Every nation maintains an unspoken balance sheet that reflects the global perception of its capabilities. This ledger, though never made public, is compiled through various actions—from the reliability of airlines and the success of television shows to the pivotal work of engineers constructing vital infrastructures like hospitals and railways. Each entry on this balance sheet impacts the entire economy: the performance of one sector enhances the credibility of all, while failures can cast a shadow over the collective reputation.
Türkiye’s Contracting Sector: A Rising Power
In light of this context, Türkiye’s contracting industry is noteworthy. Recently, the Trade Ministry revealed that 43 Turkish firms made it onto Engineering News-Record’s prestigious list of the Top 250 International Contractors for 2026. This places Türkiye just behind China, which has 75 companies on the list. Last year, Turkish contractors executed international projects totaling $24.9 billion, which accounts for 4.5% of the global market, positioning Türkiye as the seventh-largest player globally, even ahead of countries like Japan and the Netherlands. Since embarking on its first project in Libya in 1972, Turkish contractors have tackled nearly 13,000 projects across 138 nations, amassing a staggering worth of over $567 billion.
The Power of Proven Performance
The strategic advantage of Türkiye’s contracting sector is evident in the way projects are won. A prime example is Uganda’s recent decision to terminate its agreement with a Chinese contractor for the Malaba to Kampala railway after eight years of inaction. Upon turning to a Turkish contractor, Ugandan officials voiced their confidence based on the successful completion of over 500 kilometers of railway in neighboring Tanzania. This reference effect illustrates the critical nature of past performance in capturing new contracts, highlighting the significance of reputation over mere promises in the contracting realm.
In contracting, a client can’t test a project before signing the deal; they invest based on trust and established reputation. Each completed project enhances Türkiye’s brand, contributing to the national account rather than just the busy ledger of individual firms. This collective reputation acts as a bridge for future transactions, allowing Turkish contractors to tap into a reservoir of trust built over years of successful deliveries.
Infrastructure as a Tool of Diplomacy
The foundation for this success stems from decades of infrastructural development within Türkiye itself. Over 25 years, the nation has engaged in an extensive infrastructure program that includes new airports, high-speed rail systems, and public-private partnership hospitals. These domestic projects have not only honed the skills of Turkish contractors but also generated a wealth of experience that is now being exported globally. A prime example includes the innovative water pipeline linking the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the mainland—a feat achieved by a Turkish contractor that remains unprecedented.
This logic also shines through in major international contracts, such as the $4.3 billion Terminal 2 project at Kuwait’s international airport, the largest awarded to a single Turkish firm abroad. With its capacity to handle 25 million passengers annually, this terminal is likely to be the first point of contact for both investors and citizens—a long-lasting representation of Türkiye’s capabilities.
The Loop of Soft Power
Healthcare infrastructure amplifies public perception even further. The training and research hospital established in Mogadishu serves an impressive 40,000 patients each month, illustrating the direct impact on Turkish public opinion in Africa. Referred to locally as the Erdoğan Hospital, the facility fosters an immediate and positive association with Türkiye in the minds of Somali citizens.
The synergy between Turkish Airlines, which connects to over 130 countries, and Turkish contractors further strengthens this soft power. As new airports are built, Turkish Airlines often serves these newly created hubs, enabling passengers to experience the efficiency of both the flight and the airport. This combined delivery fosters a strong, coherent image of Türkiye—one that relies heavily on proven reliability and efficiency.
In the intricate web of international relations, this form of soft power—rooted not in culture but in demonstrated capabilities—creates mutual dependencies that facilitate cooperation. As Türkiye cements its standing in vital sectors and maintains its reputation for delivering quality projects, it consolidates its position on the global stage, influencing diplomatic engagements as much as economic transactions. The success of Turkish contractors is not merely an economic advantage; it’s a vital component of Türkiye’s broader foreign policy strategy.