Upheaval in Global Balances ...
Important developments are taking place in the global system at a pace that no one could have expected or predicted, taking people by surprise. We are witnessing an upheaval in global balances. Moreover, it is a mystery where this process will lead and what kind of new structures will emerge. While optimists believe that a new global balance will emerge through negotiation and dialogue, pessimists emphasize the increased risk of a third world war.
In fact, the balances established in 1945 after the Second World War and the international institutions, especially NATO, are being shaken, and the future and the security of Europe is being discussed. Extreme nationalist movements are getting remarkable voting rates in different geographies, while the competition for control over the rare elements needed by the new generation of industry and production is intensifying. In particular, the shift away from globalism and new protectionism, which we have been discussing for some time, has started to make their mark on the agenda of countries after the presidential elections in the US.
Undoubtedly, these significant developments are also closely related to our country. The progress is very fast and shocking. For example, very important developments are taking place in the European Union, our biggest trade partner. The systematic blockage in the economies of the EU region, increasing income inequality and the serious problem of migration bring with them the rise of extreme nationalist political movements and the risks of political instability. The general elections in Germany last month were a concrete example of this.
On top of all this, a tariff move by the US could further aggravate the situation in the EU, our most important foreign market. In the coming period, we need to closely follow the developments in this key trade partner both in general and on a country-by-country basis and take the necessary measures without delay.
We discussed all these developments at last month's Assembly meeting with the agenda of “Overview of Türkiye's economy in 2025 in the light of global developments: risks and opportunities”. You can read on the following pages the details of our Assembly meeting. I think was very stimulating with the interactive participation of our panel speakers and Assembly Members.
We have been experiencing good and promising developments regarding the ISO MEIP for some time. Within the scope of the Vocational Training and Cooperation Protocol (MEIP) that we signed with the Ministry of National Education six years ago, we are trying to expand our projects and activities to other cities. After Şırnak, Bingöl, Yalova and Sivas, last month we increased this number to five with the protocol we made with the Provincial Directorate of National Education and Eskişehir Chamber of Industry, hosted by Eskişehir Governorship.
This month coincides with a happy occasion for our spiritual world. Ramadan, the month of peace that we have been waiting for 11 months with longing starts on March 1, 2025. While wishing Ramadan to bring peace, prosperity and well-being to our country and the entire Islamic world, I wish you all a month full of well-being...
Istanbul Chamber of Industry
Chairman of the Board of Directors