Supply Chains

If Turkey’s corporate responsibility movement is to drive real organisational change, companies need to see that sustainability is more than philanthropy

Turkey, one of the fastest-growing emerging economies, is in the midst of major transformation. Since the 1980s, market deregulation has boosted foreign investment. The Turkish economy experienced boom-and-bust cycles throughout the 1990s, culminating in an economic crisis in 2001. Since then, structural reforms have brought political and economic stability. Now Turkey is the world’s 16th largest economy and is expected to grow at a rate of about 5% until at least 2015.

With a population of 71 million, Turkey is a huge potential market.While its economy is much smaller than the Bric countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), Turkey’s unique geopolitical position gives it a particular importance on the world stage.   

Turkey’s sights are focused on achieving membership of the European Union. While the accession process is likely to create adjustment costs and regulatory risks for business, it is expected to raise environmental, ethical, and social standards in...