Between 2002 and 2023, Turkish tourism and construction companies have played a pivotal role in enhancing the global recognition of Turkey's development aid and the "Made in Turkey" brand. During this period, Turkey provided $92 billion in development aid, establishing itself as a leader in humanitarian efforts and sharing its economic growth experiences with other nations.
Turkish tourism has significantly contributed to this global recognition. The industry, known for its high-quality services, attracted nearly 740 million foreign tourists from 2002 to 2023, generating approximately $600 billion in tourism revenue. The influx of tourists not only boosted the economy but also promoted cultural exchange, showcasing Turkey's rich heritage and modern attractions to the world.
Parallel to the tourism sector, Turkish construction companies have cemented their position as key global players. Second only to Chinese firms in providing contracting services, Turkish companies have executed over 12,000 projects across 135 countries by 2023. Their expertise spans a wide range of infrastructure projects, including hospitals, bridges, roads, seaports, and airports.
This extensive portfolio has established a global standard of quality and reliability, enhancing the "Made in Turkey" brand. These companies have left their mark from Russia to South Africa, Brazil to Indonesia, effectively promoting Turkey's production capabilities and engineering prowess on an international scale. Their success has not only bolstered Turkey’s economic stature but also served as a powerful advertisement for Turkish craftsmanship and innovation.
Turkish Airlines (THY) has been instrumental in amplifying these efforts. As one of the world's largest airlines, THY has expanded its reach to over 100 countries, exporting services worth more than $15 billion annually. By connecting Turkey to the world, Turkish Airlines has played a crucial role in elevating the "Made in Turkey" brand to a global service export leader. The airline's extensive network and exceptional service quality have highlighted Turkey's distinctive identity and capabilities on the global stage.
From 2002 to 2023, Turkey made significant strides in industrial design and innovation, surpassing countries like Germany, Italy, France, England, and Japan in industrial design applications. During this period, Turkey invested $166 billion in research and development (R&D), a crucial element for the growth and success of Turkish technology companies.
These substantial R&D investments were bolstered by various technology incentives, advancing a fertile environment for innovation. Turkish technology companies, benefiting from this supportive ecosystem, have generated immense value for the country through billion-dollar sales, transforming the "Made in Turkey" brand into a symbol of technological prowess and industrial excellence.
Central to this transformation is the "National Technology Move" – a cornerstone of Turkey's new industrialisation strategy. This initiative aims to elevate Turkish companies to the technological and industrial levels of leading nations such as South Korea, Japan, and Germany. The National Technology Move emphasises the importance of self-reliance, advanced manufacturing, and cutting-edge innovation. By focusing on high-tech industries and strategic sectors, Turkey is positioning itself as a global leader in technology and industrial design.
As Turkish companies continue to innovate and expand their global footprint, the "Made in Turkey" brand is evolving into a hallmark of quality, reliability, and technological sophistication. The strategic investments and initiatives of the past two decades have set the stage for Turkey to emerge as a powerhouse in the global industrial and technological arena.
The Turkish political administration has successfully transformed the perception of "Turks Can Do" into a global trend, reinforcing the "Made in Turkey" brand. Now, it is preparing for a strategic breakthrough, aiming to further enhance Turkey's global presence and influence.
This comprehensive strategy underscores Turkey's commitment to leveraging its tourism, construction, and aviation sectors to foster economic growth, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. As Turkey continues to build on these successes, the "Made in Turkey" brand is poised to become synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation worldwide.