ANKARA (Bernama-Anadolu): Turkiye is expected to expand cooperation with the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) in trade, economic relations, the defence industry and energy after becoming a Dialogue Partner of the regional bloc, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
According to information compiled by Anadolu, Turkiye was granted Dialogue Partner status at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
The move, considered politically and diplomatically significant, is expected to mark a new chapter in Turkiye's relations with the region, which has a population of nearly 700 million and an economy worth more than US$4 trillion.
ASEAN comprises 11 member states: Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Timor-Leste.
Turkiye's exports to ASEAN member states increased by 17.1 per cent from US$2.4 billion in 2021 to US$2.8 billion in 2025. Exports to the bloc totalled US$1.2 billion in the first five months of this year.
Imports from ASEAN countries rose 50.7 per cent during the same period, increasing from US$8.8 billion to US$13.3 billion. Imports reached approximately US$6 billion in the January to May period this year.
As a result, Turkiye's total trade volume with the region reached US$16.1 billion in 2025.
An analysis of Turkiye's exports to ASEAN by product category showed that "precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, pearls, imitation jewellery and coins" ranked first last year, with exports totalling US$419.4 million.
The category was followed by "mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation" at US$412.9 million, and "boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and equipment" at US$268 million.
Among ASEAN member states, Singapore was Turkiye's largest export destination last year, with shipments totalling US$709.5 million.
Singapore was followed by Malaysia and Indonesia, both of which were visited by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his Asia tour last year.
During Erdogan's visits, the two sides discussed cooperation in a wide range of areas, including energy and the defence industry.
Turkiye's exports to Malaysia reached US$629.2 million, while exports to Indonesia totalled US$481.2 million in 2025.
Turkiye's direct investment in ASEAN member states also increased significantly, rising from US$106.5 million in 2023 to US$410.4 million in 2024.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
