Logistics Investments Take Centre Stage

Backed by four decades of business diplomacy, DEİK is propelling the logistics industry onto the global stage

Let me begin by celebrating Eid al Adha, a time of devotion and closeness, hoping it brings our hearts nearer and deepens the bonds we share with our loved ones.

As DEİK, the North Star of Turkish business, we have carried out our mission for four decades under the banner of “Business Diplomacy,” operating through 153 Business Councils across the world, all without relying on public funding, with the aim of boosting trade and investment between nations. We proudly maintain our voluntary efforts as the gateway of the Turkish private sector to the global market, together with our Business Councils, counterpart organisations, founding institutions, corporate members, and dedicated team.

The Logistics Business Council, founded in 2013 under DEİK, remains committed to elevating Türkiye’s logistics industry to a globally competitive and well-regarded position. To this end, DEİK supports Turkish logistics companies in their international growth, helps them navigate regional and global supply chain dynamics, addresses emerging needs in cross-border economic collaborations, and ensures strong coordination with both public authorities and international institutions as a leading organisational structure.

Logistics is one of the concepts that has taken on new meaning in the post-pandemic world. Where once it was defined by distance, logistics is now shaped by the notion of accessibility. The Russia Ukraine conflict in Europe and the growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have once again underscored the critical role of logistics in economic and international trade systems. In this light, logistics investments have started gaining traction globally. The global trade agenda keeps focusing on emerging regional alliances and new trade corridors. Naturally, turning these routes into reality depends on the development of new transportation infrastructure. In this regard, the importance of an integrated intermodal transport system becomes even more apparent. It is within this framework that we can evaluate initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Project, the United States’ Build Back Better World strategy, the European Union’s Global Gateway plan, and most recently, the Iraq Development Road Project, in which Türkiye is also involved.

In this issue of Business Diplomacy journal, we bring you our cover interview with İbrahim Kemal Barış Dillioğlu, President of the DEİK Logistics Business Council, under the title “The Future of the Logistics Sector”. We also included another interview featuring Prof Dr Nafiz Arıca, Rector of Piri Reis University, where he reflects on the maritime profession and its future prospects. Furthermore, our air cargo report prepared in partnership with UTIKAD takes a close look at Türkiye’s strategic importance in this field. On another front, Ufuk Teker contributed an insightful article on the vital role insurance systems play in maintaining the sustainability of the logistics chain. As always, we bring you a fresh issue full of timely content that we believe you will enjoy reading.

Enjoy your reading.