08.11.2013 Varşova / Polonya
In his speech at the Turkey – Poland Business Forum held in Warsaw, TOBB/DEİK President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they have come together as the two dynamic stars of the European economy, succeeding in breaking growth records while the economies of Europe struggle with crises.
Stating that Turkey
and Poland business communities have written success stories in their own
right, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “While the rich businessmen in developed countries
look for places to hide their money, we took risks and invested in the future
of our countries. We produced more, we exported more and we provided more
employment.”
Drawing attention to
the fact that the two fast fish of Europe, Turkey and Poland, are not
sufficiently familiar with each other, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Our
historical ties are very strong. We will celebrate the 600th
anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Unfortunately, our economic relations
are quite weak in comparison.”
Providing information
regarding Turkey’s economy, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Take Turkey today: It is the
largest industrial producer in the region between China and Italy; it is the
largest logistics centers and the country with the most stable financial
system.
Our construction
contractors who have completed construction projects in over 100 countries are
only the second strongest in their sector throughout the world. Our tourism
sector has hosted 32 million tourists yearly, 6th highest figure in
the world.
Turkey, with its 160
billion USD export volume almost completely comprised of industrial goods, is
the largest industrial supplier in its region. Exporting more than half of our
export volume to the competitive European and American markets, we make a
difference through our quality.
And what do we sell
to Poland which imports over 200 billion USD? Only 1.8 billion USD. The vice
versa is also applicable for Poland: How much goods do you sell to Turkey which
imports over 230 billion USD yearly? Only 3 billion USD.
This is an indication
that our business communities are not familiar enough with each other. It is in
our power to change this. By working together, we can make this situation so
much better.
I am of the opinion
that, in addition to trade, there is a significant investment potential. Turkey
has drawn in 123 billion USD in direct investments in the last ten years.
Likewise, Poland is one of the most directly invested in countries of the EU.
But looking at the figures, our investments with each other are zero.”
Inviting Polish
companies to trade with Turkey, the TOBB President said, “Let us develop
projects together and form an exemplary partnership of the 21st
century. Let us shape the future of Europe together. Both sides are successful
in certain sectors. We would be able to exchange our experiences through a new
generation of mechanisms, partnership models as well as the implementation of
proper legislative and managerial structures.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that Turkey is a gateway for Polish businessmen opening into a billion USD
market comprised of the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa and that
they could cooperate in a vast region.
Drawing attention to
the fact that the successes of Poland, one of EU’s newer members, and Turkey
which is still in membership negotiations, are very important for the future of
the European Union, Hisarcıklıoğlu went on to say: “Turkey’s membership process
is being unjustly blocked by some EU members. Contrary to the philosophy of the
Customs Union, the competitive power of Turkish companies via unfair visa and
transportation quotas,” and requested support for overcoming these unjust
applications.
- Economy Minister Çağlayan
Economy Minister
Zafer Çağlayan stated that bilateral relations would be developed further with
the visit conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Erdoğan comprised of
over 200 businessmen.
Stating that Turkey
and Poland have the potential to help the EU come out of the economic crisis it
finds itself in, Çağlayan talked briefly regarding the business opportunities
and partnership potential presented by Turkey.
Also during the
business forum, a cooperation agreement was signed between TOBB and the Poland
Chamber of Commerce.