Strategic Importance of Eurasia for Turkey's Export-Oriented Economy Policies

Abstract

It is almost impossible for Turkey to find a room in Eurasia based on its political meaning. However the more Eurasia is assigned an economic meaning, the more Turkey can benefit from its advantages. The necessity to ameliorate the terms of the energy agreements signed with Eurasian energy exporters and to increase exportations to these countries through strong brands fortified by the concept of TURQUALITY® are the two preconditions of this. By this positioning Turkey will better respond to the forthcoming pressures from; 1-High costs of energy and raw materials imported from Eurasian countries. 2-Full EU membership of East European countries, 3-Eurasian Customs Union, 4-Global price competition especially in the textile sector. Eurasia, which should be considered within this structure, does not indicate an alternative against Europe, but rather offers opportunities along which Turkey has the potency to position itself as a "Eurasian Tiger" if it manages to overcome these pressures.

Keywords

Eurasia, Turkish Foreign Trade, Export, Export Policies

Citation

Bilgin, Mert, “Strategic Importance of Eurasia for Turkey's Export-Oriented Economy Policies”, International Relations, Volume 2, Issue 7 (Fall 2005), pp. 87-124.

Affiliations

• Mert Bilgin, Assistant Professor, Dogus University, Department of International Relations