The world population has shown an annual increase of over 80 million in the last decade, equating to adding a Turkey to the world every year. The total increase over the past 10 years is approaching nearly 1 billion. According to projections, the world population is likely to reach 10 billion by the year 2050, indicating an almost 50% increase from today’s population. India is expected to surpass China and become the most populous country globally, while the largest increases occur in the continents of Asia, Africa, and America (South). Projections for Russia indicate 133 million (currently 146.5 million), whereas statistics for Europe point towards negative population growth. According to calculations, Turkey’s population in 2050 is estimated to be close to 100 million.
Now, let’s briefly analyze the statistical and economic data mentioned above. Starting with the fact that the world population is increasing, we can say that these numbers contain crucial information about the future trade corridors. As you know, the most significant factor in demand formation is a young population. Changing population balances worldwide are already revealing future markets to us. Additionally, we can anticipate that our current markets will consume less in the upcoming period. It is evident that today’s poor but developing Asian countries will be the bright consumption markets of the future. Moreover, the future path of our country, which constitutes almost 50% of our exports to Europe, is highly uncertain in the long term. Developed countries, like the United States in the past, are now talking about production and turning to local economies instead of consumption. The increasing prevalence of racism and nationalist rhetoric in European countries is an undeniable reality, driven by the loss of the people’s ability to consume. As businessmen, we must understand this reality and formulate our plans accordingly. The shifting of income from the West to the East deeply disturbs European populations fundamentally. We need to internalize a thought structure that is innovative, original, and design-oriented in our products, while establishing a competitive, technological, and efficient infrastructure in production. Where we position ourselves in this picture is entirely dependent on the projection we draw and the story we write for our country. I have a belief, a philosophy that I live by, which is: “Only Believers Succeed.”
As an effective Non-Governmental Organization in our country, I would like to express that we are in deep sorrow for the loss of Ambassador Andrey Gennadyevich Karlov of Russia in December. Losing such a valuable diplomat who contributed uniquely to the friendship of the Turkish and Russian peoples is a significant loss for both countries. I convey my condolences to his grieving spouse, family, friends, and the entire Russian people due to this tragic incident. I also condemn all terrorist attacks, regardless of their origin. I condemn every kind of terrorism. I also wish for an end to the massacres and sorrows in Aleppo, both in this ancient city and throughout Syria. LASİAD and Laleli, as always, strive to stop this bloodshed with all our aid trucks and our entire influence, and we will continue to do so. I greet you with respect, wishing the new year to be a year of peace, tranquility, and prosperity for our country and the whole world.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca.
