Risks for Companies Will Increase Even More in 2025

Risks for Companies Will Increase Even More in 2025

At the conference titled “Turkey's Financial and Economic Policy Outlook for 2025, Risks Awaiting Businesses” hosted by the Menemen Chamber of Commerce (MENTO) and organized in cooperation with the İzmir Free Zone Continuous Education Center (İZSEM) and TRASTA, potential risks, opportunities, and variables in monetary and fiscal policies affecting the Turkish economy in the coming year were discussed in detail.

The seminar, moderated by Prof. Dr. Keramettin Tezcan, Financial and Regulatory Advisor at İZBAŞ, featured speakers such as Prof. Dr. İbrahim Ünalmış, Faculty Member at Bahçeşehir University, Özgün Çınar, General Manager of TRASTA ESG, and Şükrü Dilaver, Chairman of the Board and Certified Public Accountant at TRASTA.

Süsoy: There Are Problems Finding a Qualified Workforce

In his opening speech at the conference, İzzet Süsoy, the Chairman of the Board of Menemen Chamber of Commerce (MENTO), emphasized that despite the development in the region's industrial capacity, the problem of finding qualified and skilled labor persists.

Süsoy pointed out that there has been a significant increase in the region's industrial infrastructure over the years. He said, “Due to the economic problems caused by recent currency shocks, a slowdown in production and the inability to find qualified labor are issues we are facing, not only across the country but also in our region.”

The Two Keys to Overcoming the Crises We’ve Experienced

Süsoy highlighted the importance of vocational education in meeting the demand for qualified employees, stating: “The shortage of skilled workers, or the workers we are looking for, has always been one of the biggest problems, and this period is no exception. We must give full attention to vocational education. The two keys to overcoming the crises we’ve experienced are qualified production and high value-added exports. We can achieve qualified production through a qualified workforce. It is a contradiction that should make us all think, when we see news reports every day about the rising unemployment rate, yet our industrialists are having great difficulty finding labor.”

Sevimli: Companies Must Develop Strategies to Survive

In his speech at the conference, Eyüp Sevimli, the Chairman of the Board of the İzmir Free Zone, stated that companies must develop strategies to survive. He explained that due to the suppression of currency increases, companies have experienced losses in their working capital, and production has become less competitive.

Ünalmış: The Imbalance in Budget Revenues and Expenditures Continues

One of the conference participants, Prof. Dr. İbrahim Ünalmış, a faculty member at Bahçeşehir University, emphasized that the services sector has emerged after the pandemic, but global trade is no longer as lively as it once was.

Pointing out that geopolitical risks are at higher levels compared to previous years, Ünalmış noted that industrial production continues to decline. He said, “The imbalance in the budget revenues and expenditures continues. I think the inflation forecast for 2024 will be around 44.5%. However, we expect a continued decrease in both CPI and PPI in the upcoming months.”

Çınar: Risk Management Strategies Are Critical for Businesses

Özgün Çınar, the General Manager of TRASTA ESG, pointed out that one of the biggest risks awaiting businesses in 2025 and beyond will be extreme weather events. Noting that the number of disasters has increased fivefold in the past 50 years, Çınar shared information about the damage potential of environmental risks. He emphasized that risk management strategies are critical for businesses.

Dilaver: Steps Must Be Taken for Economic Balance

Şükrü Dilaver, Chairman of the Board and Certified Public Accountant at TRASTA, discussed the negative effects of the tax burden on businesses. Highlighting that inflation and earthquake-related expenditures are the main causes of the budget deficit, Dilaver stressed the need to take steps to restore economic balance.

Tezcan: Saving Is Essential for Budget Balance

Prof. Dr. Keramettin Tezcan, who moderated the conference, mentioned in his speech that it is not possible to ensure economic stability through tax increases and hot money alone. Pointing out that growth must also support development, Tezcan stated, “In order to achieve budget balance, the government must save on its expenditures. Economic growth should contribute to both economic and social development. If there is no demand for democracy and the rule of law, sustainable development is also impossible.”