Türkiye-Belarus Air Links Support Trade Expansion
(MENAFN) Turkish Airlines is set to resume direct flights between Istanbul and Minsk, a move expected to improve business travel and create new opportunities for commercial cooperation between Türkiye and Belarus.
Fatih Isik, chair of the Türkiye-Belarus Business Council operating under the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), said the renewed air connection would make it easier for companies in both countries to meet, explore partnerships and pursue investment opportunities across several industrial sectors.
According to Isik, potential areas for cooperation include automotive components, machinery, energy equipment and advanced production technologies. He noted that combining Belarus’s established industrial infrastructure with Türkiye’s manufacturing capabilities and export networks could support joint production initiatives and help businesses reach markets in other countries.
However, he cautioned that international sanctions affecting financing, payment systems and logistics continue to create obstacles to expanding bilateral economic relations.
Isik stressed that Turkish companies should broaden the range of goods and industries involved in trade with Belarus, particularly to increase Türkiye’s exports to the country. Belarus has developed manufacturing capabilities across several sectors, including engines and engine components, electric buses, public transport vehicles, industrial machinery, equipment, iron and steel, chemicals, petrochemicals, timber and other forest products.
“We aim to establish a balanced trade structure that gathers the production capabilities of the two countries in a complementary way,” he said.
“Turkish firms can supply Belarusian manufacturers of automobiles, heavy vehicles, and machinery, while we also see cooperation potential in the energy, machinery and spare parts, production equipment, construction, and building material sectors,” he added.
The business council is seeking to expand cooperation beyond conventional exports by prioritizing joint manufacturing projects in Belarus and partnerships designed to facilitate entry into third-country markets. This approach could allow companies to combine their respective industrial strengths while developing new commercial channels.
Transport and logistics have also featured in discussions between the two sides. The council has examined with Belarusian officials how alternative railway routes could be used more effectively alongside existing transport connections to support the movement of goods and facilitate business operations.
“The options we’re evaluating include Turkish public banks opening Belarusian branches and developing financing and payment channels for products not subject to sanctions,” he said.
Financing arrangements and payment mechanisms remain important considerations for businesses seeking to expand commercial activity between the countries. The council is therefore exploring possible channels that could support transactions involving goods not covered by international sanctions.
The discussions have also addressed opportunities for Turkish companies to establish or expand manufacturing operations in Belarus. One proposal involves attracting investment to the Mogilev Free Economic Zone, where special long-term leasing arrangements have reportedly been offered at approximately $1.50 per square meter. Such terms could provide Turkish investors with an option to develop production facilities under a long-term lease model.
The council views these initiatives as part of a broader effort to turn discussions into tangible investments, manufacturing partnerships and trade agreements. Meetings held in Minsk and Mogilev have included exchanges on pricing, procurement and potential commercial relationships, according to Isik.
“Talks are underway for price quotes, procurement, and commercial contacts, and we deem these meetings in Minsk and Mogilev as a part of a process to follow up on concrete investments, joint production, and trade projects, as we aim to boost Türkiye’s exports to Belarus and reach a bilateral trade volume of $3-4 billion, up from the $2 billion figure currently,” he added.
The proposed expansion would raise bilateral trade from its current level of around $2 billion to a target of $3 billion to $4 billion. Achieving that goal would depend on stronger business links, broader Turkish exports, increased industrial cooperation and practical solutions to the financial and logistical barriers affecting trade.
The planned restoration of flights between Istanbul and Minsk is expected to support these efforts by improving access for business delegations and companies seeking to establish new partnerships. Alongside transport links, joint production and investment initiatives could form a central part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between Türkiye and Belarus.
Fatih Isik, chair of the Türkiye-Belarus Business Council operating under the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), said the renewed air connection would make it easier for companies in both countries to meet, explore partnerships and pursue investment opportunities across several industrial sectors.
According to Isik, potential areas for cooperation include automotive components, machinery, energy equipment and advanced production technologies. He noted that combining Belarus’s established industrial infrastructure with Türkiye’s manufacturing capabilities and export networks could support joint production initiatives and help businesses reach markets in other countries.
However, he cautioned that international sanctions affecting financing, payment systems and logistics continue to create obstacles to expanding bilateral economic relations.
Isik stressed that Turkish companies should broaden the range of goods and industries involved in trade with Belarus, particularly to increase Türkiye’s exports to the country. Belarus has developed manufacturing capabilities across several sectors, including engines and engine components, electric buses, public transport vehicles, industrial machinery, equipment, iron and steel, chemicals, petrochemicals, timber and other forest products.
“We aim to establish a balanced trade structure that gathers the production capabilities of the two countries in a complementary way,” he said.
“Turkish firms can supply Belarusian manufacturers of automobiles, heavy vehicles, and machinery, while we also see cooperation potential in the energy, machinery and spare parts, production equipment, construction, and building material sectors,” he added.
The business council is seeking to expand cooperation beyond conventional exports by prioritizing joint manufacturing projects in Belarus and partnerships designed to facilitate entry into third-country markets. This approach could allow companies to combine their respective industrial strengths while developing new commercial channels.
Transport and logistics have also featured in discussions between the two sides. The council has examined with Belarusian officials how alternative railway routes could be used more effectively alongside existing transport connections to support the movement of goods and facilitate business operations.
“The options we’re evaluating include Turkish public banks opening Belarusian branches and developing financing and payment channels for products not subject to sanctions,” he said.
Financing arrangements and payment mechanisms remain important considerations for businesses seeking to expand commercial activity between the countries. The council is therefore exploring possible channels that could support transactions involving goods not covered by international sanctions.
The discussions have also addressed opportunities for Turkish companies to establish or expand manufacturing operations in Belarus. One proposal involves attracting investment to the Mogilev Free Economic Zone, where special long-term leasing arrangements have reportedly been offered at approximately $1.50 per square meter. Such terms could provide Turkish investors with an option to develop production facilities under a long-term lease model.
The council views these initiatives as part of a broader effort to turn discussions into tangible investments, manufacturing partnerships and trade agreements. Meetings held in Minsk and Mogilev have included exchanges on pricing, procurement and potential commercial relationships, according to Isik.
“Talks are underway for price quotes, procurement, and commercial contacts, and we deem these meetings in Minsk and Mogilev as a part of a process to follow up on concrete investments, joint production, and trade projects, as we aim to boost Türkiye’s exports to Belarus and reach a bilateral trade volume of $3-4 billion, up from the $2 billion figure currently,” he added.
The proposed expansion would raise bilateral trade from its current level of around $2 billion to a target of $3 billion to $4 billion. Achieving that goal would depend on stronger business links, broader Turkish exports, increased industrial cooperation and practical solutions to the financial and logistical barriers affecting trade.
The planned restoration of flights between Istanbul and Minsk is expected to support these efforts by improving access for business delegations and companies seeking to establish new partnerships. Alongside transport links, joint production and investment initiatives could form a central part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between Türkiye and Belarus.
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