Logistics Performance Index Workshop Hosted by Türkiye Exporters Assembly

At the workshop held at the TİM Foreign Trade Complex, representatives and stakeholders of the logistics sector convened to elevate Türkiye's global ranking.

Organized with the objective of enhancing Türkiye's position in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index and formulating a strategic roadmap, the Logistics Performance Index Workshop took place at the TİM Foreign Trade Complex under the auspices of Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) Chairman Mustafa Gültepe. The event witnessed the participation of numerous representatives from logistics firms, as well as public and private sector officials.

The opening session featured speeches from TİM Logistics Council Chairman and Board Member Başaran Bayrak, Director of Strategy Development at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Mücahit Arman, and Director General of International Service Trade at the Ministry of Trade Tarık Sönmez.

"Türkiye Aims to Rank Among the Top 30 Countries in High-Level Policy Documents"

Delivering the opening remarks, TİM Logistics Council Chairman Başaran Bayrak emphasized their commitment to swiftly addressing the demands and perspectives of exporters in all logistics-related initiatives.

Bayrak stated, “Today, as part of the YOİKK 2024 Action Plan, we have gathered to advance our efforts towards securing a higher ranking in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Trade, and TİM, we are steadfastly implementing the action plan initiated last year with concrete steps.”

He further noted, "Through various meetings with World Bank representatives, we have gained in-depth insights into the index's methodology, Türkiye's positioning, and the necessary steps for improvement. These insights have been instrumental in ensuring that our efforts progress on a solid foundation.” Bayrak continued:

"Our goal of ascending in the index is not merely a component of an action plan; it is also explicitly outlined in the Medium-Term Program and the 2025 Presidential Annual Program. Türkiye is committed to securing a spot among the top 30 countries in high-level policy documents. To achieve this and improve index indicators, strong collaboration between the public and private sectors is imperative. Your suggestions will be invaluable in shaping a robust roadmap. I am confident that by working together, we will elevate Türkiye's logistics performance significantly.”

"To Increase Exports, We Must Strengthen Our Logistics Infrastructure"

TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, in his speech, emphasized the interdependence of export and logistics, stating, “Export and logistics are complementary processes. For exports to expand, logistics infrastructure must advance, and for logistics to develop, exports must grow.”

Gültepe highlighted, “Both our direct experiences and academic studies reveal an undeniable truth: every improvement in logistics performance positively impacts our exports. A 1% increase in the Logistics Performance Index correlates with a 0.77% rise in our exports.” He concluded, "Therefore, to enhance our export capacity, we must strengthen our logistics infrastructure.”

Gültepe also provided an overview of Türkiye's export targets, stating that 2024 concluded with $262 billion in exports, and the goal for 2025 is set at $280 billion. He added, “By 2028, we foresee reaching $375 billion in exports. Our medium- and long-term goals are highly ambitious—we aim to position Türkiye among the top 10 exporting countries globally.”

Touching on export transportation modes, Gültepe shared the current distribution: “At present, 74% of our export shipments are transported via maritime routes, 20% by road, 1% by rail, and 0.16% by air.”

TIM Chairman concluded his speech as follows:

"The Global Logistics Index is integrated into both the 2025 Presidential Annual Program and our Medium-Term Program (OVP). The initiatives undertaken within the Investment Climate Improvement Coordination Board (YOİKK) are of strategic importance for our country. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz is meticulously monitoring the results. The insights gained from today's workshop will help shape the Investment Climate Improvement Coordination Board's future actions."

“Our Goal is to be a Logistics Hub on the Middle Corridor”

Director of Strategy Development at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Mücahit Arman, elaborated on the significance of the Logistics Performance Index and recent developments, stating:

"The Logistics Performance Index is not merely a measurement tool but also a key indicator that helps shape nations' economic and trade development policies. The World Bank has announced a transition from a traditional survey-based methodology to a system based on quantitative performance indicators derived from global shipment tracking data. Our Ministry is closely monitoring these developments and undertaking the necessary initiatives to enhance Türkiye's logistics performance."

Arman also underscored the importance of the Middle Corridor, highlighting:

“We are positioned along three major freight corridors connecting Asia and Europe. The Middle Corridor is set to become a critical trade route across Eurasia. As Türkiye, we aim to establish ourselves as a logistics hub within the Middle Corridor. Another international corridor prioritized by our Ministry is the Development Road Initiative, a strategic project developed in collaboration with Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE, providing an alternative trade route between Europe and Asia. We place great emphasis on public-private sector cooperation to enhance Türkiye's logistics performance and strengthen its effectiveness within these corridors.

This workshop presents a significant opportunity for the development of the logistics sector, the enhancement of regional integration, and the improvement of Türkiye's Logistics Performance Index ranking. I firmly believe that your contributions will play a crucial role in advancing our logistics infrastructure and services.”

"Türkiye is Strengthening Its Position in Logistics"

Tarık Sönmez, Director General of International Service Trade at the Ministry of Trade, underscored the strategic importance of the logistics sector for Türkiye. He highlighted that Türkiye's geostrategic advantages have been further strengthened by recent investments and expressed confidence that the outcomes of this workshop would contribute to Türkiye's rise in the Logistics Performance Index rankings.

Referring to the 2028 targets, Sönmez stated that the goal is to increase logistics export revenues to $78 billion. Emphasizing Türkiye's commitment to advancing its ranking in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, where it currently stands at 38th place, he affirmed that efforts to climb higher are ongoing.

Discussing branding and support programs, Sönmez noted that the Ministry of Trade currently supports 17 companies in the logistics and aviation transportation sectors, with six benefiting from the Turquality program and nine holding brand status.

On overseas logistics investment projects, Sönmez shared: “At present, we are supporting five Overseas Logistics Distribution Networks (YLDA) in Europe and the United States, while evaluating new investment demands, particularly from Asia and Africa.”

Regarding the 2024 budget, Sönmez revealed that out of the 7 billion lira allocated for service sectors, approximately 1 billion lira has been designated for logistics and aviation transportation.

Concluding his remarks, Sönmez stated: "This workshop will serve as a guiding framework for the sector. We remain committed to working resolutely to achieve our goals."

The technical segment of the workshop featured a Technical Presentation on the Logistics Performance Index, followed by panel sessions under the main theme "Türkiye's Progress in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index within the Framework of YOİKK." These sessions were moderated by Prof. Dr. Aykut Arslan, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Piri Reis University.

The program concluded with group studies and evaluations of sectoral advancements. The insights gained from this workshop are expected to contribute significantly to the strategic planning efforts aimed at enhancing Türkiye's logistics performance.