Sakarya, A City with a Strong Production Infrastructure

Erdem Ercan, President of the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Assembly

The July assembly meeting of the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO) was held under the chairmanship of Assembly President Erdem Ercan. The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman of the Board Cem Gün, members of the board, and assembly members. Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), participated as the guest of honor.

Speaking at the meeting, SATSO Assembly President Erdem Ercan emphasized that Sakarya, located at a strategic junction, has transformed its geographical advantage into strong dynamism across many fields — from production to logistics, and from agriculture to exports. He stated that Sakarya, which ranks among Turkey’s leading industrial cities, is also a model of balanced development, notable for its natural environment, human capital, entrepreneurial spirit, and social fabric.

Exports from Sakarya to Over 120 Countries

Ercan shared the following insights during his address:

“As of today, Sakarya exports to more than 120 countries. The city boasts a robust production infrastructure in a variety of sectors including automotive, iron-steel, machinery, chemicals, furniture, textiles, and agriculture. In the first half of 2025, Sakarya’s export volume is nearing 3 billion USD, placing it consistently among Turkey’s top 10 exporting provinces. However, Sakarya is not a city that grows through industry alone. It also integrates its agricultural power with technology and supports a young, educated population with strong higher education capacity. Our development model aims to enhance societal welfare through employment-friendly projects. As pioneers of this model, we work together with our members under a vision that prioritizes production, branding, digital transformation, and sustainable exports.”

Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly

150,000 Exporters

TİM President Mustafa Gültepe, addressing the SATSO assembly as the guest of honor, said that they value engaging directly with producers and exporters and observing regional dynamics across different cities. He emphasized their desire to strengthen Turkey’s export potential and expressed their vision for a stronger Turkey that produces and exports more.

“We have 150,000 exporters and 61 exporters’ associations,” Gültepe stated,

“For 32 years, we have carried the responsibility of being the umbrella institution for exports. In the second century of our Republic, our goal is to place Turkey among the world’s top 10 exporting countries. To be among the top 10 economies globally, we must first be among the top 10 in exports. We are working hard to make our exports more competitive on a global scale.”

Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Council Meeting