Türkiye's Transition to a Circular Economy Report Introduced

The "Türkiye's Transition to a Circular Economy in the EU's Global Value Chain Ecosystem" report was presented to the public at a launch event held at the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) Foreign Trade Complex.

Prepared by the World Bank with the support of the Ministry of Trade and contributions from the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM), the launch event for the report took place at the Şehit Ömer Halisdemir Conference Hall within the TİM Foreign Trade Complex.

Hosted by TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, the event saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tuzcu, World Bank Türkiye Country Director Humberto Lopez, and numerous representatives from exporting companies.

“We must accelerate the green transformation to maintain our market share in the EU.”

In his opening speech, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe reminded the audience that 2024 has been recorded as the hottest year in human history.

Highlighting the severe humanitarian and commercial consequences of this threat, Gültepe continued:

“The most ambitious step taken in this regard so far has been by the European Union. With the Green Deal, the EU aims to become a carbon-neutral continent by 2050, while Türkiye has set its target for 2053. Although Türkiye is not an EU member state, the Green Deal directly concerns us, as 42% of our total exports are directed to EU countries. We are fully aware that, to preserve and expand our share in this significant market, we must expedite our green transformation.

With this awareness, 3.5 years ago, TİM launched its Sustainability Action Plan under the slogan 'Producing for the World Without Depleting It.' Under our umbrella, we represent 27 export sectors, all of which have completed their respective action plans. While finalizing these plans was a crucial step, we did not stop there. To ensure ongoing progress, we established the Sustainability Assessment and Monitoring Platform, through which we periodically review the advancements being made.”

“As TİM, we are ready to contribute to the expansion of the report.”

Gültepe emphasized that sustainable production and the circular economy have been among TİM's key focal points in recent years, noting that they have undertaken numerous large and small-scale projects in this domain.

Chairman Gültepe stated that companies are accelerating their transition to the green economy and noted:

“As you know, by 2026, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will come into effect for five sectors. Through our GreenTİM platform, we aim to minimize the carbon footprints of all our exporters, with a particular focus on these sectors.

We are closely monitoring the World Bank's efforts in sustainable production and the circular economy. Last month, we welcomed the approval of a $600 million financing package for Türkiye's low-carbon railway network. I firmly believe that additional financial support will be provided in the future for the green transformation. As TİM and the Exporters Associations, we regard the World Bank as a key stakeholder. I extend my sincere gratitude to our Ministry of Trade, the World Bank, our exporting community, and everyone who contributed to the preparation of this report, which initially covers the automotive and textile sectors as pilot industries. As TİM, we are fully prepared to contribute to the report's expansion to encompass additional sectors.”

“Efforts toward green transformation continue with unwavering determination.”

Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tuzcu, in his speech at the event, emphasized that the fight against climate change has now become a fundamental component of trade policies. He noted that, compared to trade discussions from two decades ago, today's agenda is centered around environmental sustainability, digitalization, and transformation, highlighting that Türkiye perceives this transition as an opportunity.

Deputy Minister Tuzcu further emphasized that Türkiye is steadfastly advancing its green transformation efforts through significant policy frameworks such as the Green Deal Action Plan, the Zero Waste Project, and the 12th Development Plan, in close collaboration with all stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Tuzcu stated, “On this occasion, I would like to once again express my gratitude to the World Bank for its technical and financial support, as well as its consultancy services, across various domains, particularly in modernizing the Customs Union and facilitating the transition to a green economy.”

Support Mechanisms and Best Practices in the Circular Economy Shared with Participants

Following the opening speeches, the program continued with presentations on the report and a panel discussion featuring industry experts. As part of the event, World Bank Research Manager Daria Taglioni presented 'Türkiye's Transition to a Circular Economy in the EU's Global Value Chain Ecosystem' to the attendees.

After the report presentation, İbrahim Halil Öztop, CEO and Board Member of the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye, delivered a presentation titled 'Circular Economy Support Mechanisms from the TKYB Perspective.' Meanwhile, Selma Rasavac, Senior Specialist at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), provided insights into financial support mechanisms for the private sector in her presentation, 'IFC Funds Utilized in the Private Sector by the World Bank.'

The final segment of the event featured the 'Best Practices in the Transition to a Circular Economy' panel, moderated by Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin, Rector of Istanbul Topkapı University. The panel included Sultan Tepe, Board Member of İTHİB and Chairperson of Tepar Tekstil A.Ş.; Tolga Şenoğuz, Product Director of Ford Trucks; Zafer Kaplan, Chairman of Gama Recycle Sustainable Technologies A.Ş.; and Fatih Özkadı, Vice Chairman of Sustainability, Quality, and Customer Services at Arçelik. During the discussion, panelists shared insights on innovative approaches, sustainability strategies, and exemplary best practices in the transition to a circular economy, exchanging views on sectoral innovations and sustainability-driven business models.