Business leaders, legal experts and academics from Türkiye and Italy came together in Rome on May 14 for a conference focused on trade, investment and arbitration, highlighting growing economic ties between the two countries and the increasing role of women in international business.
The event, titled “Türkiye-Italy Trade, Investments and Arbitration,” brought together representatives from both countries’ business and legal communities to discuss strategic partnerships, investment opportunities and cross-border cooperation.
Opening the conference, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Rome, Elif Çomoğlu Ülgen, highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and commercial ties between Türkiye and Italy. She noted that bilateral trade volume has already reached around $32 billion and said both countries are continuing efforts to strengthen the investment climate further and expand economic cooperation.
TÜRKİYE’S NEW INVESTMENT VISION INTRODUCED TO ITALIAN BUSINESS CIRCLES
Turkinvest Chairwoman Attorney Dr. Arzu Ongur presented details of the “Türkiye Investment Century” initiative, recently unveiled by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to Italian investors attending the conference.
Ongur outlined incentives offered to companies operating in the Istanbul Financial Center and Türkiye’s Free Trade Zones, including tax advantages, state support mechanisms and investor-friendly regulations. She described Türkiye as a reliable and attractive hub for international investment.
Lale Cander, Chair of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) Türkiye-Italy Business Council, addressed the practical challenges faced by companies operating across borders and emphasized the importance of reducing bureaucracy and improving access to public tenders for foreign investors.
ISTAC EMPHASIZES INVESTOR CONFIDENCE
ISTAC Secretary General Yasin Ekmen focused on the role of arbitration in resolving commercial disputes and maintaining investor confidence.
Ekmen highlighted the advantages offered by the Istanbul Arbitration Centre (ISTAC), particularly in speeding up legal procedures and reducing commercial risk for international businesses.
The conference concluded with discussions on the growing influence of women entrepreneurs and female professionals in global trade networks. Participants stressed that women leaders are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Türkiye-Italy economic relations and contributing fresh perspectives to international investment processes.
