At the panel organized by the Transportation and Logistics Services Committee of the Service Exporters’ Association (HIB), it was emphasized that Türkiye is a significant player in logistics and is focused on global investments. It was also stated that new support programs for the logistics sector in various areas, from employment to green transformation, will soon be announced to achieve this goal.

The Panel on Türkiye as an Investment Country in Focus of Developing Global Logistics Networks, organized by the Transportation and Logistics Services Committee of the Service Exporters’ Association (HIB), was held with broad participation at the Foreign Trade Complex Şehit Ömer Halisdemir Conference Hall. Murat Baykara, Chairman of the HİB Transportation and Logistics Services Committee, delivered the opening remarks before the two-session panel. He began his remarks by stating that the sector’s share in service exports has reached 35 percent and that they expect the current $20 billion export to reach $40 billion by 2028. Baykara noted that the number of companies affiliated with the HİB Logistics Services Committee has quadrupled in the last three years, reaching 800. He emphasized that Turkey has risen to a much more critical and advantageous position than ever in the last five years, particularly following the ongoing wars and crises following the global pandemic.

The goal is to become a global superpower

“We see that our country can stand out as a global supply base with its industrial and production strength, flexible and efficient exports, and logistics capabilities,” said Baykara. Baykara said, “In the face of increasing uncertainty and rising costs, access to financing is a strategic need for our sector to maintain its competitiveness in the international arena. In today’s global economy, where accessing financing is notoriously difficult, the opportunities offered to our sector by institutions like Türk Eximbank and İhracatı Geliştirme A.Ş. are of vital importance.” Baykara continued: “As Türkiye, at the center of the most reliable, efficient, and fastest international transportation corridors capable of carrying Europe-Caucasus-Asia trade, which is expected to increase by 30 percent by 2030, and connecting these regions to the Middle East and Gulf countries through projects such as the Development Road and the Zangezur corridor, the Turkish logistics sector is one of the cornerstones of the ‘Turkish Century’ vision. As the Transportation and Logistics Committee of the Service Exporters’ Association, we continue our work to elevate our country to a ‘superpower’ position both regionally and globally within this vision.”

Support is being expanded

Dr. Yusuf Karakaş, Deputy Director General for International Trade in Services at the Ministry of Trade, gave a detailed presentation on the support provided to the logistics sector. He stated that a trade corridor without Turkey is unthinkable. He stated that the Ministry is closely monitoring all developments globally, especially in our neighboring region, and that their goal is to further enhance the investment potential in Türkiye. Karakaş stated that they will continue to support the logistics sector and international logistics distribution networks, noting that efforts to expand support are nearing completion and emphasizing that “Turkey is not a transit country; it is a base, a hub.” Karakaş noted that delivery times have been significantly reduced thanks to the distribution networks established in the US and EU, and announced that new investments are planned in the MENA region and Africa. Karakaş stated that the logistics sector should make better use of the support provided, adding that new support programs, from employment to green transformation, are being prepared and will be announced soon.