MUSIAD counters TUSIAD, calls for constructive solutions for Turkish economy

The Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MUSIAD) responded to a recent statement by the Turkish Industry and Business Association’s (TUSIAD) chair, Omer Aras, asserting that “the responsibility of Türkiye’s business community should focus on solution-oriented approaches and economic development.”

MUSIAD announced it held a high-level consultation meeting at its Istanbul headquarters on Saturday, attended by domestic branch presidents and board members. The meeting addressed strategies for planned activities in the new term, current agenda items, and the need for Türkiye’s business world to prioritize enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

The association highlighted Türkiye’s resilience in navigating recent challenges, including global crises, COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, wars, Feb. 6 earthquakes, and economic fluctuations. Despite these adversities, the statement noted Türkiye’s steady efforts in production, exports, and investments.

MUSIAD acknowledged that recent meetings between economic policymakers and business representatives have fostered unprecedented openness to dialogue and criticism, particularly on improving the investment climate and addressing economic issues.

However, it stressed that while tight monetary policy is necessary to combat inflation, structural reforms remain critical to resolving Türkiye’s chronic economic challenges. The association reiterated its concrete policy recommendations in this regard.

Response to TUSIAD’s remarks

Criticizing recent public statements from TUSIAD’s chair, MUSIAD claimed that those statements “unfortunately lack focus on economic development and risk undermining social harmony.”

MUSIAD urged business-oriented civil society organizations to avoid politically charged rhetoric and instead contribute constructively to Türkiye’s development journey.

The statement also cautioned against pessimistic narratives, noting that Türkiye is entering a disinflation phase, moving past its most severe economic challenges, and preparing to announce major investments.

It emphasized that morale-damaging rhetoric “benefits no one,” particularly amid positive developments such as progress toward peace in Syria, the nearing end of the Russia-Ukraine war, and stabilization efforts.

On Feb. 13, TUSIAD High Advisory Council Chairman Omer Aras pointed to recent developments in the country’s agenda, denouncing legal proceedings involving politicians, businesspeople, and journalists. Referring to the hotel fire tragedy at Bolu’s Kartalkaya ski resort, he said, “The system must have a self-correction mechanism. Those responsible should leave office, be held accountable, and be replaced by competent people.”

An investigation was launched against Aras the following day by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, on allegations of attempting to influence the fair trials and spreading false information that could disrupt public order.