TİM Regional Export Gatherings Held in Mersin

The final stop of the 'Regional Export Gatherings' program, organized by the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) to address exporters' challenges and expectations, was Mersin.

Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) continued its Regional Export Gatherings in Mersin. Hosted by the General Secretariat of the Mediterranean Exporters Associations (AKİB), the program addressed the challenges faced by exporters and evaluated expectations across various sectors. During the meeting, which was attended by TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, TİM Board Members, AKİB Coordinator Chairman Fatih Doğan, and representatives of exporting firms in the region, participants also assessed the latest developments in exports to Syria in line with sector representatives' insights.

“Our Goal is to Raise Our Exports to $375 Billion”

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe stated that they aim to place Türkiye among the world's top 10 exporting countries. He noted that exports in January had risen but stressed that growth confined to certain sectors would not suffice to reach the desired level of outbound trade. Emphasizing that this year's export target is $280 billion, Gültepe continued:

“Our ambition for 2028 is also significant: $375 billion in goods exports and $200 billion in services, totalling $575 billion. With the first two months of 2025 nearly over, we have very little time left. While the current increase in exports is promising, from now on we must absolutely achieve double-digit growth—at least above 10%—so that we can meet the targets we have set for the coming periods.”

Gültepe also pointed out that global challenges are reflecting on exports.

Emphasizing the need to support exports and production, he remarked, “We must first be strong as individuals and firms, then at the district and provincial levels, so that Türkiye can be strong as well. We sign off on $262 billion. Let companies increase their investments, expand their production, and establish new facilities so we can raise our exports to $375 billion.”

Underscoring that boosting exports is among TİM's foremost responsibilities, Gültepe highlighted their commitment to advancing sector representatives, then outlined TİM's ongoing projects and initiatives.

“We Realized $17.2 Billion in Exports in 2024”

AKİB Coordinator Chairman Fatih Doğan underlined the importance of strengthening collaboration among exporters and forming a shared vision, stating:

“Such gatherings offer significant opportunities not only to discuss the difficulties we face, but also to develop solutions, support one another, and forge a stronger export ecosystem under a common vision. Understanding more deeply the problems, obstacles, and needs encountered by our member exporters—particularly those operating in Mersin, Adana, Kayseri, Hatay, and Karaman—developing solution-oriented strategies, and fostering sustainable growth are our most important objectives for this meeting. Accordingly, by cultivating a culture of consultation and strengthening cooperation and collective reasoning, we aim to enhance the efficiency of our export processes, boost our competitiveness in international markets, and contribute to regional development.”

ouching on AKİB's historical mission, Doğan noted that the union has evolved from the Eastern and Southern Provinces Region Live Animal Exporters Association, established in 1937 with the signature of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, into an export family now exceeding 28,000 members. Stating that AKİB realized $17.2 billion in exports in 2024—a 7% increase compared to the previous year—he also drew attention to the global uncertainties confronting exporters.

“Syria Market is Vital for Regional Exporters”

Addressing the growing geopolitical risks, shifts in trade policy, and economic fluctuations affecting exporters worldwide, Doğan pointed out that developments such as the U.S.–China trade war, the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and new customs tariffs are influencing Türkiye's exports in various ways.

Emphasizing the critical significance of the Syrian market for regional exporters, Doğan said:

“We regard the removal of restriction lists on exports and transit operations to Syria via Türkiye's customs territory, the new administration in that country lifting import bans on 2,000 product categories, and the decision to reduce customs duties for 269 products from Türkiye as important steps. We hope to see the Türkiye–Syria Free Trade Agreement, which was suspended in 2011, reinstated with a more comprehensive economic partnership approach.”

Exporters Informed About Financial Support

Following the opening remarks, the program continued behind closed doors to the press. In the “Delegates Ask” segment, where regional exporters posed questions and shared their views, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe listened to exporters' concerns and proposed solutions, after which the latest developments related to exports to Syria were addressed.

Later in the program, representatives from Türk Ticaret Bankası, Türk Eximbank, and İGE A.Ş., which provide financial support to exporters, briefed participants on current support packages and financing opportunities.

Factory Visits Offer On-Site Insight into Operations

In the final part of the program, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe and accompanying Board Members visited firms in Mersin and Adana. The delegation toured production facilities and received information from company officials about operational processes and ongoing initiatives.”