Export Meetings Continued in Trabzon
The Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) held the second session of the Regional Export Meetings series, which was launched in İzmir to analyze the economic dynamics of different regions and enhance their share in exports.
Organized by the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) and hosted by the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association (DKİB), the second Regional Export Meeting took place in Trabzon. The event saw the participation of TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, along with TİM Vice Chairmen Ahmet Güleç, Adil Pelister, Çetin Tecdelioğlu, and Ahmet Fikret Kileci, as well as TİM Board Members and delegates, DKİB Vice Chairman Ahmet Hamdi Gürdoğan, chairmen of various exporter associations, and representatives of exporting companies from Trabzon. The meeting focused on the region's significance in foreign trade and the challenges exporters face, while TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe attentively listened to their concerns.
“Our Goal is to Position Türkiye Among the World's Top 10 Exporting Nations”
In his opening speech, Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) Chairman Mustafa Gültepe emphasized that these meetings, held across Türkiye, serve as platforms to directly hear the challenges of exporters and develop tailored solutions. Gültepe stated, “Together with our Vice Chairmen, we are in the field. Our objective is to listen to your valuable demands firsthand and generate effective solutions.”
Highlighting the record-breaking achievements in exports in recent months, Gültepe reiterated the medium-term goal of elevating Türkiye among the world's top 10 exporting countries. He stressed that achieving this objective necessitates an annual growth of at least 10%, saying, “Our target for 2025 is to reach $280 billion in exports. To accomplish this, we must secure an annual growth rate exceeding 7% and develop new policies that will enhance our economy's competitiveness.”
“We Must Unlock the Potential of the Eastern Black Sea Region”
Gültepe pointed out that the total exports of the four provinces affiliated with the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association stand at approximately $1.3 billion, a figure that falls far below the region's actual potential. He emphasized the region's strategic advantage in agriculture, citing the decline in hazelnut exports as an example. “Our share in hazelnut exports has dropped from 63% to 58%. This signals the urgent need for new strategies. We must take bold steps with innovative collaborations and projects to reshape the future of this region,” he stated.
Acknowledging the difficulties faced by certain industries, Gültepe noted that rising costs have weakened competitiveness. He remarked, “Sectors that rely on intensive labor are struggling with pricing and cost management. Unfortunately, Türkiye has become one of the more expensive countries to operate in. To keep the industrial wheels turning effectively, we must introduce new policies.”
“Achieving the $500 Billion Export Target Requires Double-Digit Growth”
Gültepe reaffirmed the ambition to reach $500 billion in total exports, including services, by 2028, underscoring the need for higher growth rates. He declared, “At TİM, we are working in close consultation with all our unions. The development of districts, provinces, and firms is crucial to boosting our national exports.”
He concluded his remarks by highlighting the importance of being actively engaged in the field and closely listening to exporters, stating, “We shape our projects based on the issues, needs, and suggestions we receive from you. Only through this approach can we develop lasting solutions and elevate our country to the levels we aspire to reach.”
“Such Meetings Offer Valuable Opportunities for Mutual Support”
Speaking at the event's opening, DKİB Vice Chairman Ahmet Hamdi Gürdoğan underscored the contributions of Trabzon and the Eastern Black Sea Region to Türkiye's foreign trade. He emphasized Trabzon's role as a strategic port city connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, highlighting its historical mission in international trade.
Recalling the region's transformation since the 1980s, Gürdoğan noted that the trade activity initially sparked by transit commerce between Europe and Iran evolved into a supply hub for newly established countries following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He stated, “With its entrepreneurial spirit and deeply rooted trade culture, Trabzon and its surrounding areas have always played a vital role in Türkiye's exports. Since its establishment in 1998, DKİB has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at boosting the region's export figures.”
Emphasizing that the meeting provided a significant opportunity for exporters in the region, Gürdoğan remarked, “These meetings not only allow us to discuss challenges but also serve as a platform to develop solutions, support one another, and establish a stronger export ecosystem with a shared vision. One of the key objectives of this gathering is to better understand the difficulties, barriers, and needs faced by our exporters and adopt a solution-oriented approach.”
Gürdoğan also stressed the importance of financial support, highlighting that institutions such as İGE AŞ, Eximbank, and the Turkish Trade Bank offer financing opportunities that are particularly advantageous for SMEs. Expressing gratitude to TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe for his support, he concluded, “Under Mr. Gültepe's leadership, I am confident that we will take our export successes even further.”
Following the opening speeches, the program continued with a Q&A session where exporters' inquiries were addressed. In the final segment, detailed information was provided on financial support mechanisms available to exporters.