Capital: The Turkish business community is sending a strong message of unity and support for the economy after July 15. What are your thoughts on this new period?
Davut Karaçak: As a country, we have gone through a significant test on July 15. I pray for the martyrs who paid for this test with their lives and wish patience to their families. I also wish urgent healing to our wounded. This treacherous attack was directed at our honor and the national unity of the Turkish people. It has also highlighted the need for Turkey to reduce its dependence on external factors while increasing its production capacity. We must work harder and produce more for economic independence. We need to create national software, national design, and national industry. There is no other way for us as a nation to break free from these shackles. As our elders say, there is good in every misfortune, and we will emerge from this troubled period even stronger as a country. We trust in these lands and this nation.
What are you doing or planning to do to support the business world and the economy?
The most important thing for us, the producing soldiers of this country, is to continue on our path with even more determination without giving up our focused goals. The events have motivated us to work and produce even harder. Our responsibilities have doubled. Without falling into despair, we are at the helm of our businesses. Without becoming a burden on our state and by alleviating the load on it, we are trying to increase our production capacity through new hiring and creating new markets while exceeding our existing investment planning. We are doing our utmost to meet the export targets set for 2023.
Do you expect any significant changes in your sector's performance? Will performance be better after July 15?
Without a doubt, it will be better than before July 15. Our people have proven their trust in themselves and their democracy. This has opened up new job opportunities and reliable sources, especially for Europe, which was slow to understand this situation. New investments will come to Turkey through new company mergers. The key is to effectively communicate ourselves to the world. The furniture sector is advantageous in attracting investors and partners due to its growing and developing nature. As a country, we are a candidate to become Europe’s production hub. We are strong in terms of workforce and machinery investment, and the countries we are in contact with are aware of this and are trying to benefit from it. As a sector, we are dedicated to our work with all our strength.
What are your thoughts on the sector's 2023 goals? Will the sector meet its goals?
As a sector, our export figure in 2015 was $2.4 billion. Our annual growth target is approximately five times higher than the country’s target. For 2023, the furniture sector has set a goal of $10 billion. We believe we can exceed this target. Why am I so confident? Because of the incoming requests and the sector’s serious and disciplined approach to work, as well as its emphasis on design quality. We will fulfill our responsibilities to achieve this planning. The established goals also ensure that businesses continuously take action. The most important aspect of our efforts is exports; we are constantly seeking new markets and customers in collaboration with our government and institutions. We are introducing Turkish furniture to the world. Our goal is to leave no corner of the country unexplored, as we believe this will ultimately lead to success.
How did the company perform in 2015? How is 2016 going for you? Will there be changes in your year-end targets? What are your expectations regarding turnover and other parameters?
We cannot say that we were unaffected by the global situation; we were certainly impacted by the difficulties of neighboring countries due to their proximity. The transition from stagnation to recovery in the European economy gives us hope. While we struggled to meet our goals in 2015, we did not surpass them. Our targets for 2016 are not different from those of 2015. The Turkish economy is also rising in parallel with the global economy.
We are a young and dynamic society with an average age of 28.5. Our internal dynamics are lively and open to consumption, which is an optimistic sign for businesses' internal capacities. The external capacity, namely the export side, is crucial for 2016. Turkish businessmen are connecting their businesses with variable markets instead of tying them to fixed markets, with key target markets being Africa, America, and the Middle East. These markets are undeveloped and open to growth, and we are making the most of these opportunities. This will help us achieve our 2016 targets.
Are you planning any new investments as a company? Will there be changes or delays in investments, or can you share your new investment plans?
We are planning investments. Especially new production facilities and new showrooms are being planned as sales points both in Turkey and worldwide. We do not have any plans for investment delays; these are very advantageous times for investment.
What are your goals for 2023 as a company? Where do you plan to be in 2023? What is your roadmap to achieve this plan?
Our goals for 2023 have been set. Accordingly, we are working to increase both our production capacity and our sales channels. We aim to achieve the export target of $10 billion set for 2023 as a sector and as a company.
Is there anything else you would like to add, and can you provide more information about the company?
We trust our country, our customers, our suppliers, and our employees. We will continue to contribute to our economy with all our efforts and endeavors.
Published in Capital Magazine, September 2016 issue.
