Türkiye Strengthens Strategic Position in European Industrial Supply Chain

PLASFED Chairman Ömer Karadeniz said that Turkey's positioning as part of the European value chain within the European Union's new "Made in Europe" industrial strategy approach would create significant opportunities for Turkish industry.

Plastic Manufacturers Federation (PLASFED) Board Chairman Ömer Karadeniz evaluated Turkey's recognition as part of the European value chain within the "Made in Europe" approach, which is taking shape under the European Union's new industrial policies, as a strategic development for Turkish industry.

Karadeniz stated that Turkey's acceptance as a significant actor in European production and supply chains within the framework of the EU–Turkey Customs Union would be an important step in increasing the global competitive power of Turkish industry.

Noting that Turkey's recognition as a natural part of European value chains demonstrates the industry's production capacity and reliable supplier identity, Karadeniz emphasized that products manufactured in Turkey in many sectors, particularly from automotive to white goods, from plastics to construction, form an important part of the European production chain.

Plastics sector a strategic partner for European industry
Pointing out that the plastics sector is a strategic production area providing basic inputs to over 45 sectors ranging from automotive to packaging, white goods to construction, Karadeniz said Turkey holds an important partner position for European industry thanks to its strong production infrastructure and flexible supply capabilities.

Noting that approximately 14,000 plastic manufacturers operate in Turkey, Karadeniz stated that the sector provides direct employment to over 300,000 people and indirect employment to more than 1 million people, contributing significantly to the economy with an export volume exceeding USD 10 billion.

Supported public and private sector cooperation process
Karadeniz noted that efforts by public institutions, the business community and sector representatives played an important role in strengthening Turkey's position in European value chains.

"In this process, particularly our Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Trade Ministry officials, business organizations and sector representatives made important contributions. We thank all institutions and organizations that supported strengthening Turkish industry's position in European value chains," he said.

Sustainable production and competitive power to increase
Karadeniz stated that strengthening industrial integration with Europe would also create significant opportunities in terms of green transition, sustainable production and technology investments.

As PLASFED, Karadeniz said they will continue to support efforts that will increase the international competitiveness of Turkish plastics industry, strengthen its integration in the European market and accelerate the sustainable production transformation, adding that Turkey's role in the European production ecosystem will strengthen further in the coming period.