Ankara’s Logistics Ambitions

Türkiye is becoming an indispensable gateway between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Gürsel Baran, chairman of the board at the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, explains how the capital city is emerging as one of the nation’s most important logistics centers.

From Issue 2, 2026 of Breakbulk Magazine.

Q: How would you describe Türkiye’s position in the logistics sector?

GB: Türkiye is one of the key players in global logistics thanks to its geographical location, transportation infrastructure, large trade volume and dynamic economy. Positioned on the transit corridor of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Türkiye serves as a natural connection point in east–west and north–south trade flows. From our country, it is possible to reach 67 countries within a four-hour flight radius. This geographical advantage enables Türkiye to function as a hub for logistics and transportation activities.

The logistics sector holds a significant place within Türkiye’s service industry. Today, the size of the logistics sector stands at approximately US$110 billion, while export revenues reach around US$42 billion. We are closely following the developments related to the Strait of Hormuz together with the rest of the world. At a time when the global trade map is being reshaped, Türkiye stands out as a reliable supply base and logistics hub. Thanks to the integrated functioning of port, air, road and rail connections, the country is on a path of sustainable growth in both goods trade and logistics service exports.

Q: Could you elaborate on the transformation the logistics sector has undergone in recent years

GB: Digitalization and AI are at the forefront of the major transformation drivers in logistics. AI-supported route planning, warehouse automation and data analytics applications have the potential to increase operational efficiency while reducing costs. A significant portion of companies in Türkiye have already accelerated their transition to these technologies.

Türkiye’s position as a bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East is considered one of its greatest advantages in logistics. Initiatives such as the Development Road Project and new trade corridors have the potential to position Türkiye at the center of alternative supply chains. At a time when global supply chains are being restructured, Europe’s search for sourcing from nearby regions further increases Türkiye’s importance. This creates new opportunities, particularly in export logistics.

In the coming years, Türkiye aims to rise in global logistics performance rankings and become a regional distribution hub. Achieving this goal would allow the country to play a decisive role not only in transportation but also in supply chain management. However, to realize this potential, it is crucial to continue infrastructure investments, facilitate access to financing, and accelerate technology-driven transformation.

Q: What are your views on e-commerce logistics?

GB: The pandemic period we experienced globally revealed the importance of flexibility and market diversification in logistics. Dependence on a single market can create vulnerabilities. In this context, Türkiye has introduced a “distant countries strategy” in exports, extending its export range from 2,000 kilometers to 8,500 kilometers. This strategic expansion is also highly significant for the logistics sector.

I believe that the upcoming period will be marked by further growth in e-commerce, accompanied by digital transformation and automation within the logistics sector.

Q: How do you evaluate Ankara’s strategic position in transportation and logistics?

GB: When we assess Ankara from a transportation and logistics perspective, we are not only referring to a capital city but also to the heart of a multi-layered geographical and economic center. Türkiye’s position as a junction between Asia and Europe, and between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, makes it a natural logistics bridge on a global scale. Located at the very center of this broader picture, Ankara is among the cities best positioned to leverage this advantage.

From a historical perspective, this role of Ankara is not new. As a city located on the ancient Silk Road, it has long been a crossroads not only for trade but also for knowledge, cultures, beliefs and ideas. Today, this historical legacy is being reshaped through modern transportation infrastructure and logistics investments.

Ankara’s central location provides fast and efficient access to all parts of the country. With highspeed rail, extensive road networks and international flights, Ankara serves as the “Gateway of Anatolia to the World.” This offers a major advantage in logistics planning. Minimizing delivery times, reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency highlight the critical importance of Ankara’s location.

Therefore, Ankara should be regarded not only as an administrative center but also as a strategic actor at the core of Türkiye’s logistics network. With the right investments and planning, it has the potential to become not just a regional but a global logistics hub.

Q: How are global developments affecting Ankara’s logistics role?

GB: Recent global developments have made the importance of transportation and logistics more visible than ever. Particularly during the pandemic, significant disruptions occurred in supply chains, pushing countries to seek alternative routes. The risks of dependence on traditional logistics lines became more apparent.

In this process, Türkiye has emerged as an alternative and reliable route thanks to its geographical location. The emergence of new corridors in Asia– Europe transportation has increased Türkiye’s strategic importance. In this context, the “Middle Corridor,” which extends from China through Central Asia, the Caspian region, and Türkiye to Europe, has gained significant importance in global trade.

As one of the most critical links in this corridor, Türkiye is strengthening its position, while Ankara is becoming more visible in this new era. Ankara should now be viewed not merely as a transit point but as a center where logistics processes are planned, managed and directed.

Regional developments in our neighboring geography also enhance the strategic importance of logistics. Regional crises, disruptions in trade routes and shifting economic balances make countries and cities with strong logistics infrastructure more advantageous. In this regard, Ankara stands out with its robust infrastructure and central location.

As global trade is being reshaped, Ankara’s role is also evolving. The city is becoming not only a point of physical transportation but also a center where logistics strategies are developed, new partnerships are formed and the direction of trade is determined.

Q: Why is multimodal transportation important in logistics, and where does Ankara stand in this regard?

GB: Today, one of the most critical factors determining competitiveness in logistics is the ability to integrate different modes of transportation. It is now clear that systems relying solely on road or rail are no longer sufficient. This is where the concept of “multimodal transportation” comes into prominence.

Multimodal transportation refers to the integrated operation of different transport modes in a complementary manner. This system provides both cost advantages and increased operational efficiency.

Railways stand out with their high capacity and environmentally friendly nature, while road transport maintains its indispensability through flexibility and accessibility. Air transport offers speed, especially for high value-added goods. The real success lies in designing these modes not as competitors but as complementary elements.

Ankara is one of the most advantageous cities in Türkiye in this regard. Its location at the intersection of road, rail and air networks provides a strong foundation for multimodal transportation. One of the key supporting elements of this infrastructure is projects such as the Ankara Logistics Base.

The Ankara Logistics Base serves as a center where different transportation modes converge, and where goods are efficiently managed and distributed. With such investments, Ankara is evolving into not only a production and consumption center but also a strong logistics hub.

Moreover, logistics is no longer limited to physical transportation. Digitalization, data management, intelligent transport systems and sustainability have become integral parts of the sector. Ankara has the potential not only to keep pace with this transformation but also to lead it.

Q: What is the vision of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce in this field?

GB: As the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, we consider transportation and logistics as a strategic sector for Ankara’s economic development. Logistics costs, access speed and the quality of transportation infrastructure directly affect trade competitiveness.

In this context, our priority is to further strengthen Ankara’s logistics infrastructure and transform the city from a regional center into a global logistics hub. Expanding organized logistics zones, increasing railway connections, and digitalizing transportation processes are key components of this vision.

We also believe that collaboration among the public sector, private sector, and academia plays a critical role in this process. The development of the logistics sector should be supported not only by infrastructure investments but also by knowledge production, human capital, and technology.

We are ready to work in cooperation with all stakeholders to make the best use of Ankara’s potential. We believe that Ankara can become a city that brings together East and West, integrates trade and logistics, and serves as a strong attraction center in its region.

In conclusion, Ankara is the heart of Türkiye. For this heart to beat strongly, its transportation arteries must function quickly, efficiently, and in an integrated manner. Every step taken in line with this vision will enhance not only Ankara’s but also Türkiye’s and the wider region’s economic strength.

Q: Could you explain the importance of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce’s participation in Breakbulk Europe and bringing its members to this event?

GB: Participation in a prestigious international exhibition such as Breakbulk Europe represents not just a visit but a strategic expansion for the business community. As the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, we are pleased to bring our members to this important event with the support of our Ministry of Trade.

Breakbulk Europe is one of the world’s largest meeting points for project cargo, heavy-lift logistics and supply chain management. It brings together a broad ecosystem, from ports and logistics companies to energy projects and infrastructure investment decision makers. It not only offers participants the opportunity to establish new business connections but also provides a platform to observe the trends shaping global trade onsite.

Today, competition is no longer local but global. Therefore, it is crucial for our companies to enhance their access to international markets, develop new partnerships and closely follow innovations in their sectors. Breakbulk Europe offers a unique platform precisely for these purposes.

Through this visit, we believe that our members will gain opportunities to expand into new markets, establish international partnerships, discover solutions that will make their logistics processes more efficient and achieve a stronger position in global competition.

As the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, our goal is to expand our members’ gateways to the world, increase their competitiveness and enhance the visibility of Ankara’s business community on the international stage. We consider our organization for Breakbulk Europe as an important part of this vision.

Top photo: Gürsel Baran, chairman of the board. Credit: Ankara Chamber of Commerce

Second photo: Yilport Gebze Bulk Cargo Terminal in Kocaeli, Türkiye. Credit: Ankara Chamber of Commerce