President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared insights during the Türkiye Innovation Week event, highlighting the need for exporters to focus on high-tech product exports in the new century. The InovaLig Award Ceremony, organized by the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TIM) and the region's largest innovation event, took place at the Istanbul Halic Congress Center.
Speaking at the event, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's continued upward trend despite global challenges. He mentioned Türkiye's support for exporters, noting that the country has been the third-fastest-growing exporter among OECD countries in the last 20 years.
President Erdogan evaluated export figures, stating, "Our October exports increased by 7.4% compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching $22.9 billion. Thus, we experienced the joy of reaching the highest October export value. Our exports for the last 12 months, as of October, reached $254.8 billion. In addition, there has been an improvement of $7.3 billion in the annual current account deficit in the last two months."
In his speech, President Erdogan also emphasized the need to focus on value-added product exports through innovative efforts. He highlighted that Türkiye's mid-term development plans have elevated international trade goals, with a specific focus on increasing the quality of exports.
President Erdogan pointed out the importance of diversifying and enhancing the spectrum in global trade. He expressed that increasing the share of high-tech products in exports is the path to achieving this.
At the TIW InovaLig Award Ceremony, Trade Minister Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat commented on the rapid transformation globally, with new-generation technologies and software taking the forefront. Minister Bolat stressed the importance of innovation, mentioning Türkiye's efforts to support high-tech production.
Minister Bolat highlighted Türkiye's competitiveness and innovation in various fields such as software, digital games, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart cities, and communication. He noted that Türkiye is making strides to become a global player in smart technologies and defense industries, particularly in unmanned aerial vehicles.
Adapting to increasingly competitive global conditions requires innovative solutions in production and trade, according to Minister Bolat. He pointed out the challenge of competing with traditional methods in an era where technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics are becoming increasingly prevalent.
TIM President Mustafa Gültepe expressed the organization's commitment to advancing Türkiye in international trade. He emphasized the crucial role of innovation in this context.
President Gültepe drew attention to Türkiye's significant progress in international trade over the last 20 years. He stated that TIM would continue to contribute to trade volume through production, investment, and innovation.
Highlighting the importance of events like TIW and the InovaLig Awards, President Gültepe noted their significant role in encouraging and supporting the younger generation. He affirmed the goal of placing Türkiye among the top 10 countries in international trade with the participation of the youth.
