ESİAD 4th Investment Summit: Strategic Sectors and Defense Expenditures

Strategic Sector Emphasis at ESİAD 4th Investment Summit

The ESİAD 4th Investment Summit, held at the Swissotel Büyük Efes, focused on today's critical issues, particularly on defense spending. In her opening speech, ESİAD Board Chair Sibel Zorlu stated that global defense expenditures are expected to reach a record 2.72 trillion dollars in 2024.

Turkey Ranked 17th in Defense Spending

Zorlu noted that Turkey is the 17th country in the world with the highest defense spending, highlighting that defense and security expenditures are projected to reach 25 billion dollars in 2023 and are planned to rise to 49 billion dollars by 2028. She emphasized that the defense industry is not only a security issue but also a strategic sector in terms of market power.

Potential of Izmir and the Aegean in the Defense Ecosystem

Zorlu pointed out the potential of Izmir and the Aegean Region in the defense and aerospace ecosystem. She emphasized that strong structures such as organized industrial zones, free zones, universities, and technoparks offer new opportunities for the defense industry.

Common Intelligence Platform and Invest Minds

Bülent Akgerman stated that the world is going through one of its most turbulent periods, noting that the pandemic, along with political and climate crises, will also affect the economy. Akgerman underscored that Turkey's economic strength can only be achieved through innovation, entrepreneurship, and a strong economy.

Vision for Fully Independent Defense Industry