Unregistered economy and transparency: We consider that the measures to be taken urgently and decisively for preventing the unregistered economy, which almost punish the law-abiding companies, and which we consider as the priority problem of Turkey, will significantly contribute to the healthy operation of the Turkish economy. We believe that aiming for a Turkey, where income distribution is more fair, tax basis is wider, and unfair competition is avoided, by fighting with unregistered economy is a priority. On the other hand, we also believe that it is essential to; set the rules in a way so that they are clear and understandable, and do not include any content that would require subjective interpretations, which lead to discriminative implementations, and secure transparency so that the executive units put these rules into practice clearly, without interpretation and as laid down by the law.    

Taxes and incentives: Steps that will be taken to lower indirect taxes, which constitute a heavy burden on investors, would be an undertaking that would receive support from all investors - foreign and domestic alike – for impeding the unregistered economy. Development of incentive mechanisms and streamlining of the tax system are key elements of this undertaking. 

Employment and education: Compared to its competitors, employment taxes in Turkey, constitute a significant disadvantage before the evolution of mergers and acquisitions, which make up the majority of FDI inflows to Turkey today, to greenfield investment. Efforts to be given to secure the qualified workforce necessitated by investors, should also be evaluated as an element of the same concern. Foreign language teaching and vocational training should be set as priorities for configuring the workforce in accordance with existing requirements. 

Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights: International integration is not attainable, unless international standards are adopted. Infringement of intellectual and industrial property rights damage Turkey’s prestige considerably, and fuel unfair competition. Adoption of international standards on the subject of laws and regulations, and particularly the implementation of these, should be set as one of the targets. On the field of trademark protection, preventing the misleading of consumers should also be prioritized. It is essential to fix the shortages experienced in the implementation of regulatory amendments made recently on data protection. The accomplishment of a legal reform is extremely important, regarding the protection of these rights. 

R&D / Investments and Incentives: One of the most significant and permanent keystones of improved competitive power, is technology and R&D. The increases made in recent years in the funds allocated for R&D incentives from the budget, is pleasing. We wish that the efforts given for sustaining, extending and securing the effective use of these incentives continue; so that Turkey’s R&D capacity enlarges and investments oriented on this area, are attracted. 

Making Turkey an attractive destination for FDI particularly for greenfield investments: The continuity of FDI inflows, which have increased substantially in recent years, in the medium- and long term depends on whether or not Turkey will become a base for greenfield investment. Attracting high value-added, technology- focused and production-oriented investments is of critical importance for Turkey’s future. Investment Promotion and Support Agency of Turkey should, in this framework, carry on its works more effectively than ever. Turkey should develop competitive tax and incentive systems to facilitate greenfield investment inflows to Turkey. We ought to create advantages over our competitor countries if we are in request of large and employment-generating greenfield investments.

European Union: Progress to be achieved in all of the other priority issues will actually be developments that will open way for Turkey’s EU membership talks. Achievement of these developments, and Turkey’s success in ranking permanently among the top investment locations of the world, depends on the success of the talks to be carried out with the EU for full membership. It is extremely important to guard the priority of the issue on the agenda, by not letting the EU membership issue to drop from the agenda, and not losing pace in the efforts given for the negotiation process and lobbying activities.