Strong Emphasis on Coordination and Domestic Production in the Chemical Industry

Vefa İbrahim Aracı, candidate for the presidency of İKMİB (Istanbul Chemical Substances and Products Exporters Association), stated that he would bring 16 sub-sectors strategically important to the Turkish economy together under one roof with a stronger coordination model, emphasizing that increasing domestic production in basic chemicals is critical for current account balance and sustainable competitiveness. Beginning his candidacy process with a strong message, Aracı defined the phrase "Time for Unity in Chemistry" not merely as a slogan, but as the working culture of the new era.

A new era is beginning in the chemical sector, one of Turkey's most strategic production and export areas. With an export volume of USD 31.9 billion, ranking as Turkey's second-largest exporting sector, the formal presidential process has begun for İKMİB, the umbrella organization of the sector. Representing 16 sub-sectors and over 8,000 companies, sustainable growth, value-added exports, and strong sectoral coordination are emerging as the main agenda items of the new era.

Comprehensive Management Model for 16 Sub-sectors
Speaking at the candidacy announcement, Vefa İbrahim Aracı emphasized that İKMİB, which encompasses a broad production area from pharmaceuticals to plastics, from cosmetics to paints and construction chemicals, must bring together its 16 sub-sectors within the same strategic framework. Noting that sub-sector-based export planning will be a fundamental priority in the new era, Aracı said, "The chemical sector is a large ecosystem with 16 sub-sectors. At the point where global competition has arrived, not only companies but sectoral organizations must be strong. Sustainable export growth is only possible through data-driven analysis, correct positioning at the HS code level, and focus on high-value-added areas."

USD 31.9 Billion in Strength, New Strategy Required
The chemical sector, which ranks as Turkey's second-largest exporting sector, reached an export volume of USD 31.9 billion in 2025, capturing 13.5 percent of total exports. Noting that the current size of the sector, which exports to 238 countries and regions, necessitates a new coordination model, Aracı stated, "Behind this success lies the collective effort of İKMİB's past administrations. I thank Mr. Adil Pelister and the valued board members for their efforts and resolute leadership in bringing our sector to its currently strong position. Competition now is no longer just about producing; it is about producing knowledge, technology, and scale. It is impossible to achieve lasting competitive advantage in global competition without ensuring coordination among sub-sectors." He used these expressions.

Domestic Production is Essential for Current Account Balance
Aracı emphasized that addressing 16 sub-sectors comprehensively is important not only in terms of export performance but also from a macroeconomic balance perspective. Drawing particular attention to the impact of high import rates in basic chemicals on the current account balance, he stated, "Import dependence in basic chemical product groups is an issue affecting the entire industry. Increasing domestic production capacity directly concerns all 16 sub-sectors. Strengthening the investment environment, effective use of incentive mechanisms, and support for production infrastructure are critical in terms of our sector's long-term competitive strength." He provided this explanation.

"This Position is Not an Office, But a Trust"
Current İKMİB President Adil Pelister, speaking at the meeting, noted that the process is proceeding with an understanding of continuity, emphasizing that the chemical sector plays a key role in Turkey's sustainable growth journey.

Concluding his remarks with the message "Time for Unity in Chemistry," Vefa İbrahim Aracı stated that he does not view his candidacy as a competitive process, saying, "This position is not an office; it is a trust our sector places in us. The chemical sector grows through unity and collective wisdom. It is the responsibility of all of us to take forward the effort and accumulated knowledge that has been demonstrated so far."

Vefa İbrahim ARACI
Born in İzmit in 1959, Vefa İbrahim Aracı graduated from the Science Division of İzmit Mimar Sinan High School. Following his education, he completed his military service with the Ankara Presidential Guard Basketball Team. He began his business career working with his father Şükrü Aracı at the family company operating in the transportation and logistics sector. This period formed an important foundation for the development of his business ethics and entrepreneurial understanding.

Beginning his industrial journey with ventures in metals and chemicals, Aracı purchased old factory land in Derince in 1994 and established Klor Alkali San. and Tic. A.Ş., laying the foundations of Koruma Company Group. In 2000, he added the name "Koruma" to his title in accordance with the investments made. Today, Koruma Company Group; operating in chemistry, agriculture, cleaning, and logistics; with production facilities in Kocaeli (Derince and Gebkim), Denizli, and Hatay, and storage facilities in Adana and Tekirdağ, ranks among Turkey's 500 largest industrial enterprises. The group continues to represent domestic capital in the chemical sector through its R&D and sustainability-focused work.

Since the establishment of GEBKİM OSB, Turkey's first chemical sector specialized organized industrial zone, Vefa İbrahim Aracı has been an active part of the process; he led the implementation of an exemplary ecosystem based on the "clustering model" in the chemical sector. He pioneered numerous initiatives spanning from education to industry, from Green OSB practices to sustainability projects, from technology to innovation; and contributed to the creation of a reference structure for the chemical sector through projects implemented within GEBKİM that have been recognized with national and international awards.

Believing that industrialism is not limited solely to production but gains meaning through lasting works and social benefit, Aracı continues the charitable approach inherited from his family with the principle of "Loyalty to the Past, Hope for the Future." In line with this understanding, he has brought lasting works to society in the fields of education and health, including the establishment of Kocaeli University Semahat Aracı Oncology and Palliative Care Center, the construction of Derince Şükrü Aracı Primary and Secondary School, and the construction of Şükrü Kemal Aracı Primary School.

Vefa İbrahim Aracı, who has intimate knowledge of the structural issues in the chemical sector and stands out with his solution-oriented approach, addresses sectoral development together with social benefit through foundation and civil society work. Through the associations and foundations he has founded and in which he holds active positions, he contributes to works that create value in the fields of industry, education, and social responsibility.

Besides his business life, Aracı is known for his interest in horse breeding. Since 2008, he has been breeding thoroughbred English horses within Vefa Stud and abroad. He has achieved international success in this field; he is one of the names representing Turkish horse breeding on the world stage and has set important milestones for our country.