What is Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

Free Trade Agreements (FTA) are one of the most important factors driving economic interactions in today's world. Free trade agreements (FTAs) are international agreements between two or more countries that aim to promote free trade and remove trade barriers such as tariffs, quotas, and other restrictions. FTAs are designed to boost economic growth by increasing the flow of goods and services between countries, as well as to stimulate investment and job creation.

Free Trade Agreements are negotiated to remove barriers to trade between countries. During these negotiations, the participating countries agree on what restrictions will be lifted on the free movement of goods and services. In addition, treaties often cover intellectual property rights, environmental standards, labor rights, and other business matters.

After the text of the treaty is prepared, the participating countries sign it and the agreement enters into force. Businesses that want to trade according to the rules set in the treaty must follow certain procedures and obtain the necessary certificates. These procedures are set to remove barriers to trade and ensure the free movement of businesses.

What are the Benefits of Free Trade Agreements?

Free trade agreements include regulations such as lowering customs duties, removing trade barriers, and facilitating trade relations in order to liberalize trade. The benefits of free trade agreements are far-reaching. Businesses can export their products and services to more countries. The competitive environment increases, a wider product range is offered to consumers, and economic growth and employment increase. Although each country has certain benefits in its system, its benefits, in general, are as follows:

Increased market access 

FTAs allow businesses to expand their market by providing greater access to foreign markets. This results in increased sales, profits, and job opportunities for businesses.

Lower costs 

FTAs help reduce the cost of imported goods, which results in lower prices for consumers. It also helps reduce the cost of production for businesses, making them more competitive in the global market.

Improved economic growth 

FTAs can promote economic growth by stimulating investment, increasing trade, and creating jobs. This is because free trade promotes competition and innovation, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.

Strengthened political and diplomatic relations 

FTAs can improve political and diplomatic relations between countries. By promoting economic cooperation, FTAs can build trust and understanding between nations.

In light of features, free trade agreements can provide a wide range of benefits for countries that participate in them. They can help businesses expand their markets, reduce costs, and stimulate economic growth while improving political and diplomatic relations between nations. However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks of FTAs as well, such as job displacement and environmental concerns. Overall, FTAs can be a powerful tool for promoting global trade and economic development when implemented responsibly and with consideration for all stakeholders involved.

What are the Drawbacks of Free Trade Agreements?

While free trade agreements can have several advantages, such as boosting economic growth and creating jobs, they also have some disadvantages. Critics argue that FTAs can lead to job losses, harm domestic industries, exacerbate income inequality, and negatively impact the environment and public health.

Moreover, some argue that FTAs can disproportionately benefit larger, more developed countries, leaving smaller or less developed nations at a disadvantage. Here are some of the possible disadvantages of FTAs:

Job displacement 

FTAs can result in the displacement of workers in industries that face increased competition from imports. This can lead to unemployment and negative social impacts, particularly in industries that are heavily dependent on trade.

Environmental concerns

FTAs can lead to increased trade and production, which can have negative environmental impacts. For example, increased transportation of goods can lead to increased carbon emissions.

Potential loss of sovereignty 

FTAs can limit a country's ability to regulate its own economy, particularly in areas such as labor standards and environmental regulations. This can be seen as a loss of sovereignty.

FTAs are complex agreements that have both benefits and drawbacks. While they can promote economic growth and job creation, they can also result in job displacement and negative environmental impacts. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the potential impacts of FTAs before entering into them.

Türkiye's Role in Free Trade Agreements

Türkiye is a country that has actively participated in the negotiation and signing of free trade agreements. Türkiye is a member of several regional and multilateral trade agreements. Additionally, Türkiye has signed free trade agreements with many countries, including the United States, Canada, and several countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, to promote trade and investment between the parties. Overall, Türkiye's participation in free trade agreements reflects its commitment to promoting global economic growth and integration.

Türkiye has established economic cooperation with many countries around the world through Free Trade Agreements (FTA). These treaties have helped Türkiye gain more ground in international trade, increase its exports and support its economic development. Through FTAs, Türkiye has strengthened its commercial ties with many regions and countries such as European Union countries, North African and Middle Eastern countries, South American countries, and Asia Pacific countries. 

In addition, among the countries with which Türkiye cooperates with FTAs, there are countries such as England, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, South Korea, Egypt, Canada, Norway, Israel, Lebanon, and Tunisia. By making these agreements, it is aimed that Türkiye will increase its export potential and encourage foreign investments. In this way, Türkiye continues its economic development by playing a more active role in the global economy.