''The right strategic steps enable us to have more say in the world"
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The rapid change in global economic conditions and the reshaping of international trade balances have put the food sector into a transformation process all over the world. Customs tariffs, free trade agreements and international co-operation are among the main factors affecting the competitiveness of our sector. Therefore, focusing only on the domestic market is not sufficient for the effectiveness of our sector in the global market. Accordingly, the development of strategic collaborations in target markets will further increase Türkiye's competitiveness.
Especially fast-growing markets such as Africa and the Middle East offer significant opportunities for Türkiye. In Africa, the demand for wheat flour and other basic foodstuffs is increasing day by day. As the influence of Turkish companies in these regions is increasing, Türkiye has the opportunity to deepen its trade networks by successfully balancing quality and price. Türkiye's ability to deliver its products to Africa not only improves trade but also contributes to solving regional nutrition problems. In Africa, which has a large proportion of the world's uncultivated arable land, the spread of modern agricultural techniques can create great opportunities.
The demand for Turkish food products is increasing in the growing markets in the Middle East. Especially products such as wheat flour, pasta and vegetable oil are of great importance for the population in the region. Turkish companies increasing their investments in the region, strengthening their logistics networks and reinforcing their cooperation will further strengthen the position of the Turkish food sector in global markets.
Türkiye's competitive advantage in European and US markets is also getting stronger. Changes in customs tariffs in the US have enabled Turkish products to gain a stronger position in this market. Trends in vegan and gluten-free diets in the US market have increased the demand for Turkish products such as bulgur, chickpeas and lentils, allowing Turkish food products to find more space in this market.
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) also play a critical role in this process. Türkiye currently has FTA agreements with 23 countries, and increasing the number of new agreements will increase interest in the Turkish cereals sector. FTAs will allow Türkiye to increase its competitiveness and exports in regions where trade is restricted. In order to realise this potential, it is necessary to increase the added value of food products, increase branding efforts in international markets and develop specific strategies for target markets. Türkiye's strong production capacity and high quality products will enable Türkiye to have more say in world markets as long as the right strategic steps are taken.
I would like to express my gratitude to all our stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and our 6 Exporters' Associations, who have supported our sectoral activities in achieving all these successes.
Ahmet Tiryakioğlu
Chairman of TİM Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Sector Board