Türkiye’s GDP Expected to Hit $1.6 Trillion in 2026
Türkiye’s GDP Expected to Hit $1.6 Trillion in 2026, Says Trade Minister
Ömer Bolat announces historic growth figures at Tsinandali forum, emphasising Caucasus cooperation and digital transformation.
Türkiye’s GDP is projected to reach $1.6 trillion in 2026, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced during the Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Georgia Business Forum in Tsinandali, Georgia. The figure marks a sixfold increase compared to 2002, the year President Erdoğan took office.
Bolat underlined that GDP per capita is expected to reach $18,000 – a level that would position Türkiye as the fifth-largest economy in Europe. The minister described the gathering as the “Davos of the Caucasus,” highlighting its role in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering opportunities between governments and businesses.
“We are not only neighbours but also strategic partners in energy, logistics, and technology. Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia form a vital triangle for global supply chains.”
— Ömer Bolat, Turkish Trade Minister
Geostrategic hub and sectoral potential
Bolat pointed out that the three countries possess unique geostrategic importance as key hubs in global energy and logistics networks. According to the minister, this partnership offers untapped growth potential in several sectors:
- ports and maritime transport (modernisation of Caspian and Black Sea terminals)
- civil aviation and cargo airlines
- IT & AI — joint artificial intelligence initiatives and tech corridors
- renewable energy interconnection and smart grids
The minister stressed the responsibility of officials to facilitate business and promote closer economic integration in the region. “Our task is to remove bureaucratic obstacles and create seamless investment environments,” Bolat told forum participants.
📈 2026 outlook – key indicators
- GDP: $1.6 trillion (6× higher than 2002)
- GDP per capita: $18,000
- Europe rank: 5th largest economy
- event: “Davos of the Caucasus”
Regional cooperation and the "Davos of the Caucasus"
The Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Georgia forum, held in the Georgian town of Tsinandali, brought together more than 300 business leaders and government officials. Bolat praised the event’s growing influence and noted that trilateral meetings have already led to concrete customs and digital trade facilitation protocols.
⚠️ Important: While the growth figures are impressive, the minister warned that global inflation and energy supply risks require close coordination. “We must stay vigilant and diversify our corridors,” he added, urging businesses to invest in digital infrastructure and AI readiness.
In a remark aimed at protectionist tendencies, Bolat said: “Trade barriers are a dead end. We will not allow unnecessary red tape to hinder our economic integration.”
