“Along with the implemented strict fiscal discipline policy and a growth target focused on the private sector, our country is progressing and growing day by day. When compared to neighboring countries, especially EU member states, our growth figures are truly impressive. Our unemployment rate is significantly lower compared to industrialized countries in Europe, such as Spain, Italy, and France. In terms of budget and borrowing targets, we exceed the Maastricht Criteria by a considerable margin. Except for our current account deficit, which is being balanced to a high extent with tourism, foreign investments, and foreign exchange transfers, our economy is rapidly advancing towards the desired goals. However, amidst all these optimistic approaches, I believe it is essential to recognize and interpret the signals that indicate we are standing in front of a significant threshold. To sustain this development over the next 10 years, there are two fundamental issues that we need to address: the lack of innovation/branding in production and sales categories and the ongoing impact of political fluctuations on the economy.
When the 2013 export figures were announced, our exports showed almost stagnation with a 0.01% increase compared to 2012. This situation is a topic that needs to be examined for our country, which adopts an export-oriented growth strategy. When export items are evaluated in terms of quality rather than quantity, our weakness in terms of innovation and lack of branding are immediately noticeable. It does not seem realistic for our industry’s current stance to contribute to economic growth. We clearly need a significant transformation. We need a new breath, a new understanding. Policies that support production and innovation must be spread to the grassroots. It is necessary to generate innovative/rational projects and allocate financial support more consciously to promising sectors for the future. Otherwise, achieving the goals of our country with this industry and product range will be genuinely challenging. The economic stagnation period has already begun knocking on our door. If we do not generate and implement new ideas, developed countries in the financial recovery process will not be late to reclaim their share of the pie. As an energy-dependent country, to overcome this handicap, we must fundamentally address our industry and present robust change packages. Otherwise, it will be genuinely challenging to sustain the economic gains achieved. In this regard, science-industry cooperation must be implemented more realistically, and panels and congresses leading the change must be organized to explore solutions.
The second issue is the effects of political fluctuations on the economy. As countries and economies grow, the impact of external political developments is more keenly felt in the real sector. Our country’s economy, located in a geopolitically sensitive region, is significantly affected by positive or negative processes in environmental terms, and sometimes it even undergoes a market transformation. The changing customer portfolio of Laleli over the years is an essential example to understand this effect. Businesses, like investors, seek political and economic stability. They aim to make the right decisions by seeing ahead. Unclear and foggy processes, higher-than-reasonable risk rates are always factors that delay decision-making. Good relationships yield good economic results, while tensions have always caused losses for industrialists and merchants. In our future perspective, this situation must be brought down to at least predictable levels. Otherwise, the goal of Turkey becoming a regional power may unfortunately be hampered by economic and political tides.
Finally, I would like to mention the Dosso Dossi Fashion Show that took place during the month. I believe the originality of the holiday and shopping-themed idea and its success in implementation succinctly summarize all that I have mentioned. I express my gratitude for their significant organization, and I wish them continued success for supporting Laleli’s promotion by having a booth at the fair and being a valuable asset.
With the hope of living in a more peaceful, stronger, and more prosperous Turkey next month, I extend my respects to all of you.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca. English translation”
