German firms see Turkey as hub for accessing huge market

German firms see Turkey not only as a large consumer market but as a hub that gives them access to a market with a population of 1.5 billion, said the head of the German Turkish Chamber of Industry and Commerce on Oct. 18.

Germany-based companies have understood the potential of the country's location and the potential of the entire region, Markus Slevogt told the state-run Anadolu Agency.

Stressing that Turkey's largest trade partner is the European Union, he said Germany and Turkey are more than two countries for decades, and have a very strong business and commercial relationship.

"Turkey and the EU need each other as strategic partners, and also Turkey as the country that has maybe the broadest network and the broadest influence in this region will help the EU and Germany also to secure strategic interests in this region," he said.

Turkey will have a new and important role in global supply chain activities and creating a more robust supply chain for European production hubs, he said.

COVID-19 problems still continue in Asia, he said, adding that "Currently, for example, in Vietnam or Bangladesh, we are seeing very heavy outbreaks."

He noted that European countries have had to close production sites in many fields such as textiles, sports apparel and shoe production.

"Running shoes is just an example. Shoes might be in shortage in the Christmas season and this winter due to the fact that production sites are used in Asia by global textile and sports manufacturers," he added.

One of these is that Turkish businesses have kept factories running under very strict measures and the other is that Turkey has well-established production activities and supply chains, Slevogt said.

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