The Export Community Convened at the TİM Delegates Workshop
The export community gathered in Antalya for the “TİM Delegates Workshop” program, where, over the course of three days, sessions, sectoral evaluations, and interactive exchanges provided a comprehensive examination of Türkiye's export agenda.
The “TİM Delegates Workshop Program,” traditionally organized each year by the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM), was held in Antalya from October 31 to November 2. Hosted by TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, the event was attended by Deputy Minister of Trade Özgür Volkan Ağar, TİM delegates, and exporters from across Türkiye.
In his opening remarks, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe emphasized the 102nd anniversary of the Republic and noted the continuing strengthening of Türkiye's production and export vision. Highlighting the extension of foreign exchange conversion support for another six months as a significant development for exporters, Gültepe stated, “This decision will provide additional support to our export family.”
“We achieved exports of $200.6 billion in nine months”
TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe also shared the export performance for the January–September period. He reported exports of $200.6 billion over the nine-month period, with the twelve-month rolling total reaching $270 billion, adding, “We recorded a 4.1% increase over nine months and a 3.2% increase on a twelve-month basis. In July, we achieved the highest monthly export value in our history, reaching $25 billion.”
Nevertheless, Gültepe underscored the absence of broad-based growth in exports, stating, “Our goal is to place Türkiye among the top ten countries in exports. Double-digit growth is essential for this, yet in only one of the past nine months have we achieved double-digit growth. The appeal of exports is diminishing. The number of new exporting companies has declined by 30%.”
Drawing attention to sectoral contractions, Gültepe noted declines in sectors such as ready-to-wear, olives and olive oil, leather, processed fruits and vegetables, fresh fruit, hazelnuts, machinery, and textiles. Gültepe continued, “Compared to last year, we are up by two million tons in quantity and $8 billion in value. Without the $2.6 billion parity effect and the contributions of four sectors, we would have been in deficit over the nine months.”
“We have experienced losses in our competitive strength”
Gültepe pointed out that high costs have eroded competitiveness, particularly impacting labor-intensive sectors.
Recalling that, over the past year, TİM has organized 24 procurement delegations, 112 trade delegations, 30 UR-GE activities, and participated in 400 fairs, Gültepe remarked, “By year-end, we will have reached 663 activities. This record reflects our energy on the ground.”
Gültepe emphasized TİM's close dialogue with ministers and institutions and provided details on regional export meetings, innovation initiatives, logistics collaborations, and the TİM WINGS program for women exporters. He concluded:
“All these efforts are underpinned by a single philosophy: to produce together, grow together, and succeed together. As we have done thus far, we will continue to pursue our goals with the same excitement and conviction.”
Issues and expectations were brought to the agenda
Following the opening program, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, Deputy Minister of Trade Özgür Volkan Ağar, and Directors General from the Ministry of Trade met with exporters during the “Delegates Ask” session. Participants shared their on-the-ground issues and expectations, and current developments in exports were discussed in detail. The session concluded with a family photo.
The program continued with the “Global and Türkiye Economic Outlook” session, moderated by Istanbul Topkapı University Rector Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin. The session, which featured Presidential Chief Advisor Prof. Dr. Çağrı Erhan, Bilgi University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Erhan Aslanoğlu, Risk and Strategy Analyst Metehan Demir, and Economist Dr. Ali Orhan Yalçınkaya, addressed the dynamics of international trade, strategic partnerships, market diversification, and the effects of geopolitical developments on exports.
The economic session was followed by a presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity” by Scientist and Neurosurgeon Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Aydın, which highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence technologies and their strategic role in the global competitive environment.
The TİM Delegates Workshop concluded with the Republic Gala program, organized in honor of Republic Day on October 29. Speaking at the event, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe emphasized the economic vision of the Republic and stated:
“Economic development constitutes the backbone of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's ideal of an independent and strong Türkiye. Today, 102 years later, we witness firsthand the critical importance of preserving and enhancing our competitive power. Despite everything, we will continue to produce in this land. We will persist in creating added value and maintaining a strong presence in global markets. Because, as the great export family, we are fully aware of our responsibility.”