Minister of Commerce Ömer Bolat spoke at the session titled "Global Call for Implementation: Leveraging Trade for Climate Action" within the scope of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), hosted by Türkiye and the most important organization in the world in the fight against climate change.
Pointing out the role of trade policies in creating the necessary economic conditions for the implementation of climate commitments, Bolat stated that the interaction between climate policies and trade has become increasingly important, and especially since 2021, climate change policies and trade-related solutions have begun to affect international trade.
Bolat explained that the main goal is to achieve a low-carbon economy and trade order worldwide, which brings about a major transformation in international production, investment and trade. Pointing out that the issue of decarbonization and reducing carbon emissions is no longer an environmental issue, Bolat emphasized that the issue has become a matter of transformation in the fields of trade, investment and production.
"Trade wars slow down global economic growth"
Underlining that protectionist tendencies in global trade are getting stronger, Bolat said that trade wars and increasing customs duties cause global economic growth to slow down.
Bolat explained that low-carbon production, investment and trade should support economic growth and reduce carbon emissions, and stated that the steps to be taken in line with climate targets should not damage global economic integrity. Underlining the importance of maintaining open and resilient global markets by using trade policies and international cooperation, Bolat stated that climate goals should be advanced in this direction.
Pointing out that trade ministers should be involved in the design process of climate-related economic measures from the very beginning, Bolat noted that the Paris Climate Agreement and the transition to the Green Deal economy have now become a joint working area of the ministries of environment, economy and trade.
"Green Deal Action Plan includes 11 priority areas"
Bolat stated that Türkiye has direct experience in this field and reminded that within the scope of the Green Deal Action Plan adopted in 2021, the Ministry of Commerce assumed the role of coordinator in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Reminding that the action plan covering the 2021-2025 period has expired, Bolat said, "Just 2 days ago, our President signed the new five-year action plan prepared by our Ministry of Commerce. The new plan consists of 11 priority areas, 41 targets and 142 actions." he said.
Stating that Türkiye has complied with the European Union's (EU) Border Carbon Regulation Mechanism (SKDM) program, Bolat emphasized that Türkiye's own SKDM program is also carried out in full compliance with the EU's program.
Referring to the establishment of the emission trading system, Bolat said, "We also started to apply carbon tax on exports to the European Union due to the Customs Union, and the system has now started to work. We are in coordination with the European Union." he said.
"Regulations should not constitute an obstacle to international trade"
Stating that the Border Carbon Regulation Mechanism (SKDM) offers an important forum for developing the dialogue between trade and climate policies, Bolat explained that this platform contributes to addressing the commercial impacts of climate-related measures, promoting transparency and strengthening the dialogue between members.
Bolat stated that one of the important topics of the trade-related decarbonization program is the promotion of investments that consider environmental sensitivities, and said that financing investments is also an important issue. Emphasizing that measures to protect the environment should not fragment global trade and turn into trade barriers to protect domestic industries, Bolat drew attention to the importance of environmental and trade-related regulations not creating an obstacle to international trade.
Stating that ensuring harmony between developed and underdeveloped countries is among the critical issues and that workable solutions must be found on these issues, Bolat said, "Turkey is ready to work with the World Trade Organization UNCTAD and all its trading partners to move this dialogue forward and make COP31 fully successful." made his assessment.
The session was also attended by World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, COP30 President Brazilian diplomat and ambassador Andre Aranha Correa do Lago and Finnish Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.
