Balıkesir’s Economic Strategy: Risk Management in Agriculture and Industry-Oriented Growth

Planned Growth in Industry and Exports The "Chance Conversations" meeting, hosted by the Balıkesir Chamber of Commerce (BATO) and the Balıkesir Chamber of Industry (BSO) in collaboration with EKONOMİ Newspaper, brought the city's economic vision and future strategies to the forefront.
Attended by business representatives, the event highlighted Balıkesir's export success and its strategic role in agricultural production.
BATO President Rahmi Kula pointed out the city's export performance in recent years, noting that while registered companies reached $1.38 billion in exports, the total figure rises to $2.6 billion when including companies headquartered elsewhere.
Kula stated that employment in the Organized Industrial Zone has risen to 19,000, emphasizing that Balıkesir is following a planned growth strategy to become a high-value-added industrial center.
Emphasis on Risk Management and Hedging in Agriculture Evaluating developments in global markets, economist Ali Ağaoğlu discussed the effects of fluctuations in the US bond market on gold and precious metals.
Ağaoğlu stressed that risk management is vital in the agricultural sector, suggesting that industrialists must secure their costs and farmers their revenues through the active use of hedging mechanisms.
Ağaoğlu also stated that Balıkesir should serve as a critical and strategic hub for Istanbul's food supply, leveraging its geographical and productive advantages.
Turkey’s Emerging Market: Balıkesir Şeref Oğuz, Chairman of the Editorial Board of EKONOMİ Newspaper, described Balıkesir as Turkey’s "emerging market" city, noting that its strategic depth is being combined with effective planning.
Hakan Güldağ drew attention to the importance of production power and access to critical raw materials in the global economy, reminding participants that more than 40% of Balıkesir's industry is currently based on agriculture.
The interactive portion of the meeting addressed current economic topics such as the fight against inflation, access to finance, VAT receivables for industrialists, and global trade policies.
The meeting concluded with the message that Balıkesir’s trade surplus structure will be further strengthened through value-added production and strategic risk management.