Dear Minister,

Distinguished Deputy Ministers,

Director Generals,

President of Tubitak,

Distinguished Members of the Press,

 ➢ Dear participants,

➢ I am glad to attend this International Congress which is part of  “Enhancing The Rare Earth Elements Research and Innovation Capacity of Türkiye Project” (REE Project)

➢ As we all know, we share many goals and priorities when it comes to competitiveness of the industry, research, technology and innovation. Investing in these areas is increasingly crucial for shaping a better future through smart, sustainable, inclusive and green growth.

➢ Türkiye is closely integrated into the EU value chains and serves as a major production hub for EU companies i is important market for Turkish companies. The Competitive Sectors Programme under IPA is one of the most important tools to promote this cooperation and support;

• the green and digital transition of the Turkish industry,

• increasing the total factor productivity and

• enabling an innovation driven economy

➢ EU financial assistance has contributed to Turkiye’s progress in the field of competitiveness and innovation. Since 2007, Turkiye benefitted from EUR 780 million in the field of competitiveness and innovation and the Ministry of Industry and Technology has implemented numerous operational programmes.

 ➢ As of today, I am glad to see that through this ambitious programme we have been able to support: the digital transformation of the key sectors such as automobile, white goods and textiles. We have also supported the acceleration and commercialisation of the higher technologies creative industries, sustainable tourism projects and the preservation of the cultural heritage.

 *Only yesterday, I visited another project in this context in Kütahya, supporting digitalisation and creativity of the Çini Sector.

➢ The programme allows us to invest in a wide range of sectors such as energy, biotechnology, logistics, tourism, furniture, agro-food, automobile, textile, white goods, Rare Earth Elements (REEs).

➢ Rare Earth Elements are crucial raw materials and play a indispensable role for sustainable high-tech production such as solar panels, electric vehicles, computers, smartphones and renewable energy.

➢ Today's technological developments are rapidly increasing the strategic importance and value of REE. Research and development studies, innovative ideas, training of experts are important components to support the sustainable supply of REEs.

➢ The 2-year project, to which the European Union has contributed close to EUR 12 million focuses on

1. strengthening the national REE ecosystem,

2. improve Munzur University Rare Earth Elements Application and Research Center

3. establish a recycling facility at the General Directorate of Mineral Research Exploration (MTA),

4. provide training and consultancy for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and stakeholders and

5. raise awareness about REEs.

➢ 70% of the global supply of rare earths is controlled from a single country (China), which creates challenges in the supply chain.The supply of these elements, which are indispensable in the production activities of strategic sectors, still poses high risks. In addition, research and development studies for disciplines such as chemistry and metallurgy are insufficient in this field. There is a lack of laboratory infrastructure to be used in the extraction and purification of these elements, as well as in the design and production of high value-added products based on these elements.

➢ This is why we hope that this project will contribute to improving the business environment, and strengthening research, technological development and innovation, which are in the interest of both Türkiye and the EU.

Let me finish by thanking to Minister,  Ministry& University…