THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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Press release…
Emphasising that developed societies have reached their current status by working together, Aegean Exporters’ Associations Coordinator Chairman Jak Eskinazi stated that the path to achieving Türkiye’s sustainable development and export goals, as in all areas, lies in strengthening gender equality.
Reminding that the Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EİB) is the first exporters’ association to join the Global Compact, the world’s largest sustainability initiative, Eskinazi said, “We see that countries where women are strongly represented in the economy, science, education, health and management levels develop faster and achieve a stronger position in global competition. Adopting the words of the Founder of our Republic, the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, ‘Everything in the world is the work of women,’ as a principle, we must take steps to strengthen equal representation of women and men. When we take these steps, we will see Turkey take its place among developed countries.”
Pointing out that development must be addressed not only in environmental terms but also in social terms, Eskinazi continued: “In OECD and EU countries, the female labour force participation rate is over 60 percent. In our country, it is around 30 percent. Research shows that increasing women’s participation in the labour force significantly supports GDP growth. Greater participation by women in production, exports and decision-making processes will enhance Türkiye’s global competitiveness. If we want to achieve ambitious export targets, we must establish an economic structure where women and men work together.”
“Of our 106 employees, 48 are men and 58 are women”
Stating that Türkiye’s high value-added production targets in exports can only be achieved through the effective use of human resources, Eskinazi added, “The greater participation of women in the production and export ecosystem is also of great importance for economic growth. Women’s participation in the workforce is not only a social gain but also a powerful lever for economic growth. Of our 106 employees, 48 are male and 58 are female. We established the Aegean Exporters’ Associations Young Exporters Council (GİK) to ensure that an approach centred on experienced and gender-balanced representation prevails in the EİB in the coming period. Gender representation is equal in the GİK. Elective general assemblies will be held in April 2026 in the 12 exporters’ associations under the EİB umbrella. We hope to see an increase in female representation on the management and supervisory boards following this process.”
Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator Chair of the Aegean Exporters’ Associations, concluded his remarks by celebrating International Women’s Day for all women who create value in production, exports, science and every aspect of life…
