07.11.2013 Stockholm / Sweden
TOBB/DEİK President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, in his speech at the Turkey – Sweden Business Forum, said, “Today, Turkey is one of the most important actors with its competitive economy driven by sustainable growth.”
The Turkey –
Sweden Business Forum took place in Stockholm with the attendances of TOBB/DEİK
President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan, Sweden
Minister of the Treasury Anders Borg, Business Sweeden CEO Bo Dankis, TİM
President Mehmet Büyükekşi.
Speaking at the
Forum, TOBB/DEİK President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the global
economy is entering a new period of change; that Europe and neighboring regions
are reshaped by financial crises and public movements, while Turkey continues
to grow and develop with stable steps despite it all.
- Turkey is one of the most important actors in the
region with its economy
Emphasizing that
this success is built upon strong foundations, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “In the
last 10 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,
Turkey has advanced significantly both in regards of politics as well as
economics. Turkey is able to compete today, has a strong workforce and is one
of the most important actors in the region with its economy based on
sustainable growth.
Turkey is the
region’s largest industrial manufacturer, the largest industrial exporter, the
largest logistical center and the country with the most robust financial
system.”
Stating that
Turkey is the largest industrial goods supplier in the region with an export
portfolio comprised almost completely of industrial goods, Hisarcıklıoğlu said,
“We have even greater goals. We have much more ground to cover, many more steps
to take. In this regard, we are following Sweden’s economic development very
closely.”
- The fresh blood Sweden needs is Turkey
TOBB President
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that, at a time when developed economies are slowing down
while developing countries gain momentum, Sweden needs fresh blood to maintain
its strong economic structure and will find it in Turkey with its dynamic and
young population, developing economy and profitable investment environment.
Reminding that
265 Swedish capital companies have already invested 3.3 billion USD Turkey,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We, the Turkish private sector, invite more Swedish
companies to Turkey. Come and invest in Turkey, trade with Turkish companies.
Let us all profit together.”
- Economic and political cooperation
Stating that
they are interested in cooperation in all fields, the TOBB President went on,
“In addition to economic cooperation, we believe that political cooperation is
also of the utmost importance.
As you well
know, Turkey has been on the path to the EU since the signing of the Ankara
Agreement in 1963. There have been quite a few milestones during this journey
Joining the
Customs Union in 1996, with our membership being ratified in 1999 during the
Helsinki Summit and the beginning of negotiations in 2005 are among the many
milestones we’ve passed during this process.
This journey
which we started with great keenness, is in danger of losing momentum in terms
of interest. According to the German Marshall Fund’s research, the support for
Turks’ membership to the EU has fallen from 73% in 2004 to 44% today.
The primary
reason for this is the unjust obstacles put up by some member countries, unfair
treatment and double standards.”
- Hisarcıklıoğlu relayed the problems
Relaying the
problems they face as the business community, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that
Turkish entrepreneurs are still subject to visas when entering the EU market;
that they are unable to understand why Turkish businessmen who would be
benefiting everyone with their business in Europe are still subject to visa
obstacles.
Drawing
attention to another problem, transportation quotas, the TOBB President stated
that these quotas are contrary to the very tenets of the customs union.
Expressing that
many problems stem from the FTAs signed with third countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “One of the most significant recent developments are the negotiations
taking place between the USA and the European Union for the Transatlantic Trade
and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement.”
Turkey’s
inclusion in TTIP will benefit both Europe and Turkey greatly. It should not be
forgotten that Turkey is the gateway to a billion USD market spanning the
Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa.
In the spirit of
the Customs Union, we believe that Turkey should be a party to these
negotiations and I can clearly state that we expect an invitation to the TTIP
negotiations from the European Union.
As the Turkish
and Swedish business people, we’ve always felt the political body stand with us
in solving our problems to this day. Once again, we need the support of our
ministers in solving these issues.”