Emphasizing that Türkiye’s economic growth should be driven by exports rather than household consumption, the Presidents of the Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EIB) both welcomed 2026 and underlined the decisive role of exports in economic growth through a video message they released.
EIB Coordinating President Jak Eskinazi stated that their goal for 2026 is to achieve a stronger growth momentum by increasing exports, adding that they will continue to contribute to Türkiye’s export journey across all sectors. Burak Sertbaş, President of the Aegean Ready-to-Wear and Apparel Exporters’ Association, noted that the collective efforts demonstrated by the 12 associations under the EIB umbrella in 2025 have provided strong motivation for a solid start to 2026.
EIB Deputy Coordinating President and President of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association Hayrettin Uçak said that the organization’s 86-year institutional experience will be transformed into a more efficient export structure through new projects. Muhammet Öztürk, President of the Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds and Products Exporters’ Association, emphasized that the contribution of more than 8,000 exporters has enabled the sustainable development of regional exports.
Yalçın Ertan, EIB Deputy Coordinating President and President of the Aegean Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters’ Association, stated that increasing visibility in international markets will be a key focus in 2026. Mehmet Ali Işık, President of the Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters’ Association, said that the success achieved in the US and Far East markets in recent years will be extended across the EIB through steps aimed at diversifying export markets.
Ali Fuat Gürle, President of the Aegean Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters’ Association, noted that sustainability and innovative practices will remain priorities and form the foundation of all processes. Bedri Girit, President of the Aegean Seafood and Animal Products Exporters’ Association, highlighted that innovative practices will enhance value creation capacity in exports rather than merely intensifying competition.
İbrahim Alimoğlu, President of the Aegean Mining Exporters’ Association, which recorded exports of USD 1.4 billion in 2025, expressed his hope that new opportunity areas will emerge for all sectors in 2026. Emre Uygun, President of the Aegean Olive and Olive Oil Exporters’ Association, stated that their aim is for exports to continue making positive contributions to production and employment, while Erkan Zandar, President of the Aegean Leather and Leather Products Exporters’ Association, said that EIB will maintain its responsibility toward production, employment, and exports in 2026.
Ömer Celal Umur, President of the Aegean Tobacco Exporters’ Association, drew attention to the sector surpassing the USD 1 billion export threshold in 2025 and emphasized that they are targeting an even stronger export performance in 2026.
In the closing of the video message, EIB Secretary General İ. Cumhur İşbırakmaz summarized the organization’s vision for 2026, saying:
“We will continue to grow through exports in the new year. Our business is production, our strength is exports.”
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