Gaziantep Industry Making Firm Steps to New Markets

Industrialists operating in Gaziantep are striving to maintain their export strength despite challenging economic conditions. However, business world representatives state that with increasing cost pressure, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and footwear, maintaining a foothold in existing markets is no longer sufficient and that expanding into new markets has become a necessity.

Southeastern Anatolia Region's May Exports Increased by 1.6%

The Southeastern Anatolia Region's May exports increased by 1.6%, reaching $1.1 billion. Gaziantep alone accounted for more than $900 million of this figure, exceeding $4.1 billion in total exports during the January-May period, accounting for 3.6% of Turkey's total exports and maintaining its 6th place ranking nationwide.

GAİB: "We Must Maintain Our Competitiveness with a Strategic Approach"

Ahmet Fikret Kileci, Coordinating President of the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Association (GAİB), emphasized that regional exporters are maintaining their export success with an innovative and sustainable production approach despite global uncertainties. Kileci stated, "We are taking firm steps not only in export figures but also in value-added production and international collaborations" indicating that the regional industry is adapting to the strategic transformation.

GSO: "Urgent Support for Labor-Intensive Sectors is Essential"

Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) Board of Chairman Adnan Ünverdi stated that labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and footwear are losing competitiveness in foreign markets due to rising costs. Ünverdi said, "This situation could also negatively impact employment. If measures are not taken, losses in the foreign market will be inevitable. Therefore, the public, private sector, and the world of finance need to work more integrated."

GTO: "We Must Maintain Our Current Strength and Open New Markets"

Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce (GTO) Board of Chairman Tuncay Yıldırım highlighted the city's export resilience, stating that this resilience is started weakening. Yıldırım noted that Iraq led the way in exports in the first five months, followed by the US, Syria, the UK, and Italy, and that these five countries accounted for 42% of total exports. "Political and economic instability in nearby regions poses a serious risk for our exporters, Therefore, moving to new and alternative markets is no longer a choice; it is a necessity."