Stating that macroeconomic indicators show positive signals amid the disinflation process, Ömer Karadeniz, President of the Plastics Industrialists' Federation (PLASFED), emphasized that high financing costs, weakened investment appetite, and contraction in the manufacturing industry continue to pose risks for the real sector.
Underlining that industry is the cornerstone of growth, exports, employment, technological development, and global competitiveness, Karadeniz noted that economies unable to protect their productive capacity cannot create lasting prosperity.
"Growth Cannot Be Permanent Without a Strong Industrial Base"
Recalling that industry lagged behind overall economic performance in the first-quarter growth data, Karadeniz called for accelerated measures to reinforce production capabilities:
Production-Oriented Policies: Prioritizing policies that incentivize industrial investments, promote exports, and expand high-value-added manufacturing is essential for a successful economic rebalancing process.
Quality of Growth: While consumption-driven growth may yield short-term positive figures, long-term sustainable development relies fundamentally on production.
Second-Quarter Expectations: Leading indicators do not yet point to a robust industrial recovery. Therefore, the direct contribution of manufacturing to second-quarter growth will be closely monitored.
Competitiveness and Cost Management
Highlighting intensifying global competition, Karadeniz pointed out that the balance among production costs, financing expenses, and exchange rates must be managed carefully for exporters. He concluded:
The right steps taken today will not only strengthen industrialists, but also exports, employment, and our country's global competitiveness. An economy that produces, invests, and generates added value will be the most solid foundation of Turkey's new growth era.
