TİM Extended Chairmen Council Held with the Participation of Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır

The Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) Extended Chairmen Council, attended by Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, focused on developing solutions to sectoral challenges and shaping future roadmaps through thorough discussions.

The Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) Extended Chairmen Council was convened at the Ömer Halisdemir Conference Hall in Istanbul's Foreign Trade Complex, with the participation of Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır. The meeting, chaired by TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, included heads of exporter associations and sector councils. It was organized with the purpose of developing solutions to sectoral challenges and creating roadmaps for the future. During the session, participants exchanged ideas on the demands, opinions, and proposals submitted by exporters.

“Every Support To Be Implemented Is Critically Important”

In his opening address at the Extended Chairmen Council, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe emphasized the vital role of technology in ensuring the sustainable growth of exports, stating, “Value-added production, innovative solutions, and digital transformation significantly enhance our competitiveness in global markets. In this context, the efforts of the Ministry of Industry and Technology are of utmost importance to our exporters.”

Gültepe highlighted the meeting's objective to discuss the demands and solution proposals from the sectors and expressed a strong desire to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry. He added, “Amid the challenging conditions our industry is facing due to high costs, the diversification of support mechanisms is critically important. Any support measures implemented during this period are vital, and we are looking forward to new announcements from the Ministry on this front.”

Gültepe also noted Türkiye's significant progress with Organized Industrial Zones (OIZs) and technology centers, stressing that these advancements must be crowned with commercialized products and increased exports. He remarked, “This year, we achieved a capacity utilization rate of 77.2% in March, the highest level of the year. The figure announced in November was 75.6%. We need to find ways to utilize our capacity more efficiently.”

“Türkiye Continues Its Journey of Growth and Development Uninterrupted”

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır addressed the meeting, stating, “The world is facing a period of geopolitical, economic, technological, and even ideological tensions. We are witnessing the unraveling of the old global order, shifts in power dynamics, the emergence of new hegemonies, and intensified polarization. In this environment, industrial and technology policies have increasingly become defining factors for a country's present and future vision. In the 21st century, where value-added production, innovation, and technology take center stage, nations that fail to take the right steps risk falling behind in the global competition.”

Kacır emphasized that Türkiye has maintained its path of uninterrupted growth and development, thanks to its robust production and technological infrastructure established over the past 22 years. He noted, “With our export-oriented production structure, strong supply chain, and robust subcontracting industries, Türkiye is the leader in commercial vehicle production in Europe and ranks fourth in motor vehicle production. Additionally, we are the largest producer of white goods in Europe and the second largest in the world. In iron and steel production, a critical supplier for various industries, Türkiye ranks among Europe's top two producers. Moreover, we are leading Europe in solar panel production, which has gained importance with the rise in renewable energy investments.” Kacır further highlighted the political stability and investor-friendly regulatory framework established over the last two decades, which have not only brought major gains in production but also paved the way for export successes during a period of global supply chain restructuring.

“We Are Resolute in Implementing Programs to Build on Existing Gains”

Kacır pointed out that Türkiye's product exports have increased from $36 billion in 2002 to $262 billion today. He stated:

“Türkiye is a key production and supply hub for firms seeking access to high-quality, sustainable products at competitive costs. After China, Türkiye stands as the country exporting the largest number of products to the highest number of countries within the region extending to Central Europe.” Kacır underscored the critical importance of competitive, sustainable, and value-added production to sustain this success and strengthen Türkiye's role in global value chains. He added, “We are resolutely implementing programs that will build on our current achievements and enable us to attain even greater success.”

“Today's Gathering Is a Tangible Proof of Dialogue and Collaboration”
Referring to the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, Kacır acknowledged its potential impact on energy-intensive industries such as cement, iron and steel, aluminum, and fertilizer. He announced plans to introduce new financial instruments to support green production investments in these sectors. He stated, “Expanding industrial areas in Türkiye and responding to our industrialists' investment demands under the best possible conditions remain key priorities for us.”

Concluding his speech, Kacır addressed the exporters, saying, “You, esteemed exporters, are integral to strengthening Türkiye's position in global value chains and its international trade potential. I view today's meeting as an opportunity to assess the present and future of Türkiye's economy through an economic lens. Please always remember: your expectations and demands regarding investment, employment, production, and exports are of paramount importance to us. Today's gathering is tangible proof of our commitment to maintaining this dialogue and collaboration.”