Karel organized the “National Strategies Seminar in Public IT Management” hosted by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority.
Turkey's company Karel, established with 100% domestic capital, held a seminar highlighting the importance of domestic and national production. Ulaştırma ve Altyapı Ministry Deputy Minister Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan also attended the opening of the program. Drawing attention to the fact that information technologies are the most fundamental determinant of the global economy, Sayan stated, “Today, while benefiting from the opportunities of information technologies, we are also facing their threats. Reducing external dependency and becoming competitive in the international arena have made increasing domestic production a necessity. Developed countries have long understood the importance of being producers rather than consumers, especially in the IT sector. They now set their targets, plans, and strategies based on domestic and national production."
Emphasizing that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has seen the high costs Turkey has paid for technology, is extremely sensitive about developing domestic and national technologies, Sayan noted that the "National Technology Initiative" is an indispensable guide for them to compete with developed countries. Sayan stated that there is sufficient human resources and economic infrastructure in the country to provide even better products than those obtained from abroad, but importing technology could put the country in difficulty in terms of economic, security, and sustainability dimensions.
Deputy Minister Sayan: We Will Grow Together
Underlining that the ministry is working diligently to fulfill its duties in their fields so that companies in Turkey can produce high-quality products at affordable costs and reach a position to compete with other countries, Sayan said, “Domestic and national production will not only reduce imports but also provide significant contributions to the economy and companies in terms of exports. Our localization efforts will open export doors for us to the fullest. Our products stamped 'Made in Turkey' will be exported especially to new markets like the Middle East and even to mature Western markets. As the government, we have started taking serious steps towards closing the current account deficit by both reducing imports and increasing exports.”
Sayan, who also described the studies conducted in the IT field in Turkey, said, “We have mobilized all resources for businesses that want to grow with IT and technology, and we will continue to do so. As the political will, we will clear your path. You will advance as thinking, researching, and producing companies. We will walk together, progress together, cover distances together, and grow together, all together."