Major Economic Summit to Convene in Düsseldorf

The 9th Turkish-German Economic Day will take place on April 18, 2026, at the Congress Center Düsseldorf, aiming to elevate bilateral trade dialogue between the two countries.

This year’s event will focus on strategic themes shaping the future of the economy, including Artificial Intelligence, Mobility 4.0, and new production models in an increasingly digitalized world.

The summit will provide a high-level platform for decision-makers from politics, business, and academia to explore opportunities in digital transformation and cross-border collaboration.

High-Level Participation from Politics and Business

The program will open with remarks by ATİAD Chairman Aziz Sarıyar and will feature prominent figures expected to shed light on the future of Turkish-German economic relations:

• Lars Klingbeil, Vice Chancellor of Germany and Federal Minister of Finance
• Hakan Aran, CEO of Türkiye İş Bankası
• Orhan Turan, Vice Chairman of the High Advisory Council at TÜSİAD
• ona Neubaur, Deputy Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia and Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy
• Gökhan Turan, Ambassador of Türkiye to Berlin
• Stephan Keller, Mayor of Düsseldorf

Three Key Panels: Digital Transformation, Sustainability, and Social Innovation

Moderated by Evren Zahirovic, the summit will host three main panel sessions featuring industry leaders and experts:

• Artificial Intelligence – New Perspectives in Economy and Mobility: Representatives from Microsoft, MHP – A Porsche Company, and AI Startup Factory will examine the transformative impact of AI on industry and next-generation business models, including ethical considerations and data-driven value creation.
• Mobility 4.0 – Toward a Sustainable Ecosystem: Senior executives from UPS, Uber, and Cologne Bonn Airport will discuss low-emission logistics chains, digitally integrated transport systems, and public-private partnerships.
• Social Economy – Innovative Production Models in a Digital World: Representatives from DHL Express and Henkel will present inclusive business models that combine economic efficiency with social responsibility, alongside circular production processes.

Regional Strength, Global Impact: Essen–Zonguldak Cooperation

The summit will also highlight the importance of regional partnerships on a global scale. Thomas Kufen, Mayor of Essen, and Metin Demir, President of the Zonguldak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will evaluate strategic cooperation potential between the two regions, including technology exchange, knowledge sharing, and support mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises.