Adnan Aslan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Steel Exporters' Association (ÇİB), stated that the 38 stadiums and infrastructure projects to be built in Morocco as part of the preparations for the 2030 World Cup offer important opportunities for the Turkish steel industry.
The sectoral trade delegation program organized by ÇİB in Casablanca on April 21-23 was attended by 38 representatives from 25 companies. Approximately 300 bilateral business meetings were held within the framework of the program.
Stating that they exported 472 thousand tons of steel to Morocco last year, Aslan stated, "A total of 38 stadiums will be built, the largest of which will have a capacity of 130 thousand people. Infrastructure and transportation projects are also progressing rapidly. We think that our steel sector will get a share from this mobility together with Turkish contractors. We know that some Turkish companies have already signed agreements with Moroccan companies. We believe that we can reach an export volume of 1 million tons as the steel industry in Morocco in the near future."
Pointing out that Morocco is the 5th largest economy in Africa, Aslan noted that 220 Turkish companies have a total investment of USD 1 billion in the country and that these investments provide employment for 15 thousand people. He added that Turkish contracting companies have so far carried out 93 projects worth USD 4.2 billion in Morocco.
Stating that the world's largest football stadium will also be built in Morocco, Aslan emphasized, “This stadium, which will be named Grand Stade Hassan II and will have a capacity of approximately 130 thousand people, will also be the home of the Moroccan national football team.”
Noting that the sector closed the first quarter of the year with 4.8 million tons of exports, an increase of 14% compared to the same period last year, Aslan stated that they realized exports worth USD 4 billion with an increase of 2% in terms of value. Aslan emphasized that they aim to complete the year with exports worth USD 18.5 billion with an increase of 5%.
Underlining that they attach special importance to the African market, Aslan stated that Türkiye has an advantage in terms of competition with Chinese companies in the region and continued as follows:
"Since the banking system is weak across Africa, the Chinese cannot sell on open account. Exporters in Türkiye sell their products through traders. With this method, the risk remains with the traders. Therefore, the Chinese are weak in Africa, while we can act stronger in this market."
Referring to the Chinese influence on world steel prices, Aslan pointed out that China exported 140 million tons of steel last year. Reminding that there was a crisis in the world steel industry when China's exports exceeded 80 million tons, Aslan added: "If China's construction and infrastructure investments increase in its domestic market, its exports will decrease and world steel prices will return to normal levels. Otherwise, it seems that the price pressure will continue this year."
ÇİB President Aslan added that as a result of the bilateral meetings held during the visit to Morocco, new agreements worth approximately USD 100 million were also on the agenda.
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