Grow With Turkey

About the Conference

Turkey has been one of the most successful economies in the world and has posted healthy growth rates in recent years. As a result, various credit rating agencies have upgraded Turkey’s credit notes. The confidence that stemmed from the success of the Turkish economy, coupled with an average growth rate of 5.2% in the last 10 years, helped Turkey to become the 13th most attractive FDI destination in the world.

The private sector has been a crucial driver for Turkeys economic success. Stable political environment, sound economic policies and a strong financial sector have created a platform for the private sector to become more sophisticated and competitive. As a result, the global footprint of Turkish private sector has improved, as well. As of 2012, Turkey reached a GDP of $ 786 bn and aims to reach $ 2 trillion by 2023.

Defined as the “BRIC of Europe” by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron; today, Turkey is the 17th largest economy in the world, 6th largest in Europe, 7th largest trade partner of EU and is expected to become the fastest growing OECD country between 2011 and 2017 with an average annual growth rate of 6.7%. Its strategic location, situated at the heart of major markets with a total value of $20 trillion, allows easy access to approximately 1.5 billion consumers. Furthermore, Turkey offers foreign investors a secure business environment with sustainable economic growth and profitable investment opportunities.

Turkey has now ambitious economic targets for 2023 such as improving its competitiveness to become one of the 10 largest economies in the world and creating new international brands.

The story of Turkey’s journey from the self-inflicted crisis in 2001 to economic stability and growth is all the more important at a time when MENA countries surrounding Turkey have embarked on a perilous journey of institutional change. Understanding Turkey, an ever more influential member of the G20, is no longer a luxury but a requirement of commercial literacy in the coming age.

Turkish – British Business Council (TBBC), operating under the auspices of Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK), has been working towards the development of trade and investment relations between Turkey and the United Kingdom for over 20 years and believes that it is of utmost importance to further strengthen lasting and long-term business relations of mutual benefit at a time UK-Turkey political relations have entered a “golden era”.

Gathering key Turkish and British decision-makers and opinion leaders from the world of business, politics, academia and press, “Grow with Turkey” provides a unique opportunity to present the recent economic developments and the dynamism of the Turkish economy with sector specific highlights on finance, ICT, energy, real estate & infrastructure with a special emphasis on women’s role in economic growth.

The conference also offers an opportunity to discuss the real opportunities for British businesses as well as the pitfalls of this most rewarding but challenging market. British investors have a long and successful track record in Turkey and should be well poised to take advantage of the countrys new buoyancy.

Let’s grow with TURKEY…