Türkiye and Moldova agreed on Thursday to expand their existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to deepen economic cooperation and increase bilateral trade following high-level talks in Ankara, the Turkish Trade Ministry said.
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat hosted a Moldovan delegation led by Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatii and Deputy Prime Minister Eugen Osmochescu, with discussions focusing on trade, investment, and defence industry cooperation.
The meeting coincided with the inaugural Türkiye-Moldova Defence Industry Cooperation Conference in the Turkish capital.
The two sides agreed to broaden the scope of the 2016 FTA after bilateral trade surpassed $1 billion in 2025, underscoring the growing economic relationship between the two countries.
Investment, infrastructure high on agenda
The delegations reviewed cross-border investments, which the ministry described as a cornerstone of bilateral economic ties.
According to the ministry, Turkish companies have invested $53 million in Moldova through 1,154 companies, while Moldovan investors have committed $2 million to Türkiye through 278 companies.
Both countries agreed to encourage additional mutual investments by making greater use of their respective investment incentive programmes.
Infrastructure and international contracting also featured prominently in the talks. Osmochescu called on Turkish contractors to continue expanding their presence in Moldova's housing, retail and infrastructure sectors.
The ministry said Turkish construction companies have completed 55 projects in Moldova worth a combined $756 million.
The officials also discussed enhancing customs cooperation and increasing commercial flights to facilitate trade, business travel and tourism.
The ministry said planned joint defence industry projects are expected to generate both security and economic benefits for the broader region.
Moldova is scheduled to host the 11th session of the Türkiye-Moldova Joint Economic Commission at a later date.
