Erkan Özkan Reelected

At the General Assembly of the Istanbul Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters Association, incumbent Chairman Erkan Özkan was re-elected to the presidency through a single-slate election, renewing confidence in his leadership. The general assembly, which brought together broad participation from sector representatives, underscored emphasis on stability and export-driven growth.

Speaking at the general assembly, Özkan noted that the sector achieved approximately USD 8 billion in exports in 2025 and accounted for 3.5% of Turkey's total exports. Stating that this performance provided important motivation for 2026 targets, Özkan said that in the new term they would focus on increasing global competitive strength, diversifying export markets and expanding value-added production.

Özkan stated, "We will work with determination to advance our sector's production capacity, design capability and export potential even further. In the new term, we aim for sustainable growth not only by maintaining current success, but by opening up to new markets and increasing value-added production."

Emphasis on Sector's Strategic Role
Speaking at the general assembly, Vice Chairman of Turkey's Export Council and Chairman of the Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Sector Board Ahmet Güleç drew attention to the sector's strategic importance for Turkey's economy. Güleç noted that with its production-based structure, the sector generates a foreign trade surplus each year and continues to strengthen this capacity.

Stating that in the period ahead they will focus on scaling up, increasing value-added and diversifying export markets, Güleç emphasized the importance of sector stakeholders moving in coordination.

The general assembly held demonstrated the sector's commitment to acting in line with a shared vision, while conveying important messages for the new term in line with the objectives of sustainable production, strong export structure and increasing global competitive strength.