Bridging the Language Gap: The Booming Saudi-Turkish Trade Partnership

In this fast-paced digitalized world where every economic decision is weighed through mutual benefits and regional cooperation, the importance of regional trade has become more important than ever. The trade volume between regional countries defines the level of friendship. Gone are the days when political and religious conflicts define international relations. Nations are going beyond the mere emotionally satisfactory initiatives and focussing on the mutual benefits to strengthen the local economies, especially after the recent global economic recession. Today we are going to discuss the centuries-old business relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia and the facilitating role of certified Turkish translation services. 

An Overview of Saudi-Turkish Tradenbsp;

Historical perspective tells us that Turkey has tense relations with gulf countries but this has changed under the liberal leadership of KSA and reformist leaders of Turkey. Over the last decade, Turkey has not only established but also maintained a pleasant relationship with leading Gulf economies: including KSA, UAE, and Qatar. In a well-applauded move, the Turkish president visited these three countries and signed many bilateral contracts including multi-billion dollar deals. 

Summary of the Bilateral Saudi-Turkish Trade

Key Import Partners of Turkey

People’s Republic of China, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Japan, India, and South Korea. 

Key Exports Partners of Turkey

The United Arab Emirates, People’s Republic of China, Singapore, India, and Turkey. 

Key Export Items of Turkey

Public vehicles, medicine, electric and electronic products, appliances, and poultry items. . 

Key Import Items of Turkey

Plastic products, chemicals, and crude oil

These are the economic indicators of the Republic of Turkey

Economic Indicators of Saudi Arabia

Figures

GDP (billion USD)

6,838

Inflation Rate

-0.23

Unemployment Rate

6%

GDP Growth Rate

-0.7

Exports ($billion)

221

Population (millions)

3.29

Imports ($billion)

1.301

Turkish Saudi Imports and Exports

Economic Indicators

Figures

Exports 

2.32 B Dollars

Turkey’s Imports from Saudi Arabia

Chemical products and oil

Turkey’s exports to Saudi Arabia

Carpets, furniture, construction iron, electric panels, and refined oil

Saudi Tourists visiting Turkey

747,233 (2018)

Bilateral Cooperations 

Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and Turkish Saudi Council

Discussing the Key Challenges and Considerationsnbsp;

Just like many other MENA and Gulf countries, the Turkish market also offers rich growth opportunities but requires persistence, great linguistic adaptability, and patience. Another relevant factor is unpredictable economic and geo-political circumstances. Although the environmental stability of the Turkish market has been applauded by many international economic indicators the biggest remaining challenge is the language barrier. Turkish people are still reluctant to learn foreign languages including English. Language barriers pose a hurdle to seamless bilateral communication between Saudi Arabia and Turkey. 

Linguistic and Cultural Differences between Turkey and KSA

Despite the improving business and domestic Saudi-Turkish relations, there are ideological differences between these two countries. Over the last decade, Riyadh and Ankara have made considerable efforts to mitigate these differences. The key points of their differences are:

• Huge language barrier
• Different geopolitical and religious inclinations
• Different ethnic background
• A different perspective on religion 
• Different views of nationalism and liberalism

Bridging the Gaps with Translation Services

Those Turkish companies looking to expand to Saudi markets and vice versa, need to acquire a professional Arabic translation agency. This can not only facilitate professional communication but also prevent any potential misunderstanding. Professional language services providers understand the requirements of both stakeholders involved and with the assistance of industry-specific language professionals. This can not only bridge the language gap but also assist both parties find common cultural grounds and establish long-lasting business relations.