Boosting Exports: Continued Growth in Goods and Services
Minister Bolat Highlights Export Growth and Support Initiatives in Diyarbakır
During a recent visit to Diyarbakır, Turkish Minister of Commerce, Ömer Bolat, emphasized the region’s robust export potential and ongoing governmental support aimed at fostering economic growth. Accompanied by Deputy Minister Sezai Uçakur, Tim President Mustafa Gültepe, and local Chamber of Commerce officials, Bolat met with representatives from various professional chambers to discuss trade developments.
In his address, Minister Bolat pointed out that Turkey achieved its second-highest export figure in history, marking the most significant growth rate in exports over the past nine months. Over the first four months of this year, exports soared to $87 billion. The government’s goal is to elevate total goods and services exports from $377 billion last year to at least $390 billion in 2023.
Bolat expressed optimism for the coming months, noting the challenges posed by global trade wars, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and recent earthquake disasters. He affirmed Turkey’s resilient production and export structure, which has successfully weathered these crises, and pledged to maintain this momentum.
Export Loans and Insurance Initiatives
In a strategic move to boost exports, Bolat announced plans to provide $52 billion in export loans and insurance. The government aims to enhance trade relations, having recently engaged in important activities with nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Syria, Italy, and Libya. This includes business forums and bilateral negotiations focusing on increasing exports in both goods and services.
Diyarbakır’s Economic Growth
Highlighting Diyarbakır’s progress, Bolat attributed the city’s dynamic atmosphere to its success in combating terrorism, which has led to increased investments and factory establishments. The government has allocated 760 billion TL for public investments in the region over the last two decades, alongside the expansion of the Diyarbakır Organized Industrial Zone.
Bolat reported that Diyarbakır recorded $331 million in exports last year, a 7.5 percent increase from the previous year. In the first quarter of this year, the city achieved $110 million in exports, demonstrating a 6.7 percent growth compared to the same period last year, resulting in a favorable trade surplus.
Financial Support for Local Businesses and Women Cooperatives
The government has pledged substantial financial support to Diyarbakır’s local businesses, providing 447 million TL in subsidized credit this year. Bolat indicated that over the past 22 years, the government has facilitated financing support amounting to 600 billion TL for approximately 4.4 million tradesmen, enabling them to expand and elevate their operations.
Additionally, grant support for women’s cooperatives has been increased, reflecting the government’s commitment to empowering women’s participation in the agricultural sector. Bolat noted local progress in licensed warehouse capacity, stating that Diyarbakır boasts 800,000 tons of licensed storage, emphasizing the importance of such infrastructure for agricultural strength.
The meeting, attended by Governor Murat Zorluğlu, AK Party deputies, and various local chamber representatives, concluded with a collective commitment to advancing Diyarbakır’s economic landscape through enhanced support and cooperation.
