Industry is not merely composed of smoke rising from factory chimneys, products rolling off assembly lines, or export figures. Industry is a nation’s will to produce, its determination to develop, and its confidence in the future. Looking at advanced economies today, we see that the common denominator is a robust industrial infrastructure, high-technology-driven production, and a sustainable development approach. Türkiye’s path toward walking confidently into the future similarly relies on a strong industrial ecosystem—one that refuses to give up on production, continues to invest, and competes globally.

The era we are in is marked by growing uncertainties in the global economy, geopolitical developments affecting trade balances, rising financing costs, and international competition that is fiercer than ever. Continuing to produce, maintaining investment decisions, and preserving presence in export markets in such a challenging environment is, in itself, a significant achievement.

It is precisely for this reason that I do not view the “Top 500 Industrial Enterprises of Türkiye” study published by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) and the “Top 1000 Exporters of Türkiye” list by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) as mere rankings. These studies serve as key indicators showcasing the resilience, competitiveness, and future potential of Turkish industry.

This year, having 17 of our participants from the Çerkezköy Organized Industrial Zone included in the ISO 500 list and 22 of our companies ranking among Türkiye’s top exporters has been a source of immense pride for us. The success achieved by each of our companies is the natural outcome of a long-term investment mindset, technological transformation, quality-focused production, and dedicated work. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our industrialists, executives, and employees.

However, while taking pride in our achievements, we must not overlook the realities facing our industry.

When the details of the ISO 500 research are carefully examined, it becomes clear that our industrialists are waging a significant struggle across many areas, from production to finance, and from costs to profitability. High financing costs in particular, rising production expenditures, the slowdown in global demand, and stagnation in export markets stand among the primary factors challenging the competitiveness of our enterprises.

One of the most crucial indicators confirming this picture is the ISO Türkiye Manufacturing PMI data. Having hovered below the 50-threshold for an extended period, the PMI index dipped to 47.1 in June, revealing that the desired momentum in production and new orders within the manufacturing sector has not yet been achieved. This situation also clearly demonstrates that our industry needs to be supported more vigorously.

Industry does not like to wait. Industry does not feed on uncertainty. Industry demands predictability, trust, and a favorable investment climate. Production can only grow in an environment of confidence; investment can only be made through faith in the future.

As the Çerkezköy Organized Industrial Zone, we are fully aware of our responsibility at this exact juncture. Our duty is not merely to provide infrastructure services to our industrialists. It is also to prepare them for future competitive conditions, guide their transformation, and reinforce a sustainable production approach.

One of the most concrete examples of this mindset is the Green OIZ Certificate awarded to our region. Yet, from our perspective, Green OIZ carries a meaning far beyond a earned certificate. This certificate is the shared expression of environmentally conscious production, efficient resource utilization, energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and the responsibility we bear toward future generations.

The Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) audits we successfully completed recently have once again demonstrated the continuity of this vision. Sustainability is no longer merely an environmental choice. In an era where the impacts of the European Green Deal are increasingly felt and carbon regulations are reshaping international trade, sustainable production has also become a primary determinant of competitiveness.

At COIZ, we believe that production is a force that not only meets today’s needs but also shapes the future. Therefore, we are continuously enhancing our infrastructure, increasing our environmental investments, and resolutely pursuing projects that support the digital and green transformation of our industrialists. Because we know that the winners will not be those who wait for the future, but those who prepare for it today.

I extend my sincere thanks to all our industrialists who produce, invest, create employment, and add value to our country’s development. Regardless of the scale of the challenges we face, our faith in Türkiye’s productive power, entrepreneurs, and industrialists remains absolute.

I wish all my fellow industrialists happy, prosperous, and wonderful days ahead.

Eyüp SÖZDİNLER

Chairman of the Board 

Çerkezköy Organized Industrial Zone (COIZ)