A research on the improvement of Türkiye's trade relations with the Turkic Republics

The aim of this study is to identify the current state of trade relations between Türkiye and the Turkic Republics and to provide an evaluation of how these relations can be improved in the future. The first part of the study addresses the historical ties between Türkiye and the Turkic Republics, followed by a brief introduction of countries such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Subsequently, based on data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT), the general foreign trade structures of these countries are analyzed, and their trade relations with Türkiye are examined in detail. In the research section, expert opinions on the subject were sought. To this end, an open-ended questionnaire consisting of 10 questions was administered to 11 field experts, and the collected data were evaluated using qualitative methods. The research findings reveal that the main challenges in the development of trade relations between Türkiye and the Turkic Republics include deficiencies in logistics infrastructure, insufficient levels of digitalization, limitations in money transfer systems, inadequate investments in railway transportation, and issues related to double taxation practices. In this context, it is assessed that structural reforms and strategic investments aimed at addressing these problems would contribute to making trade relations between Türkiye and the Turkic Republics more effective and sustainable. Keywords: Türkiye, Turkic Republics, Foreign Trade, Economic Partnerships