Turkish exporters lock on $211B target for 2021

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish exporters have locked onto the country's new export target of $211 billion for 2021, as announced earlier this month in the nation’s medium-term program (MTP).

Ismail Gulle, the head of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM), said on Tuesday that since Turkey's exports rose 37% during the first eight months of 2021 to $140 billion, the country is on track to reach the $211 billion target by year’s-end.

He said within five years Turkey can step up efforts to reach an annual level of $300 billion, said a press release by the assembly.

Last year despite the worldwide havoc due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, Turkey’s exports totaled $169.6 billion, beating the target.

Stressing that all Turkish sectors have scored significant achievements over the last two decades, Gulle explained: "Our production facilities have been modernized, our teams have become specialized, our capacities have sharpened, and we have become a hub for quality products.”

"Now is the time to boost the added value of our exports," he added.