We are gathering in London for the new era of AEO

The 8th Session of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee between Türkiye and the United Kingdom was held in London on January 8, 2026. The press release for the meeting highlighted the opportunities presented by our country's strategic location, Türkiye's potential to become an investment center in this regard, and forward-looking strategies that will significantly contribute to our bilateral trade and cooperation with the UK.

Following discussions that thoroughly addressed trade, investment, and economic relations to increase bilateral trade volume to $40 billion, an agreement was reached on the JETCO Protocol, an action plan, and the mutual recognition of authorized economic operators.

The 2026-2027 Action Plan, which covers a wide range of issues from developing relations between the business communities of the two countries to twin transformation, from the digitalization of trade to strengthening cooperation in third countries, will serve as an important roadmap for deepening our commercial relations in the coming period.

Upon the entry into force of the Mutual Recognition Agreement, our companies with authorized economic operator status will also be recognized as “secure operators” in the UK; thus being subject to fewer physical controls in customs procedures, benefiting from priority processing, and saving time in import periods to the UK due to shorter waiting times. This is expected to yield gains in terms of increased predictability and transparency in our trade with the UK, one of Türkiye's most important trading partners.

However, it appears that no significant progress has been made on the mutual recognition of AEO status beyond the draft agreement accepted between Türkiye and the EU. Türkiye currently has a mutual recognition agreement for AEO status only with South Korea; exploratory talks are ongoing with Kazakhstan, Russia, Georgia, China, and Hong Kong.

It is important to emphasize that mutual recognition requires not only negotiations between public authorities, but also the development of relationships between companies or industry organizations with AEO status on both sides.

In this context, a delegation formed by the board of directors of our association, which has gained international status, will visit AEO companies in the United Kingdom, which has 1,117 AEO companies and with which we signed a Free Trade Agreement two years ago, at the invitation of BIFA (British International Freight Association), and examine their workflow processes on site.

BIFA stands out as the largest trade association representing the United Kingdom's international freight and logistics sector. Headquartered in London, it forms a key part of the global logistics network. It has an extensive membership network across the United Kingdom. BIFA protects the rights and interests of its members before the UK government, the EU (including post-Brexit relations), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and other international organizations. It has particularly distinguished itself by guiding customs procedures during the Brexit process.

In short, BIFA is an official civil society organization representing UK-based international transport, logistics, and foreign trade companies, particularly those with AEO status. It is one of the most important reference points for everyone working in or receiving services from the sector in terms of reliable, up-to-date regulatory information and professional standards.

The upcoming BIFA and 8th JETCO meeting will be a concrete momentum point for deepening economic relations between Türkiye and the United Kingdom in terms of both quantity (40 billion dollars in trade volume) and quality (digital transformation, investment, customs facilitation).

Undoubtedly, the full effectiveness of this official platform depends on mobilizing private sector dynamics. In this regard, the cooperation and company visits to be carried out with BIFA, the strongest civil society organization in the UK's logistics sector, are of great importance. Contacts with the sector's standard-setting body will not only provide practical benefits of AEO status but also establish new trade bridges based on trust between the business communities of the two countries.

In summary, this meeting in London is a clear indication that both countries view each other as strategic production and logistics hubs. As in the case of BIFA, it is believed that the success of the committed roadmap will be possible through the harmonious coordination of public diplomacy and private sector initiatives.

Mehmet Altay YEGİN

International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association

Chairman of the Board