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One of Turkey’s top three exporters, the
chemicals sector exported goods equal in value to
17.9 billion USD in 2014. Chemicals sector’s exports
have reached 6.564 billion USD in the January – May
period of 2015. Most goods exported during this
period are UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Germany, Spain, Italy,
Iran, Azerbaijan – Nakhichevan, Saudi Arabia and
Malta. The sector is projected to have 5% growth in
2015, aiming for 19 billion USD in exports.
TOBB Turkey Chemicals Industry Council
Chair Timur Erk stated that Turkey’s development
depends on the development of the chemicals
industry and said, “The chemicals industry is an
indication of a country’s development level.” Stating
that the excitement for the Chemport Project which
is expected to open a lot of doors for the chemicals
industry is still ongoing, Erk reported that they have
been working to this end for the last two years and
expect the project which has state backing to become
reality in a short time.
Elected as TOBB Women Entrepreneurs
Council (KGK) Chair in recent months Evrim
Aras is also Chair and CEO of ARAS Cargo.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Aras stated
that they want to be instrumental in women
standing up for their rights and awareness of
women is spread in waves throughout society.
Drawing attention to the fact that Turkey
is behind many of the world’s countries in
regards to women entrepreneur numbers, TOBB
Women Entrepreneurs Council Chair Evrim Aras
said, “People don’t ask for what they don’t know exists,” pointing out
that working is no burden but a right; that women need to be shown
what opportunities are available to them. Aras urged that women
entrepreneurs have courage and not be afraid to try, “You’ll never know
if you never try.”
Social Development Index published its
2015 update. This update aims to document
the changes to social development throughout
the world between 2014 and 2015.
According to its findings,
the three countries with
the highest standing
in regards to social
development are
Sweden, Norway
and Iceland. Turkey
ranks at 58 among
133 countries behind
European and OECD
countries.
EKONOMİK
FORUM
129
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Mehmet Baybulat AŞETEY
TOBB Bilgi Erişim Uzman Yardımcısı
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Chemicals sector
advancingwith exports
Konya, the city of the future,
on the fast track to becoming a brand name
Home of
Mevlânâ Celâleddîn-î
Rûmî, the symbol
of tolerance and
the birthplace of
the Mevlevî culture,
Konya is on the fast
track to becoming
a brand city. With
its burgeoning
agriculture, industry,
tourism potential,
transportation
means, flawless
infrastructure,
science and congress centers as well as its cultural
background, Konya taking its past into the future
with new investments. The present century is quickly
becoming dominated by cities instead of country, while
Konya is gaining momentum among cities becoming brands
unto themselves, taking steps towards becoming a global city.
Konya Chamber of Industry Board Chair and TOBB Board
Member Memiş Kütükcü reported that Konya exports its
machine production industry, automobile subsidiary
industry, casting, food and footwear sector goods to 189
countries as well as being in the top 5 in Turkey in regards
to the defense industry. Known as the breadbasket of
Turkey, Konya is also a brand name in industry.
TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Council
Chair Evrim Aras:
“Women should
appreciate that working is not a
burden but a right”
Turkey flags behind in
social development