High technology stressed for export-based growth

By Andac Hongur, Elif Ferhan Yesilyurt, Sakir Aksu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish vice president on Saturday said his country's target of production and export-based growth should be realized with high technology and high value-added products.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM) Delegates Workshop, Fuat Oktay said exports have been one of the most important aspects in country's progress over the last 16 years.

"In 2018, our exports again showed a great performance after 2017, when we reached an export figure of $157 billion," he said.

On the occasion, Turkey's Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said despite all the negative developments in the global conjuncture, the Turkish exporter demonstrated significant achievements and has the power to achieve new successes in the coming period.

"As Trade Ministry, we are making every effort to expand our export family, make our existing exporters more competitive, and continue to stand by our exporters with all our support tools," Pekcan said.

Pekcan also praised TIM's successful "guiding role" of the exporters.

Ismail Gulle, chairman of TIM, stressed exports which amounted $47 billion in 2003 climbed to $157 billion last year. "I hope this year we will break a new record by exceeding $170 billion," he added.

Gulle also said currently, some 8.8 percent, or $14 billion share of exports, is being done in Turkish liras.

"More than 10,000 companies sell goods to 133 countries using the Turkish lira," he said.