“To Give Laleli Its Right…”
Our country has set an export target of 500 billion dollars for the year 2023. Last year, we achieved a total export of 151.7 billion dollars (TİM). This implies that each individual engaged in exports will need to exert approximately three times more effort in the next ten years, and foreign sales will need to triple. If we aspire to be among the developed countries on a global scale, we are compelled to do so.
The main reason for addressing this issue is that all businesses in Laleli, without exaggeration, export their sales abroad. Therefore, the specified figures must be urgently scrutinized, and regional policies must be integrated into the equation. The reality is, achieving our goals with today’s product and price range is simply not possible. In terms of perception, this is akin to offering products from ten years ago for sale today, and the situation will not be different ten years from now. The only thing that remains unchanged is that those who cannot adapt to change will not be part of the picture in ten years. The evolving world and increasing competition are already signaling this to us. So, what should we do? What kind of recipes should we implement to grow our businesses, or at least keep them afloat?
The answer to this is not that difficult, actually. If we look at the keywords used in our era, we can see the direction in which we should develop our strategic plans. In fact, this perspective forms the basis of the production and sales policies of countries that are already realizing their 2023 goals. The five essential criteria sought in businesses and products globally are now defined as “SETIC”: Service-oriented, Eco-friendly, Technologic, Innovative, and Competitive. The key to success for companies and countries on the international stage lies in meeting these five fundamental criteria. Companies that successfully navigate this long and challenging path, and gain the competence to remain permanent in that momentum, contribute significantly to the national economies while strengthening the country’s image and brand value. Companies that achieve this grow, becoming corporate systems demanded by global buyers.
Especially for us, advancing as a regional brand in Laleli, considering falling behind is out of the question. On the contrary, we must seek ways to be a structure that stands out and is original, not a follower but a leader. Our strength in reaching these days successfully lies in this deep element. When we look back decades ago, we always see a Laleli that catches up with the times and is current. The festivals, projects, and activities we, as Lasiad, have organized have always been factors that increase our uniqueness. Throughout the next decade, we must maintain this dynamism and transform our businesses into more systematic enterprises that prioritize details. As you know, the concept of quality in the combination of products and services has always been hidden in the details. Human consciousness and mental formations have always been determined by these subtle and hard-to-notice elements. When the right product is presented at the right time and with the right presentation, success becomes inevitable. All countries considered advanced today have achieved this. Essentially, they have developed because they have achieved it.
As members of a region with unparalleled and powerful capacity globally, we must make an effort, at least, to give Laleli its due and transform our existing individual values into significant regional powers on a global scale. In this way, our globally recognized brands may increase, making it easier for us to reach the export targets that seem difficult to achieve in today’s conditions. For this, we undoubtedly need to implement some fundamental reforms structurally. While each new day ages yesterday and us, our companies should not age; they should always be vigorous and dynamic. A unique work of art like Laleli, which welcomes buyers and guests from countless countries every sunrise, cannot possibly fall behind the times. Just let’s fulfill the requirements of the day and stand united. Then, believe me, we will not fall, and our Laleli will take the leading role in taking our country to where it deserves. Political and geographical fluctuations will not affect us. With its powerful companies and brand value, Laleli will continue its path with confident steps, just as it always has.
As you know, another mission of civil society organizations is to contribute to alleviating social pains with the strength of unity and togetherness. Our pain is immeasurable, our hearts are a place of fire, our hearts are broken, our souls are dark, just like coal. What is lost does not come back, cannot come back; the pains do not cease, and we know this. Despite everything, we buried our heartache in our hearts and, as Lasiad, organized a trip to Soma within the month. We delivered 100,000 TL in cash collected from our traders in Laleli to the authorities to be distributed to the families of the mine martyrs to somewhat alleviate this indescribable wound. Hopefully, our country will not experience such tragic accidents again, our mothers will not lose their beloved children, and our little ones will not lose their precious fathers in the mines.
With these prayers and wishes, I greet you and offer my respects, hoping that the blessed month of Ramadan brings peace, tranquility, and health to you first, to our country and the Islamic world, and then to the whole world.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca.
