The Dereköy and Malko Tırnovo customs gates, the third land crossing between Turkey and Bulgaria, were opened as of yesterday for the entry and exit of light commercial cargo vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3.5 tons.
A light commercial cargo vehicle belonging to a member firm of the International Transporters' Association (UND) crossed from the Dereköy Customs Gate into Bulgaria. The crossing was observed by Trakya Customs and Foreign Trade Regional Deputy Director İlyas Akyıldız, Dereköy Customs Director Kubilay Tarhan, Dereköy Customs Enforcement, Smuggling and Intelligence Regional Chief Hakkı Ünlü, Kırklareli Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KTSO) Chairman Soner Ilık, and KTSO Assembly Chairman İsmail Hakkı Özsan.
KTSO Chairman Soner Ilık stated that the development is important for Kırklareli and the region, and said that an average of 3,000 light commercial vehicles will use Dereköy weekly, providing time and cost advantages for exporters while also reducing congestion at the Kapıkule and Hamzabeyli border gates.
"Dereköy is no longer just a border gate; as one of our trade corridors opening to Europe, it will give new momentum to the economy of Kırklareli."
Ilık thanked all institutions and organizations, especially the Ministry of Trade, that contributed to the implementation of the decision, and wished that the development would be beneficial for the province, exporters, and the country.