Turkish pundit proposes common trade platform along Middle Corridor

A common trading platform for local products could be established along the Middle Corridor, with an initial focus on five areas, according to Cemal Akkuş, president of Türkiye’s Alternative Research Centre (ALARM).

Speaking at the Second International Conference of Leading National Analytical Centres of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Baku, Akkuş said the Middle Corridor’s extensive transport network should be made available to small and medium-sized producers, local media reports.

“Our proposal is designed so that local goods, especially cultural products, are produced and offered for sale along the Middle Corridor, while the economy generates added value through a common marketing and advertising strategy,” he said.

Akkuş said the initiative could initially cover five areas: textiles and design, including carpets, felt, wool and leather products; food products such as honey, dried fruit and grain; handicrafts, including ceramics, jewellery, and wood and metal products; cultural tourism; and digital production, covering music, documentaries, games and animation.

He stressed that the initiative should be implemented gradually. During the first three months, pilot regions and products would be identified. Trial sales would begin by the end of the first year, followed by development of the common platform in the second year. From the third year, successful practices would be expanded to other regions.

By Tamilla Hasanova