President Erdoğan addresses the business world

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with representatives of the business world on the occasion of the 39th General Assembly and the Respect for Masters Award Ceremony of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK). Praising the support DEİK provides for the development of international trade, Erdoğan emphasized that this organization, which successfully carries out the private sector leg of trade diplomacy, represents the business world effectively abroad.

Stating that DEİK plays a key role in the global expansion of the Turkish business world with its 153 business councils, 92 founding organizations, and 6,000 members, Erdoğan noted that these relationships go beyond trade bridges and serve as "bridges of hearts." "You have proudly represented our country worldwide with the investments and projects of the Turkish private sector," Erdoğan said, extending his thanks to DEİK members.

"WE WILL CONTINUE OUR PATH WITH DEİK"

Emphasizing that they have continued to work in harmony with the private sector for 23 years, the President expressed his determination that joint successes with DEİK will continue. Erdoğan stated that Turkey has made comprehensive breakthroughs in international relations in recent years, noting that he visited 22 different countries last year alone and played an active role in countless summits, meetings, and discussions.

Touching upon the progress in economic indicators, Erdoğan stated that as of 2025, total exports of goods and services reached $395.9 billion, breaking a record in the history of the Republic. He noted that while exports of medium and high-tech products reached the $112 billion level in 2025, export growth in the defense and aviation sectors also continued. According to Erdoğan, a 29 percent increase was achieved in defense and aviation exports in the January-May 2026 period alone.

Although there has been a temporary slowdown in foreign trade data recently, Erdoğan said that the import coverage ratio has increased, using the phrase, "We have been growing uninterruptedly for 23 quarters." He drew attention to the importance of an environment of stability and trust despite increasing uncertainties in the global economy.

Reminding the audience of state support for exports, Erdoğan summarized the increase in Eximbank's capital and the credit/insurance support offered to exporters with figures. "We have mobilized all our resources for our real sector. Eximbank will break a record with $60 billion in support by the end of the year," he said.

Pointing to new advantages and incentives in taxation, Erdoğan shared details regarding corporate tax exemptions for transit trade conducted through the Istanbul Financial Center and tax regulations for producers. He stated that the corporate tax for industry and agriculture has been reduced to 12.5 percent.

Inviting the business world to manage their operations from Turkey and benefit from the opportunities here, President Erdoğan reiterated his statement: "Come to Turkey, settle in Turkey, and become a part of the growth story of the new and strong Turkey. Foreign investors and Turkish citizens living abroad will be able to benefit from tax advantages for 20 years under certain conditions."

News Source: 12punto