16.10.2013 İstanbul
The President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and the Vice President of EUROCHAMBRES, Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Success in Turkey’s membership talks with the EU will benefit all of Europe. Past experiences have shown that expansion is a win-win situation for all involved.”
During his speech at
the EUROCHAMBRES Economic Forum held at the Golden Horn Congress Hall,
Hisarcıklıoğlu voiced his assessments on the issues of Turkey-EU relations, the
financial crisis, the Transatlantic Agreement and the success of the private
sector in Turkey.
Hisarcıklıoğlu said,
“The European Union is showing a general tendency to leave the economic crisis
behind. The recession, which has lasted for nearly 6 quarters, ended on the 2nd
quarter of 2013. Turkey, which is a part of the European economy, is directly
effected by the developments in the European economy. Turkey is the 7th
largest supplier in Europe. Our share of the European market is 2.7%. We rank 5th
in Europe’s export markets. Turkey’s share of Europe’s exports is 4.7%.
Consequently, Turkey and Europe are like the two sides of the same coin. The
problems of the one effect the other. On the other hand we are able to
positively impact each other as well.
In short our business
communities are already partners. The figures show that Turkey will not be a
burden for Europe – quite the contrary, it will help shoulder Europe’s burdens.
The way to overcoming the stagnation in Europe’s economy is through increased
integration and expansion. Success in Turkey’s membership talks with the EU
will benefit all of Europe. Past experiences have shown that expansion is a
win-win situation for all involved. Many EU citizens have lost confidence in
their governments. Only 30% are behind integration. We must focus on this as
the European business community. We must emphasize the advantages of being a
unified and joint European market.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that the global crisis has shown the importance of staying competitive and said
that it was necessary to take steps to protect SMEs.
Talking about the success
of the private sector in regards to Turkey’s economy, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported
that Turkey was the only OECD country to not need direct monetary aid from
public administration.
- EU Minister Bağış
The European Union
Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış stated that it was a pleasure to be
hosting their guests in İstanbul. Bağış reported that Turkey was drifting away
from Europe with each passing day as a result of the extremely prolonged
membership process.
Stating that Turkey’s
membership is a process to globalize the peace project embodied in the EU,
Bağış said that if Turkey becomes a member, free from prejudice, it could
greatly benefit EU as well as rendering the European Union a more influential
actor in global affairs.
- Customs and Commerce Minister Yazıcı
Customs and Commerce
Minister Hayati Yazıcı stated that trade should not only be a simple give and
take but should be to construct cultural bridges, to serve the world and
humanity.
Yazıcı stated that
the Akhism culture, the basis of the chamber/exchange system, dictates that
ethical value supersede all economic activities.
Emphasizing that
ensuring a just global economic structure is a priority; Yazıcı said that, even
within Europe, there exists a great wealth disparity.
Touching on the
subject of Turkey’s EU membership, Minister Yazıcı said that Turkey is in a
better position than some EU member countries in regards to the Maastricht
criteria; budget deficit ratio to GNP as well as lower business risk.
- EUROCHAMBRES President Barberis
EUROCHAMBRES
President Alessandro Barberis stated that the Economic Forum has an important
function in the decision making process of the business community and that
chambers demand global policy solutions.
- EU Council Chairman Van Rompuy
EU Council Chairman
Herman Van Rompuy took part in the Forum via a recorded video message, stating
that Europe has never needed unity and solidarity more than it does now.
He stated that
although the threats to the Euro have been removed, the Euro zone economy is
still below what it used to be in 2007.