economics; It is a valuable branch of science that interprets the present regarding micro and macro economics and allows us to make predictions about the future. For some reason, we do not have much interest in this science when the economic wheels are working normally. However, when things do not go the way we want, we immediately cling to it and want to reach certain conclusions.
There were some critical evaluations about the world economy at the last World Economic Forum. It was emphasized that global growth remained below the expected level and this entailed some risks. So, things in the world are not going as expected. Knowingly or unknowingly, global settings are being manipulated. The trade tension between America and China will have long-term consequences that will shake the whole world deeply. As a result, these two countries dominate almost 40% of the world economy with a total GDP of 35 Trillion dollars. The friction that will arise between them may turn into an unexpected contraction in the global economy. When we look at the issue from Turkey’s perspective, we see that we do not have intensive exports to both America and China. Naturally, we will not have any direct losses in this fight. Of course, global fluctuations and ups and downs will indirectly affect us. Can the escape of American companies that have production in China be shifted to Turkey? This is of course possible. Turkey can be an important production base, especially for American companies selling to the European market. In this regard, it is important that we present and explain the charm of our country accurately. Being at the table while the cards are redistributed can put us in an advantageous position. Trump, who looks at all global events with the motto “America First”, greatly disturbs China, especially European countries. The conflict between Democrats and Republicans has created a serious crisis in the country. Allegations that Russia meddled in the US elections are still on the agenda. We are in a process where we need to be ready for any development at any time.
Nationalist movements that emerged as a result of rising unemployment rates and deteriorating economies in Europe began to bring nationalist parties to power based on anti-immigrant sentiment. While these parties formed governments in countries such as Italy and Hungary, they managed to enter the parliament in many countries years later. Inequality in income distribution and despair about the future have been driving people to the streets in France for months. This situation may be signals of the collapse of the structure established on the basis of centuries of exploitation in Africa. It is unknown how long the EU, which has kept Turkey waiting at the door since 1959, can maintain its unity. Macron’s idea of establishing an EU army and the support it receives seem to herald that the future will be filled with strife rather than solidarity. The fact that the EU remains politically weak compared to Russia, especially in Eastern Europe, is likely to cause headaches for the union in the future. The Russia-Ukraine tension on the Black Sea coast of the Sea of Azov shows that this issue will continue for many years. It seems that the accumulated problems in the world are increasing. Economic deadlocks turn into political tensions, which in turn turn into street and public movements. The lack of the capitalist system in issues such as justice, income distribution and equality can turn into a deep conflict.
It is not known whether this depressing picture will change, but Turkey determining the right strategy for itself can bring many opportunities. It is especially important that, as a nation, we focus on production instead of consumption, act with work discipline instead of complacency, and focus on savings instead of spending. We should be able to integrate digital technologies, especially digital technologies, into our business lives through more rational applications. We must now put Industry 4.0 into practice, rather than words, and take university-industry cooperation further. The Far East’s cheap production adventure since 2005 is now coming to an end. Robotic technologies and artificial intelligence concepts will take us to a completely different world in the next 5 years. To shoot the arrow, you need to stretch the bow. Instead of watching this process, we should take an active role and make the necessary preparations. Delaying means wasting the next decades already. We must never lose our attention and caution, pass this milestone with determination, effort and perseverance and walk confidently into the future.
With these intentions and wishes, I greet you and offer my respects.
