GÜRSEL BARAN:

"TÜRKIYE RANKS AMONG THE WORLD'S TOP 10 HEALTH TOURISM DESTINATIONS"

"We deliver high-quality healthcare services to the world by combining excellence with technological capability and cost advantages."

28 October 2025- The opening ceremony of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) stand at the Global Health Exhibition 2025, one of the most prominent healthcare exhibitions in the Gulf region-where ATO has undertaken the official national participation organization of Türkiye-was held in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The ceremony was attended by Gürsel Baran, Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye Mahmut Gürcan, and Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Riyadh Emrullah İşler.

At the exhibition, held between 27–30 October 2025 with the support of the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, ATO is representing the Turkish healthcare sector with the participation of 21 companies, showcasing Türkiye's manufacturing capacity, technological competence, and high service standards to the international community.

"A SIGNIFICANT GLOBAL ACTOR IN HEALTHCARE"

In his remarks, Gürsel Baran, Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, noted that this marks the first time ATO has represented Türkiye at the exhibition through an official national participation organization. Emphasizing Türkiye's substantial progress in healthcare over the past two decades, Baran stated:

"With modern city hospitals established through public–private partnerships, digitally integrated smart healthcare systems, a rapidly expanding medical devices and pharmaceuticals industry, a highly qualified human capital base, high service standards, and notable achievements in health tourism, Türkiye has become a significant global actor. Today, we deliver high-quality healthcare services by combining technological excellence with cost advantages, not only to our citizens but also to the entire region and the world. Türkiye ranks among the top 10 health tourism destinations globally."

USD 10 BILLION BILATERAL TRADE TARGET

Referring to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's reform agenda under Vision 2030, Baran noted that Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as one of the leading healthcare ecosystems of the future.

"We believe Turkish companies can play a key role in supporting the modernization and strengthening of Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector in line with these objectives. We also consider this exhibition highly valuable in further advancing our trade relations. Our current bilateral trade volume stands at approximately USD 7 billion. As of 2025, we have set a target of USD 10 billion, with the ambition of increasing it further," he stated.

DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRADE MAHMUT GÜRCAN

Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan stated that the friendship between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia is reinforced not only by historical ties, but also by shared objectives, mutual trust, and a strong forward-looking commitment.

"The Global Health Exhibition 2025 will serve as a catalyst for lasting partnerships and new success stories for both our companies and our countries," he said.

Gürcan highlighted Saudi Arabia's advanced infrastructure, strategic location, and its role as host to high-level international events, emphasizing that the exhibition offers a comprehensive platform showcasing innovations ranging from advanced healthcare technologies and AI-powered medical solutions to cold-chain logistics and digital health platforms. He underlined that the diverse participant profile demonstrates that the event serves not only as a commercial venue, but also as a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic vision-building.

He further noted that Türkiye's service exports reached USD 106 billion in 2023, recording growth above the global average. As of 2024, this figure increased by 8 percent to USD 115.2 billion. Within this total, "other business services," which include the exhibition sector, accounted for USD 6.1 billion. He emphasized that Türkiye's service sectors have become a driving force of the national economy, not only through their scale, but also through their contribution to the current account balance, employment generation, and high added value. Information technology and health tourism services stand out prominently, with IT exports reaching USD 5.3 billion in 2024 and health tourism revenues approaching USD 3 billion.

Gürcan also stated that significant importance is attached to supporting companies operating in strategic sectors in their participation in international events. In this context, 14 information technology and 4 health tourism events to be organized in Saudi Arabia in 2025 have been included in the Ministry's official support list. These measures enhance the visibility of Turkish companies in the Gulf market and strengthen Türkiye's international promotional capacity.

AMBASSADOR OF TÜRKIYE TO RIYADH, EMRULLAH İŞLER

Ambassador Emrullah İşler noted that relations between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia continue to develop across all sectors. He stated that more than 40 Turkish companies are participating in the Global Health Exhibition 2025.

"As a former Member of Parliament for Ankara and as an Ankara native, I would like to express my pride and satisfaction at seeing ATO represented here. I wish all participating companies every success. There are significant opportunities for cooperation in the healthcare field, and I am confident that our companies will thoroughly explore these prospects during their meetings throughout the exhibition," he said.

Ambassador İşler further emphasized that Saudi Arabia is making substantial efforts to attract investment under its Vision 2030 framework, and that such organizations are mutually beneficial for all stakeholders involved.

Highlighting the creativity, productivity, and industrious spirit of the Turkish people, he concluded by expressing his hope for a productive and successful exhibition.

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES PRESENTED TO 21 COMPANIES

Following the opening ceremony, plaques were presented to 21 companies participating under the ATO stand, representing the production strength, technological capability, and service quality of the Turkish healthcare sector.

The program was also attended by ATO Assembly President Mustafa Deryal; Vice Chairmen of the Board Temel Aktay and Halil İbrahim Yılmaz; Vice President of the Assembly Ali İhsan Özdemir; Board Members Adem Ali Yılmaz and Ali İhsan Güçlü; as well as committee chairs, assembly members, and ATO Deputy Secretary General Abdurrahman Karabudak.