In his speech at the Traditional Iftar Program organized by the Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MÜSİAD), Ömer Bolat stated that the association’s 35-year-long tradition is an important gathering that brings the business world together. Bolat noted that since its founding, MÜSİAD has developed proposals addressing economic, foreign policy, and social issues, and that the organization has established a strong alliance both nationally and internationally.
Bolat emphasized that Turkey has made significant progress over the past 23 years, with the economy reaching a size of $1.6 trillion and per capita national income increasing more than 5.5 times during this period. He recalled that last year ended with $273.4 billion in goods exports and $122.2 billion in services exports, and he stated that efforts are underway to reach a total export target of $400 billion.
Highlighting that Turkish industry ranks high in many sectors, Bolat said Turkey is first in steel production in Europe, second in contracting services worldwide, and fourth in tourism. He added that 1.6 million health tourists came to Turkey, $285 billion in international investments were attracted over the last 23 years, and 88,000 international companies operate in the country.
Bolat stated that the defense industry has entered the world’s top 10 and achieved $10 billion in exports last year. He emphasized that Turkish products hold a strong global position in terms of quality and reputation. He also noted that Turkish films are watched by 800 million people worldwide every day, which constitutes an important soft power asset for Turkey.
Regarding inflation, Bolat said that a 45-point decrease has been achieved over the past 1.5 years, although factors such as drought, frost, floods, and avian flu in agricultural products have complicated the process. He also mentioned that urban transformation projects continue in Turkey, which lies in an earthquake zone, and that intense efforts are being made to rebuild affected regions.
As the Ministry of Trade, Bolat said they have prepared 45 billion Turkish lira in export support for this year, compared to 33 billion lira last year. Pointing out the rising global competition, he noted that challenging market conditions exist in regions including the Far East, while they continue to support the business community in Europe, America, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Addressing the contacts with the European Union, Bolat said they are conducting intensive diplomacy to protect the rights arising from the Customs Union. He also mentioned efforts to enable Turkish companies to benefit from defense funds in Europe and stated that Turkey’s economic, industrial, and technological capacities are respected in Europe.
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