Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 hr ago
World Bank chief says AI could open opportunities for Türkiye’s small firms
At a business summit during COP31 in Antalya, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said AI and digital tools could create opportunities for Türkiye’s small firms.
These tools can make it possible to start businesses with fewer employees, but entrepreneurs still need skills and venture capital.
BBVA Chairman Carlos Torres Vila said Türkiye could gain by adopting AI to improve productivity, even without developing the most advanced systems.
He also warned that AI’s rising electricity demand puts pressure on power systems, which need more generation, stronger grids and storage.
Türkiye’s leaders said the country wants to connect climate action with economic development and bring small and medium-sized businesses into the green transition.
The Climate Implementation Bridge aims to turn countries’ climate priorities into projects that can attract investment, and Türkiye wants its businesses to win a larger share of that funding.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said technology adoption could create opportunities for Türkiye’s small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
Speaking at COP31 in Antalya on Nov. 12, 2026, he said artificial intelligence and digital tools could let businesses start with fewer people.
Banga said entrepreneurs still needed skills and venture capital, and identified logistics and transportation as areas of opportunity.
BBVA Chairman Carlos Torres Vila said Türkiye could gain productivity by deploying AI, while warning that its electricity needs were putting pressure on power systems.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said Türkiye wanted climate policy to support economic development, energy security and industrial competitiveness.
- Who
- World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. BBVA Chairman Carlos Torres Vila and Türkiye Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz also spoke.
- What
- Banga said technology adoption, including AI, could create opportunities for Türkiye’s small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
- When
- Nov. 12, 2026.
- Where
- The Business and Investment Summit at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
- Why
- Technology could help businesses start with fewer people and improve productivity. Banga said entrepreneurs still needed skills and venture capital.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz spoke at the summit’s opening about Türkiye’s climate and economic priorities.
Ajay Banga spoke at the Business and Investment Summit about technology opportunities for small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
Banga stressed the importance of local action in his closing remarks.
- Event
- COP31 Business and Investment Summit
- Location
- Antalya, Türkiye
- Date
- Nov. 12, 2026
- World Bank Group president
- Ajay Banga
- BBVA chairman
- Carlos Torres Vila
What people are saying
To me, the important thing about Türkiye was the level of absorption of technology in day-to-day life
The opportunity is in deploying the technology and using it for productivity