ICI 500 and Our Committed Industrialists

• 25.06.2019
• Archive

We announced the 2018 results of “ICI Research on 500 Top Industrial Organizations of Türkiye” that we have shared with the public constantly for 51 years which has been expected wholeheartedly by the world of economy. Such data reveals the most strong check-up results of our entire economy with our industry.

Looking at ICI 500 through an integrated perspective, we need to state that: Turkish industry manages to continue its production with the experience and endurance it has gained in its main activity even in the most challenging situations.

I would like to address several promising consequences of ICI 500. The most important is the results regarding the technology, undoubtedly. Despite of the data that has put forward that the relation between the medium and advanced technology and our industry is very weak for years, we witnessed the results that give us hope in ICI 500 2018. For example, the share of advanced technological industries within the added value created in 2017 was 3,6 percent; however, it increased to 5,3 percent in 2018.

Of the most positive findings of this year for ICI 500 was the export performances of industry companies included in the list. The export performance of ICI 500 exceeded the Turkish export performance in 2018. While the total export and industry export of Türkiye increased by 7 percent in 2018, the export of ICI 500 increased by 11,3 percent. Additionally, the increase in the employment rate of ICI 500 companies upon the increase in the number of companies engaged in R&D should be assessed as the positive indicators to be underlined.

At the foundation of this success, the ability of our industrialist to export to each corner of the world lies. Data of ICI Türkiye Export Climate Index we have started to announce in this year points out that this positive performance maintains its existence. As in the last 3 months, the Export Climate Index for June was measured above 50.0, indicating that the improvement in export processes continues. Considering that our financial opportunities in the global competition is not at the same level, the significance of this success will be comprehended better.

When it comes to the negative indicators of our research, the first table that we are faced with like we do each year was the negativity seen in the financing structure of ICI 500 companies. The damage resulted from the financing in financial statements puts forward that it is not sustainable regardless of how successful you are in the main activities.

We demonstrated our fidelity in the May Assembly Meeting. We held the Assembly meeting as a commemoration event for the late business person Fazıl Zobu, who made significant contributions to our industry and ICI. At the ceremony, we named the Assembly Hall after Fazıl Zobu, the Old President of ICI Assembly and Board of Directors. By giving his name to the Assembly Hall, we will keep Fazıl Zobu, our valuable elder alive who made a great effort to Odakule from its land to the design and construction which was a vision project of Türkiye under the circumstances of that day.

Erdal Bahçıvan
Istanbul Chamber of Industry
Chairman