ISS Airview and ISS Freeports Lead Strategic Push to Reinforce UK–Türkiye Trade Links from Istanbul

L-R Ammar Mirza CBE, Atif Malik, Chris Gaunt OBE, Tibet Kara

Istanbul, July 2025 – In a major step toward strengthening historic trade corridors between the UK and Türkiye, ISS Airview and ISS Freeports led a strategic delegation to Istanbul to advance bilateral cooperation, investment, and innovation-led logistics.

Spearheaded by Ammar Mirza CBE, Founder of ISS Group and the SME Centre of Excellence, and Atif Malik, CEO of ISS Teesside Freeports, the visit focused on promoting the ISS vision for high-trust, low-friction international trade underpinned by the pioneering 3IP model – Innovation, Investment, and Internationalisation.

At the heart of the agenda was a high-level roundtable hosted at the British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey (BCCT), where the ISS delegation met with BCCT Board Members including Chairman Chris Gaunt OBE, and separately hosted by senior figures from the British Embassy. The sessions reaffirmed the vital role that Teesside Freeport and ISS Airview play in offering future-focused logistics, sectoral innovation, and deepened market access between the UK and Türkiye.

Ammar Mirza CBE commented:“ISS Freeports represent a new generation of globally connected economic zones. Under Atif’s leadership, Teesside Freeport blends cutting-edge physical infrastructure with strategic business intelligence. Through our 3IP model, we’re enabling businesses to scale internationally, connect markets, and trade with purpose.”

Atif Malik, CEO of ISS Teesside Freeports, added:“Türkiye is a key strategic partner, and our aim is to develop practical, scalable trade solutions that link world-class aviation infrastructure in Istanbul with Freeport capability in Teesside. Together, we are unlocking new pathways for global growth.”

Teesside Freeport: The UK’s Most Connected Trade Gateway

Located at Teesside International Airport, Teesside Freeport offers more than 1 million square feet of air cargo and innovation space, a designated customs zone, and streamlined logistics capabilities tailored to high-growth sectors.

The Freeport’s unique features include:

• Fast-track cargo clearance (within 1 hour)

• Bonded storage & full licensing for perishable, pharmaceutical, and high-value goods

• Airside access for global cargo operations

• Dedicated trade corridors to Türkiye, the Middle East, and Asia

The 3IP Model: A Framework for Global Growth

During the Istanbul engagement, ISS showcased its 3IP model—a holistic framework that supports businesses to grow, innovate, and internationalise:

• Innovation: Cross-sector collaboration with universities, R&D hubs, and innovation districts

• Investment: Direct access to global investors, sovereign wealth partners, and UK public/private finance

• Internationalisation: Tailored trade entry support, cultural training, and multi-market connectivity

This unique blend positions ISS Airview and ISS Freeports as not just logistics providers but strategic growth platforms for UK and Turkish businesses alike.

Strategic Partnerships with Turkish Airlines Cargo and IGA

The ISS delegation also held high-level meetings with Turkish Airlines Cargo and IGA (Istanbul Grand Airport)—operators of one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. These discussions focused on integrating Teesside’s Freeport logistics capabilities with Türkiye’s aviation excellence to form a seamless, bilateral trade corridor.

Continued Collaboration with BCCT and the British Embassy

As part of the ongoing relationship, ISS reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative work with the British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey (BCCT) and the British Embassy, strengthening the Memorandum of Understanding previously signed with the SME Centre of Excellence. The renewed partnership focuses on:

• Empowering SMEs

• Delivering joint trade programmes

• Supporting inward investment and export acceleration

ISS Airview and ISS Freeports are redefining what global trade hubs can achieve—driving investment, empowering innovation, and enabling internationalisation. From the North East of England to the heart of Istanbul, ISS is connecting continents and delivering results.