He also highlighted opportunities in clean energy, energy storage, electricity grids and low-carbon production, and invited the Japanese business community to COP31 in Antalya.
Miyamoto: "The EPA will also strengthen cooperation in third countries"
Syuji Miyamoto, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, noted that more than 300 Japanese companies operate in Türkiye, describing the country as an important partner for Japanese businesses thanks to its strategic location and strong manufacturing capacity. Expressing the aim of concluding the EPA negotiations soon, Miyamoto said the agreement would increase bilateral trade and investment while supporting joint projects in Central Asia and Africa, as well as cooperation in Ukraine's reconstruction. He also highlighted decarbonization and the transition to renewable energy, emphasizing the importance of translating bilateral cooperation into tangible trade and investment projects.
Çalık: "Türkiye offers opportunities for Japanese companies as a manufacturing and supply hub"
Ahmet Çalık, Chairperson of the DEİK/Türkiye–Japan Business Council, emphasized the importance of translating the strong friendship and mutual trust between the two countries into new economic partnerships. He highlighted Türkiye's potential as a manufacturing and supply hub for Japanese companies and called for a more balanced, production-oriented trade relationship.
Pointing to opportunities for cooperation in energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, space and aviation, Çalık said: "We welcome the launch of academic activities at the Turkish–Japanese Science and Technology University. Expanding trade and investment, addressing the challenges faced by businesses and developing new areas of partnership are key priorities. Companies should maintain the contacts established at this meeting and explore the proposals put forward in greater detail. We look forward to welcoming the Japanese business community to İstanbul for the 30th Joint Meeting in 2027."
Uruma: "There are opportunities to work with Turkish companies on infrastructure and technology in Central Asia"
Kei Uruma, Co-Chair of Keidanren's Japan–Türkiye Economic Committee, highlighted Türkiye's importance as a gateway to Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. He outlined the challenges Japanese companies face due to rising costs and their expectations regarding customs and regulatory practices. Uruma noted that the EPA could create a more favorable environment for investment and cooperation in third countries, drawing attention to opportunities to work with Turkish companies on infrastructure and technology projects in Central Asia.
Following the opening session, three panel discussions were held: "Towards Improving the Trade and Investment Environment between Japan and Türkiye," "Cooperation between Japan and Türkiye to Promote Innovation," and "Expansion into Overseas Markets and Cooperation in Third Countries."
The meeting was sponsored by Çalık Holding and Sarten Ambalaj.
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