Erdoğan Forges New Alliances: Turkish and American Business Leaders Unite for a Brighter Future

Meeting with American and Turkish business people within the framework of the 15th Turkey Investment Conference organized by the Turkey-US Business Council (TAİK), Erdoğan thanked the US Chamber of Commerce, the US Turkish Business Council and the Turkish-American Business Council who n associated with DEİK for facilitating this meeting.

Erdoğan said that he believes that this meeting, which has now become a tradition, offers the business circles of both countries an important opportunity for new collaborations and partnerships, and he said, “Economic and commercial issues are one of the most important dimensions of our relations with America. he said.

Stating that he sincerely believes that the common target of 100 billion dollars in trade can be achieved with good planning, Erdogan said, “For this, unilateral practices such as additional customs duties, CAATSA investigations and sanctions in the iron and steel and aluminum sectors. You, the representatives of the sector, should also ask for mutual support before the relevant organisations.” “We expect you to take the necessary steps to remove the obstacles that caused us to lose.” he said.

Erdoğan said that Turkey has a large, strong economy with very high potential, and today it is one of the 5 countries in the world with a population of 85 million and a per capita income of over 13 thousand dollars, together with the USA, Japan, Russia and Mexico.

“WE HAVE INVESTED MORE THAN 270 BILLION DOLLARS IN INFRASTRUCTURE”

Noting that Turkey has grown at an average rate of 5.4 percent in the past 20 years, President Erdoğan continued as follows:

“We have invested more than 270 billion dollars in infrastructure in the last 20 years. We have more than doubled the number of airports. Our exports have increased more than 20 times in 20 years. We have doubled our share of world exports . We are at the top of the defense and aerospace industry. We are the world’s largest supplier of UAVs. Thanks to our investor-friendly policies, we have attracted nearly 270 billion dollars of international direct investment. in the last 20 years. the owners of foreign capital companies in Turkey have increased from 6 thousand to 83 thousand.”

TURKEY WAS THE ONLY COUNTRY WITH A CREDIT RATE INCREASE OF 3 INSTITUTIONS IN 2024″

Noting that they continue to grow in exports, employment, production and tourism despite the problems experienced in the region, Erdoğan said:

“We are reaping the fruits of the economic program that we strongly support and have been operating for the past year. We have entered a period of permanent and significant decline in inflation, which is a problem for our country in as well as the whole world. The unemployment rate has improved beyond our targets. Despite the effects of the earthquake, we have quickly recovered public funds. Türkiye was the only country whose credit rating was increased by 3 institutions in 2024.

President Erdoğan said that they aim to take Turkey to the league of high-income countries by making macro-financial stability permanent.

Stating that they want to attract more investments to Turkey with high added value, which support a sustainable digital transformation, based on advanced technology and providing qualified employment, Erdoğan said, “For this purpose, we have prepared’ the new international direct investment strategy. Therefore, our country’s current 1 percent share of the global investment pie will be increased.” “We will increase it to 1.5 percent by 2028. The renewable energy, defense industry, biotechnology and automotive sectors also stand out as areas in which we pay special attention and can do joint work with American companies.” he said.

Erdoğan said that they aim for Turkey to become the center of high technology investments by 2030 and said, “For this purpose, we will provide qualified support for investments in more than 30 topics such as semiconductors, green energy, advanced manufacturing, a healthy life. , digital, communication and space technologies.” “I invite you to benefit from this support and grow together with the developing Turkey.” he said.

Noting that they have had a productive year with the USA in terms of joint business delegation visits and official relations, Erdoğan said:

“During these contacts, opportunities to do joint business in several regions of the world, especially in geographies such as Central Asia and Africa, emerged. We can realize this potential with the active support of organizations such as Eximbank and IFC. After that we started importing LNG from America in 2016, our cooperation in the field of energy is developing “Today, America has become the largest supplier in this field and we wish to crown this relationship with a long-term contract. He signed the letter of intent. between our energy company BOTAŞ and the American energy company Exxon Mobil is an important step.”

“YOUR SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT TO ESTABLISH NEW PARTNERSHIPS THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO OUR MUTUAL SECURITY”

President Erdoğan said, “Unfortunately, our cooperation in the field of defense industry has fallen far behind its potential due to restrictions in recent years. We hope that we have opened a new page with the F-16 modernization project , and we expect the export barriers in this area to be removed permanently.” he said.

Noting that the dynamism of the Turkish defense industry offers an unparalleled opportunity in terms of global supply chains, Erdoğan noted that the cooperation established in the production and supply of 155 millimeter caliber artillery shells is one of the most concrete examples of this.

Noting that the production facilities that the companies will implement in Texas will level their supply processes in this area, Erdoğan said, “Your support is important to promote our current projects and establish new partnerships that will contribute to our common security. believes that the American business world can play a more active role in supporting our efforts.” he said.

“I EXPECT YOUR EFFECTIVE SUPPORT IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY FACILITIES, ESPECIALLY VISA”

Noting that the companies present at the meeting have significant investments in Turkey, Erdoğan said, “I would like you to know that we would be happy to see new investors in Turkey together with you. I expect your active support in providing the necessary facilities, especially visas, for Turkish companies to enter the American market.” he said.

Noting that he appreciates the efforts of the private sector to improve Türkiye-US relations, Erdoğan thanked everyone for their cooperation and wished them success in their work.