When I visited the country in 2018, Ukraine gave the impression of a developing country with low business volume. After 3 years, during my second visit (before Russia attack) I witnessed how quickly the country was developed. The building industry was dynamic and promising. Some public buildings were modernized. However, urban transport system was not well, besides intercity passenger transportation was done by very old model airplanes, trains and buses. The import customs procedures take long time. Ukrainian people are kind, helpful and have sympathy for Turkish people.

This fair was the European companies’ favorite before the pandemic, as exhibitors were mainly from Turkiye and China. It is held annually in Istanbul at springtime. Visitors from Europe, North Africa and Middle East come both for business and touristic trips. Being an exhibitor in this fair is highly recommended to Turkish automotive parts exporters.

As a member of the European Union, the economy of the Czech Republic is a developed export-oriented social market economy. The largest trading partner for both export and import is Germany. Beside, many Czech companies have offices in Slovakia. Renting a car for business visits are necessary due to the fact that companies are in different addresses and zones. Highways are very convenient. Contacting to businesspeople by e-mail is possible but visiting will make a difference against competitors.

The major resources of the Moroccan economy are agriculture, phosphates, and tourism. Heavy industry is largely limited to petroleum refining, chemical fertilizers, automobile and tractor assembly, asphalt and cement. Casablanca is the business center. In Agadir and Rabat there are also business opportunities. Tangier, a Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe. You should bargain almost for all the things that you want to buy. People are friendly and open to new business connections.

Automotive and agricultural machinery sectors are well developed in Poland. Many European companies consider Poland customs as export gates to Russia. Russian, German and English are the most prominent foreign languages spoken. Polish people usually speak frankly. It is difficult to build a rapport by being too friendly, as they prefer formal way of business. Renting a car will be helpful to travel across the country in a short while thanks to good highways. In August, many companies close and go on a vacation.

Singapore might be the most clean and tidy country of the world. Despite long working hours, at the end of the day people enjoy government-provided outdoor activities and cultural events. Its contemporary modern culture consists of a combination of Asian and European cultures. The business in Singapore is based on a strong work ethic. Meetings in Singapore are generally formal and slow moving. Using both hands (or the right hand only) to receive a business card is expected.

As a European Union country with its supreme history, Greece offers many business opportunities for all sectors. Its strong hinterland enables smooth logistics activities. Athens, Thessaloniki, Pireaus are business centers. In Aspropyrgos the suburb of Athens, there are many automotive spare part importers. Greece has no price controls, except for pharmaceutical and food items. When pricing their products, firms should consider payment and credit terms.

Colombia is my favorite among the Latin countries. I liken the people of this country to the people of Izmir- Turkiye. Colombians are friendly and helpful, making business connection is easy. However, Colombia has a very high crime rate, you should be careful against robbery even travelling in a taxi. Colombia faces high levels of income inequality and poverty, both of which are largely driven by unemployment and informality. Colombia’s main imports are machinery and transport equipments. Most of automotive companies are in Cundinamarca in Bogota. Colombia has the second-highest level of biodiversity in the world. You can taste the most delicious coffee of the world here. 

As the southernmost country in the world, Chile has been one of Latin America's fastest-growing economies in recent decades. However, more than 30% of the population is economically vulnerable and income inequality remains high. The country is stable when it comes to financial, social, economic and political stability. Santiago as capital city is the business center. Door to door logistics service is availabe. Chilean business culture is more formal than other Latin countries. You should make an appointment before visit. Private business working hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As being neighbor to USA, it might be expected that many Mexicans speak English, but they are not. As it is known, Mexico is dangerous country and travelling by unregistered taxis might lead businesspeople into the arms of the mafia who demands ransom. The general reputation of car rentals about using scammy practices might also put you off. It will be better to travel with a guide who speaks English and knows the big cities as Guadalajara and Monterrey. Reforma is one of the best areas in Mexico City to stay. Big companies expect you to have appointment before meeting and during meeting you should be sure that you are ready for their technical questions with a visual presentation. Biennially, Expotransporte Fair in Puebla for automotive sector is organized by the participation of big brands. Famous for its hot pepper, Mexicans eat even Mango with hot sauce. If you have never had tequila with worms before, you have not had real tequila.

This fair might be the most important fair for automotive industry as exhibitors are for all vehicle types, models and original and aftermarket spare parts. Even though, in 2022 the fair was not crowded as it was before due to several reasons as visa problem, Ukraine-Russia war, global crisis etc.

Peru is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural resources. Even so, Peru remains one of the world's poorest countries. Trade and industry are centralized in Lima. Most of the automotive companies are in Avenida Nicolas Arriola in Lima. The primary language of business is Spanish. Hard selling approaches to negotiation are avoided by Peruvians. Social activities outside the work environment such as dinner are seen as a good way to build rapport with business partners. Pisco Sour is the best alcoholic cocktail for hot summer days. Miraflores is safe area for stay.

This fair is Asia's largest trade fair for automotive parts, accessories, equipment and services. Visitors are from all over the world. At least once, an automotive company should exhibit in this fair to get international buyer and seller contacts. Despite the crowd, it is possible to reach the fairground by metro or taxi. Hotels nearby the fairground might be a choice but better choice will be a hotel in Huangpu region.

I participated in B2B automotive business meeting in Madrid that was organized by Uludag Ihracatci Birlikleri (UIB). As 20 Turkish companies manufacturing different automotive spare parts, we could not get sufficient business connections as we expected because most of the Spanish companies which confirmed that they would attend to meeting did not show up. Yet, it was possible to meet with some local companies. Besides, within the scope of this B2B meeting, a trip to modern Iveco factory was organized and it was a chance to observe automated vehicle construction.