WOMEN, THE LIGHT OF HOPE FOR TURKISH INDUSTRY…
The events of recent years in the world have deeply shaken humanity. Wars, economic crises, natural disasters, political upheavals, and the sweeping social changes driven by technological developments have left societies in a state of uncertainty.
Wars and conflicts, in particular, have resulted in innocent civilians to lose their lives and millions of people to leave their homes. Natural disasters are also increasing, disasters caused by global warming, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes cause great destruction. Economic fluctuations have further exacerbated global hardships, eroding purchasing power and diminishing living standards across the world.
At the same time, groundbreaking developments in fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology offer great promise for humanity but also raise critical ethical and security concerns. Now, more than ever, humanity must come together to develop shared solutions for the future of humanity.
Unsurprisingly, these global developments have had a direct and profound effect on Turkish industry and its economy. It is impossible not to be affected by this dizzying change and transformation. Türkiye’s largest export market, The European Union, continues to experience an economic slowdown, while U.S. customs tariffs which we frequently discuss these days, cause the economic pressures to deepen even more. These external forces, combined with internal financial fluctuations, add to the complexity of Türkiye’s economic landscape.
Our economy grew by 3.2
As Türkiye entered 2025, its economic indicators presented a mixed picture. Despite high interest rates, the economy managed to grow by 3.2% in 2024, surpassing expectations. This growth was primarily driven by strong domestic demand and a positive contribution from net foreign demand.
Inflation saw a substantial decline in 2024, dropping from above 75% to just over 40%. In response, the Central Bank lowered the policy rate to 45% at the beginning of 2025 and continued to gradually reduce it to 42.5% over the course of the year.
Thus, as inflation eased and interest rates were adjusted, Türkiye maintained its growth momentum heading into 2025. However, both global economic conditions and domestic factors will be key determinants of future performance. For Turkish industry, closely monitoring these developments remains crucial. As PLASFED, we remain committed to tracking these shifts closely and sharing the latest insights with our readers.
Women industrialists are the crown jewel of our magazine
This issue of our magazine is once again filled with research topics, in-depth interviews, and macro data. In honor of March 8, International Women's Day, we have dedicated a significant portion of this issue to our women industrialists. We have brought the stories of our women, who are the light of hope for Turkish industry to our pages.
Our women entrepreneurs and industrialists, leading figures in heavy industry and key decision makers in family run businesses, are proving themselves on the global stage by carrying their success to the borders of Türkiye. From manufacturing to exports, from technology to sustainable energy, women are proving their strength in a wide range of sectors. In recent years, the number of female leaders in the industry has seen a significant rise, thanks to growing support for women entrepreneurs. Leading women industrialists in Türkiye are carrying the power of Turkish industry abroad by establishing important collaborations in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Notably, women-led enterprises are achieving remarkable export successes, particularly in the automotive, textile, defense, food, and chemical sectors. As PLASFED, we wholeheartedly support Türkiye’s strong and visionary women and firmly believe that the future will be shaped by their leadership.
This month, we also celebrate Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection, peace, and abundance. May this holy month bring serenity and prosperity to all. As we look forward to the joyous occasion of Ramadan Feast, we extend our warmest wishes to our readers and the entire Islamic world.
Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan and a joyful Eid!
Ömer KARADENİZ
Chairman of PLASFED
