According to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s defence exports, which stood at $248 million 20 years ago, are expected to reach $4 billion this year.
Speaking at Innovation Week, a gathering put on by the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM) in Istanbul, Erdogan said that over the previous two decades, the number of defence businesses increased from 56 to over 1,600.
In a few months, TOGG, the nation’s electric vehicle project, will hit the roads, he said.
The project started in 2018, and major production commenced in October of same year.
Regarding the nation’s oil reserves, he stated that output will climb to 100,000 barrels per day the next year.
The president emphasised that Turkey would gradually address the issue of the high cost of living, which is the main issue facing the entire world, including Europe and the US. He added: “We will continue our struggle with determination until we include Türkiye among the top 10 economies of the world.”
The event’s keynote speaker, TIM CEO Mustafa Gultepe, stated that Turkey’s entire export goal for 2022 was $250 billion.
He added that innovation, design, technology, research, and development, as well as skilled labour, should be added to manufacturing.
According to him, competition in the coming era would not simply be focused on pricing.
He stated that those who take a novel approach and make greater investments in human resources will set the standard for the sector.
15 businesses were recognised at the event in the following five categories: innovation strategy, innovation organisation and culture, innovation circle, innovation sources, and innovation results.
The two-day event featured seminars, projects, and demonstrations of cutting-edge technology. Anadolu Agency served as the event’s global communication partner.