DEİK President Nail Olpak said Türkiye’s 2.3% economic growth in the second quarter was positive, but stressed that the quality of growth must also be prioritized. He called for increasing the contribution of investment and exports to the economy and improving access to financing.

ISTANBUL — August 31, 2026

Nail Olpak, President of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK), evaluated Türkiye’s 2.3% year-on-year economic growth in the second quarter of 2026, saying that maintaining growth despite global uncertainties was encouraging.

However, Olpak emphasized that greater attention should be paid to the quality and sustainability of growth.

Agriculture and Industry Expand

According to the latest figures, the agriculture sector grew 13.3% in the second quarter, while the information and communication sector expanded 8.6%. Industrial production increased 2.4%.

The construction sector, meanwhile, contracted 1.9%, reflecting the impact of high financing costs on activity.

Global Risks Challenge Exporters

Olpak pointed to the 3.4% decline in trade in goods and services during the second quarter, highlighting the growing challenges facing exporters.

He said rising geopolitical risks, energy costs and protectionism in global trade were making competition increasingly difficult for Turkish exporters.

Call for Easier Access to Financing

Olpak said that increasing the share of investment and exports in economic growth was essential for achieving sustainable growth.

He also stressed the importance of the upcoming Medium-Term Program (OVP) containing measures to improve access to financing and strengthen investment appetite.

“We need to focus not only on the rate of growth but also on its quality and sustainability,” Olpak’s remarks emphasized.

Competition Is Shifting From Costs to Trust

Olpak also highlighted a broader change in the global competitive environment.

He said international competition was no longer based solely on price and cost, arguing that the global economy had entered an era of “competition of trust.”

According to Olpak, Türkiye has important advantages in this environment thanks to its production infrastructure, strategic geographical position and extensive trade relations.

He said these strengths could help Türkiye strengthen its position in global markets while supporting more sustainable economic growth.

Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök