The steps taken by the economic management in Turkiye have entered the radar of foreign investors. The new investment plan of foreign companies existing in the country attracted attention. Ozlem Doganer, who wrote the details, talked about the investment plan of another $10 billion.
The first month of the year shows that foreign investors will be one of the topics we will talk about most in 2024. There are many people who think that Turkiye will become a center of attraction for foreign investments again, both with the economic developments being in line with the MTP and with the steps taken in monetary policy.
Of course, when we talk about new investments, let’s not always talk about new foreigners. We should not ignore the new investments of existing foreign companies that exist in Turkiye and work like Turkiye’s ambassadors. I talked to Engin Aksoy, President of the International Investors Association (Yased). 85% of foreign companies operating in Turkiye are under the umbrella of Yased.
ANOTHER $10 BILLION INVESTMENT PLAN
Aksoy talked about the survey they conduct every 6 months, in which the managers of these 274 companies from 33 countries participated. The question is; “Are you planning to invest in the next year?” It was concluded that at least $10 billion more investment could come from the companies asked. This alone means that foreign investment will double every year.
Aksoy said, “Turkiye has a very good potential. We believe in this potential. These companies employed approximately 1.3 million people, and an average of 30% of our exports were carried out by these companies. As of today, our members employ 360 thousand qualified workforce. Together with the companies in our supply chains, our employment impact reaches 5 million people. As a result of the steps taken in the last 20 years, more than $250 billion of international direct investment has come to Turkiye. We also see that these investments will increase and have the potential to increase. As long as the regulations in the MTP are implemented quickly.”
One of the steps that international investors want to be taken is to develop the regulatory framework for working life in order to keep qualified workforce in companies in this period when mobility and remote working have increased greatly. Aksoy, who is also the Chairman of the Executive Board of Vodafone Turkiye, said, “We see that flexible workforce solutions contribute 3.5% to 5% to registered employment in developed countries. We think it is an issue that needs to be addressed very urgently. We continue to work with the public on this issue.”
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ISTANBUL
Murat Kurum, the People’s Alliance’s Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Candidate, announced his projects. When you listen to Kurum, you see that the country’s largest city must be governed like a country. Seriousness, determination and a project are required. It is necessary to minimize income and cultural inequality in the city. The first thing I look at are projects aimed at young people. If young people in a city are happy, that city becomes more livable.
Providing discounts not only to university students in transportation, but also providing free transportation opportunities to primary school students, providing support to young people for housing and heating, and providing both training and funding to those who want to start a business are very exciting projects… I asked the young people. They liked the projects. Those who care about young people in Istanbul will win.
Source: Sabah / Prepared by Irem Yildiz