‹ Back

At the UEZ 2026, Mehmet Şimşek delivered important assessments regarding the current state of the Turkish economy and the impact of global developments. His remarks—particularly on wars, energy prices, inflation, and macroeconomic resilience—offer critical signals that must be carefully analyzed by the business community.

 

Şimşek emphasized that wars do not merely create short-term volatility but lead to permanent and profound economic consequences. Strategic transit points such as the Strait of Hormuz play a crucial role in the supply of energy, natural gas, and fertilizers, thereby increasing fragility in global markets (Independent Türkçe; AA). In this context, energy price volatility, fragmentation driven by trade wars, climate crisis, demographic shifts, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and automation indicate that today’s global economy faces multi-layered and simultaneous risks. Consequently, economic fluctuations are no longer exceptions but have become part of the system. For companies, “continuous uncertainty management” is replacing traditional crisis management approaches.

 

Another key message highlighted by Şimşek is the strengthening of Türkiye’s economic resilience despite increasing global shocks. He stated that “the program implemented since mid-2023 has strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals and enhanced Türkiye’s resilience against shocks” (Independent Türkçe; AA). Considering the shocks experienced in 2025—such as trade wars, exchange rate volatility, and agricultural disruptions (drought and frost)—the ability to navigate this period with limited damage indicates the effectiveness of current economic policies. This suggests that economic management now prioritizes sustainable macroeconomic balance over short-term growth.

 

Moreover, it is understood that sustainable growth cannot be achieved without controlling inflation, and that tight monetary policy is implicitly continuing. For the real sector, this implies persistently high financing costs, making cash flow management critical and pushing inefficient business models out of the system.

 

According to Şimşek, the most significant impact of war on Türkiye’s economy will occur through the current account via energy prices. Rising oil prices may widen the current account deficit, while indirect effects may also be observed in tourism and trade. However, Türkiye’s relatively low dependency on the region for energy supply emerges as a key advantage (Independent Türkçe; AA). This indicates that firms capable of effectively managing energy costs will gain a competitive edge. Therefore, efficiency is no longer optional but a strategic necessity.

 

He also emphasized that Türkiye maintains strong reserve adequacy, limited capital outflows, and sustained confidence in the economic program (Independent Türkçe; AA). This suggests that exchange rate shocks may be more controlled compared to previous periods. However, it also implies that export models relying on currency advantages are becoming less viable, shifting competition toward other factors.

 

This macroeconomic framework clearly signals a transformation for exporters. While firms previously competed through exchange rate advantages, the current environment requires a shift toward efficiency, quality, sustainability, and reliable supply chains. Thus, the winners in export markets will not be the cheapest, but those who deliver reliability and sustainable value.

 

In conclusion, the messages delivered at UEZ 2026 indicate that Türkiye is better prepared to withstand global shocks. However, success in this new era will depend not only on macroeconomic policies but also on how effectively firms adapt at the micro level.

 

In this context, the implications for businesses are also reflected in the following statement by the founder of Bayel Limited Company:

 

“Today, competitive advantage is no longer determined solely by price, but by trust and continuity. In an era of increasing global uncertainty, the most critical factors for our partners are supply security, consistent quality, and long-term cooperation. At Bayel, we prioritize being a solution partner that reduces risks and supports sustainable growth. Because today, it is not the strongest, but the most adaptable who succeed.”