The ties that bind

Much has been written in recent weeks about the US-Turkey relationship.  Turkey is an important NATO ally. With all the problems facing our world, we must make sure NATO remains strong.  It is critical that we further analyze the importance of the bilateral relationship through a security lens, but I believe it is equally important to reflect on our commercial ties.

The United States and Turkey have demonstrated the benefit of a mutually beneficial economic partnership. This is delivering measurable benefits beyond the board room and is enjoyed on main streets across America and Turkey alike. Dynamic trade and investment activities must continue and deepen.  The visit of Vice President Joe Biden must be followed by visits from leaders in Congress. As government leaders meet to reconcile differences, business leaders must have their own concurrent dialogue.

{mosads}Indeed, the United States Trade Representative and Department of Commerce have repeatedly recognized the importance of this relationship. Turkey is a critical trading partner with over $18.7 billion in total (two way) goods traded in any given recent year. Product exports totaled $12.1 billion and products imported totaled $6.7 billion.

Over my years in Congress, I was honored to serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee. I worked closely on the parallel track of commercial diplomacy that amplifies the work of the State Department. I often found that the works of small businessmen are what truly define our economy and our culture. 

One example I can think of is a businessman who emigrated from Turkey 30 years ago, became a US citizen and started a business from scratch. His name is Murat Guzel and he lives the American Dream. He started Nimeks Organics in 2000.  Today, he oversees the annual shipments of thousands of containers of organic fruit and nut product from over 1.5 million trees in his native Turkey. His nuts, berries and juice products are not only in supermarkets across my state of Indiana, but on store shelves in over 40 states.

Murat exemplifies the rare Turkish American and why we must continue to grow stronger commercial ties. As a proud son of Turkey, he has used his business success to engage American policymakers with a unique perspective not for ulterior motives.  He gives back to his community with a commitment to philanthropy and, most importantly, healthy eating.

I urge Vice President Joe Biden and Turkish government leaders to not overlook the numerous small businesses across America and Turkey that truly define the importance of this alliance.  Despite what others in Washington have speculated, I still think the greatest days are ahead in the US-Turkey alliance especially as we commit to celebrating small business leaders.

Rep. Dan Burton served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and has visited Turkey multiple times.

The views expressed by authors are their own and not the views of The Hill.