18.12.2025 20:14
The Minister of Treasury and Finance, Mehmet Şimşek, stated that economic growth will accelerate in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia, adding that with the "Terror-Free Turkey" process, per capita income in the provinces covered by the GAP and DAP could double the national average in Turkey.
Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek stated that the increase in per capita income in the provinces covered by the GAP and Eastern Anatolia Project (DAP) will exceed the average in Turkey, saying, "With a terrorism-free Turkey, the East and Southeast will quickly close the gap with Turkey's developed regions."
CONFERENCE AT BATMAN UNIVERSITY
Minister Şimşek attended the conference titled "Global Challenges and Turkey" held at Batman University. The program at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Conference Hall in the West Raman Campus was attended by Governor Ekrem Canalp, AK Party Batman Deputy Ferhat Nasıroğlu, Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance Zekeriya Kaya, university administration, academics, and students.
HONORARY DOCTORATE FOR MINISTER ŞİMŞEK
Following the program, Minister Şimşek was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Senate of Batman University. Dressed in a gown by Rector Prof. Dr. İdris Demir, Şimşek expressed that the title holds great significance for him, stating that as a child of a family from Batman, this award makes him proud.
"TURKEY WILL BE MORE RESILIENT AGAINST AN AGING POPULATION"
Referring to Turkey's demographic structure, Şimşek noted that the working-age population will continue to increase over the next 8-10 years. Emphasizing the importance of increasing women's participation in the workforce, Şimşek highlighted that with the right reforms, Turkey's window of opportunity could extend into the 2040s and 2050s.
EMPHASIS ON 5G AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Pointing out the importance of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, Minister Şimşek stated that Turkey is ahead of similar countries in the IMF's Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index. He mentioned that fiber infrastructure has spread across the country and announced that advanced 5G technology will be launched next April.
"THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL IN THE EAST AND SOUTHEAST"
Şimşek noted that the "terrorism-free Turkey" process is critical for economic development, stating that approximately $2 trillion in losses have been incurred over the last 50 years due to terrorism. He expressed that the young population, incentives, and infrastructure in the region are ready, and that private sector investments will gain momentum.
INFLATION TARGET: SINGLE DIGIT
Evaluating economic targets, Şimşek announced that they aim to reduce inflation to below 20% by 2026 and to single digits the following year. He stated that budget discipline has been maintained and that the budget deficit has been kept under control despite earthquake expenditures.
UNIVERSITY MOSQUE OPENED
After the program, Minister Şimşek inaugurated the Batman University Mosque, which has been completed at the West Raman Campus. The opening, which took place with a prayer by Provincial Mufti Ahmet Durmuş, was attended by protocol members and university staff.