There is a concept in trade known as spreading or sharing the risk. Examples of this include countries, banks, or large businesses holding their assets in the form of Dollars, Euros, or different currencies. The goal here is to balance potential risks in any existing asset against others. This policy, which helps navigate crises with minimum losses in the face of sudden fluctuations and ups and downs, is becoming increasingly important as time goes on. Especially in today’s world, where uncertainty about the future is at its peak, I believe it is important to thoroughly examine this concept. Besides the existing reserves, the current market, portfolio, and product structures must also be considered from this perspective.
When we go back exactly one year, it was certainly unknown and unpredictable that there would be a civil war in Ukraine, that exchange rates in Russia would rise so high, and that a settled organization in Syria and Iraq would turn this already fragile region into a virtual battleground. In our country, located in such a sensitive and valuable region, if the world thinks once, it is imperative and essential for us to think ten or even a hundred times before taking any steps. The geography we are in requires this. Looking back, we all know that Laleli went through very painful years in terms of seasonal meaning. There may be many regional and geopolitical reasons for this, but as individuals who act with collective intelligence, we know that the main reason is derived from the existing monopoly structure in terms of the market. They say, “The memory of man is impaired by forgetfulness.” In order not to relive those days and to look hopefully towards the future, we must undoubtedly minimize our market and portfolio risk. Living by sticking to a single point means facing all the problems of that region directly. It is unthinkable for a continuously growing and developing brand like Laleli to operate with a unipolar market structure. Russia, Ukraine, and other CIS countries are undoubtedly important regions for us. Our effectiveness in this geography in terms of knowledge, experience, and expertise is at a level that cannot be compared with any other region. While seeking ways to enhance our trade with these countries, we must also continue our activities in finding new markets. Every area where our product/price balance overlaps, especially with our neighboring countries, should be seen as potential markets for us. Moreover, it is a fact that our country, with a young population of nearly 77 million, can open new trade doors for us.
In this context, the “Tehran Turkish Fashion Days” Fair, which we have been working on for a long time and which has resulted from the effective initiatives of LASİAD at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, is of great importance for all of us. This fair, which contains many firsts in many respects, will undoubtedly open the commercial doors of our fraternal country Iran for us and provide new horizons. While we are living in an era where the world is progressing with the logic of “be active, apply, and get results” rather than “wait and see”, sitting in our stores and waiting for customers is undoubtedly contrary to the spirit of the age. I am confident that Laleli, which has had the highest level of commercial flexibility and the ability to be open to change for many years, will successfully renew itself in this sense. Also, I would like to emphasize that the fair we will organize is a great opportunity for Laleli, and I believe that maximum participation will bring blessings to our region and our country. Achieving this is certainly possible for us, the descendants of a nation whose ancestors dedicated their lives to the conquest of distant lands. It is enough for us to come together, act together, and be able to put our strength fully into play, just as we did in the past.
As we leave behind the year 2014, marked by difficulties, wars, and destruction, I greet you with respect, wishing the new year to bring peace, tranquility, and prosperity to our country and the whole world.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca
