The Seventh Edition of the TİM Regional Export Meetings was Held in Ankara
At the “Regional Export Meetings” program organized in Ankara under the coordination of the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) and hosted by OAİB, sectoral challenges faced by exporters in the region and corresponding solution proposals were assessed.
The “TİM Regional Export Meetings” program, which began this year in İzmir under the coordination of the Türkiye Exporters Assembly and was subsequently held in Trabzon, Mersin, Bursa, Gaziantep, and Denizli, was realized in Ankara under the auspices of the Central Anatolian Exporters Associations (OAİB). The event was attended by TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, OAİB Coordinator Chairman Mehmet H. Şanal, and representatives of exporting firms from the region. The program provided an opportunity to evaluate exporters' demands and expectations, while also addressing current export statistics, financing opportunities, and developments in global trade.
“We focus on solutions by identifying problems on site”
In his address at the program, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe emphasized the importance of identifying exporters' needs in the field. Gültepe remarked, “We organize regional meetings to observe and deliberate on the problems of our exporters on site. This year, we started in İzmir, and following Trabzon, Mersin, Bursa, Gaziantep, and Denizli, we are now in our capital, Ankara.”
Gültepe also highlighted the strong position of the Central Anatolian Exporters Associations in Türkiye's export sector. According to ÖTS data, OAİB's exports for 2024 amounted to 27.2 billion dollars, with the top five sectors being defense and aerospace, machinery, HVAC, cement-glass-ceramics, and automotive. As per TİM figures, OAİB's exports in the first ten months of 2025 reached 24.2 billion dollars.
A target of 273.8 billion dollars in goods exports
Gültepe also offered his assessments regarding year-end targets, stating that this year they aim for 273.8 billion dollars in goods exports and 121 billion dollars in services exports, and underlined their long-term objective of elevating Türkiye into the world's top 10 exporting nations.
Gültepe emphasized that exports in October reached 24 billion dollars, and for the first time, annual exports surpassed the 270 billion dollar threshold. Nevertheless, he reminded the audience that due to global conditions, there has been a contraction in new orders and stressed that new supports and incentives are needed for exports to resume contributing to economic growth.
Expansion of financial support
Touching upon the issue of financing, Gültepe noted the significance of the Turkish Trade Bank's resumption of operations, describing it as an important step. He stated that the number of the bank's branches will rise to 11 by the end of 2025, and that this year, 75 billion lira in financing will be extended to 1,000 companies. Gültepe reported that 115 billion lira in guarantee support has been provided via Export Development Inc., and that Eximbank's support is expected to increase to 50 billion dollars this year. Gültepe further announced that, thanks to an agreement with DHL Express Türkiye, export products will be shipped to 28 countries with discounts of up to 61%.
“We aim to reach a total of 663 activities by year-end”
TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe also referenced the intense schedule of domestic and international activities, noting their participation in nearly 600 events over the past year, with the figure expected to reach 663 by year-end.
Gültepe concluded his remarks as follows:
“In the past year, we have participated in approximately 600 meetings and events both domestically and abroad. We have organized 24 procurement delegations, 112 trade missions, and 30 UR-GE activities. We have participated in 400 fairs. By the end of the year, we aim to reach a total of 663 activities. Internationally, we have served as leader or partner in six projects—five of which are EU-supported—bringing more than 8 million euros in resources to our export family. We are about to launch the Carbon Footprint Tracking and Reduction project, with stakeholders including İHKİB, İTHİB, İKMİB, and UND. The three-year project will be implemented with over 7 million euros in EU grant support. Additionally, we have become eligible to receive 40 million lira in grant support from the Istanbul Development Agency for three projects.”
Exporters were informed about financing opportunities
Following the opening addresses, the program continued with the “Exporters Ask” session, during which TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe and OAİB Coordinator Chairman Mehmet H. Şanal listened to exporters' challenges and solution suggestions. Subsequently, representatives from Türk Eximbank, Turkish Trade Bank, and Export Development Inc. delivered a presentation on “Financing Supports for Exporters” to the participants. The program concluded with TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe and his accompanying delegation visiting the facilities of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ).