5G, the Digital Leap in Our Industry, and Logistics
I believe we are going through a period in which the global economy is being reshaped and geopolitical risks are directly affecting trade routes. Disruptions in supply chains have heightened the strategic importance of transportation corridors; meanwhile, the sustainability of industrial production is now evaluated not only in terms of capacity but also in terms of strong logistics infrastructure and digital capabilities. Türkiye holds a significant advantage in this new era due to its geographical location and production capacity, and I believe that transforming this advantage into a lasting competitive edge depends on the simultaneous advancement of logistics and digital transformation.
I would like to particularly emphasize that in today’s industry, logistics is no longer merely a matter of transport; it has become a critical competitive factor that determines costs, delivery times, and export performance. As projects such as the Middle Corridor and the Development Road position Türkiye at the center of global trade, this vision must be supported by a robust transportation infrastructure, as well as by smart and integrated systems. It is precisely at this point that I would like to remind you that digital transformation stands out as the most important factor redefining logistics.
I observe that digitalization in industry is making all processes from production to the supply chain more efficient, predictable, and flexible. I would like to specifically highlight that 5G technology is one of the most critical pillar of this transformation. With its high speed, low latency, and large data capacity, 5G enables real-time production management in factories while paving the way for the widespread adoption of smart systems in logistics. I believe we must all see the fact that autonomous transportation, smart ports, digital customs processes, and supply chains managed through real-time data flow have now become a concrete reality—not just a vision—thanks to the capabilities offered by 5G.
In this context, the participation of our Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, and the CEO of Türk Telekom, Mr. Ebubekir Şahin, in our General Assembly’s April meeting was one of the most valuable indicators of the strong collaboration between industry and the public sector. The close dialogue between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Türk Telekom, and the ICI, based on a visionary perspective, will further enhance the competitiveness of our industry.
As the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, I would also like to point out that the “Industrial Digital Transformation and 5G Cooperation Protocol” we signed with Türk Telekom during our General Assembly represents a concrete step toward this vision. Through this collaboration, we aim to create an ecosystem where our industrialists can experience 5G technology not merely as a theoretical concept, but directly within their production processes. I believe that with the 5G Experience Center to be established within ICI, our firms will have the opportunity to test new-generation technologies and create their own transformation roadmaps.
This protocol will also accelerate the integration of advanced technologies—such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing—into industry, helping our firms achieve their efficiency, quality, and sustainability goals. I would like to particularly emphasize that steps taken in the field of cybersecurity during this intense digital transformation process are an indispensable element for the continuity of production.
As the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, I firmly believe that digital transformation and 5G technologies, supported by a strong logistics infrastructure, will transform Türkiye into a transit point within global supply chains and also a hub generating high added value. Hoping that all our works toward this vision will translate into lasting gains that shape the future of our industry, I would like to thank our Minister, Mr. Uraloğlu, as well as Turkish Telekom CEO Mr. Ebubekir Şahin and all stakeholders who have made invaluable contributions to this process.
On this occasion, I once again celebrate April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day—a symbol of our nation’s sovereignty and a gift to our children—which we commemorated last month. I wish for all our children, the guarantee of our future, to reach tomorrows filled with health, safety, and hope. I also extend my congratulations to all our employees on May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day and wish everyone a month filled with peace and health.
Erdal Bahçıvan
Istanbul Chamber of Industry
Chairman of the Board of Directors