Türkiye-China Cooperation: Istanbul Forum Advances Green Technology and Sustainable Development

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Türkiye and China are seeking to deepen their economic partnership by placing green technology, renewable energy and industrial innovation at the center of their bilateral cooperation. The commitment emerged during the Türkiye-China Green Development Business Forum, held in Istanbul on November 9, 2026, bringing together senior government officials and business representatives from both countries.

The meeting reflects growing interest in transforming existing commercial relations into a broader strategic partnership, particularly as governments and industries face increasing pressure to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable economic models.

Istanbul Forum Brings Together Senior Officials and Business Leaders

The forum was jointly organized by Türkiye's Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). It brought together Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, alongside representatives from the industrial, trade and technology sectors.

Among the participants were Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Trade Minister Omer Bolat, CECEP Chairman Liao Jiasheng and CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin.

Discussions focused on identifying practical opportunities for cooperation, encouraging investment and developing partnerships capable of generating long-term economic benefits for both countries.

Complementary Strengths in Green Technology and Manufacturing

A central theme of the discussions was the potential to combine China's established capabilities in green technologies with Türkiye's industrial infrastructure and strategic geographical position.

DEIK President Nail Olpak highlighted the complementary advantages of the two economies, pointing to China's technological expertise and Türkiye's potential to serve as a manufacturing and export platform for European markets.

Türkiye's proximity to Europe and its Customs Union framework could offer Chinese companies opportunities to expand their industrial presence and improve access to international markets.

Olpak also emphasized the importance of reducing imbalances in bilateral trade. Greater Chinese investment in advanced technologies, supported by Türkiye's HIT-30 industrial incentive programme and the Istanbul Finance Center, could contribute to a more sustainable economic relationship.

Joint Innovation Center Planned to Accelerate Technology Transfers

One of the most significant initiatives discussed at the forum was the proposed establishment of a Türkiye-China Technology and Innovation Center, with support from the CCPIT.

The planned institution would provide a permanent framework for cooperation in research and development, technology exchange and investment. Its objective would be to move beyond commercial exchanges and encourage the development of joint technological solutions.

Aydin Mistacoglu, chairman of DEIK's Türkiye-China Business Council, identified renewable energy, energy storage, electric mobility and low-carbon industrial production as priority areas for future collaboration.

He stressed that converting economic potential into concrete projects and reciprocal investments remains essential to building a lasting partnership.

Middle Corridor and International Trade Opportunities

Beyond technological cooperation, the two countries also examined opportunities linked to international logistics and trade routes, particularly the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor.

Türkiye aims to strengthen its role along these routes by improving cargo flows and making better use of return-leg transport capacity. Greater trade connectivity could help businesses on both sides reduce logistical constraints and expand their access to regional markets.

The forum also addressed the possibility of mobilizing Turkish and international companies around the COP31 process, with potential cooperation extending to clean energy, sustainable infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Beijing to Host Next Business Conference in 2027

The discussions concluded with business-to-business meetings and panels examining green energy supply chains and trade balance along the Middle Corridor.

As a further step towards institutionalizing economic ties, both sides agreed to organize the fourth Türkiye-China Business Conference in Beijing during the first half of 2027, under the organization of the CCPIT.

The planned conference is expected to provide another opportunity to develop investment proposals and strengthen commercial partnerships.

The Istanbul meeting signals a broader ambition to position Türkiye-China relations around industrial modernization, technological exchange and sustainable development. Whether these commitments translate into substantial investments and operational projects will be an important measure of the partnership's progress.