20.03.2015 Singapore
Convening with over 100 business people from 60 countries in Singapore, B20 Turkey Chair and TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu assessed the results of the survey they’ve held with the representatives of the global business community. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the priority item on the business community’s agenda at the moment was “Signing of the Bali Agreement and Removal of Borders for Commerce.”
According to survey results the global business community wants a
solution to the financing issues of SMEs and being integrated into the global
supply chain. Islamic finance is also being considered to address the halt in
the banking sector.
The meeting held by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in
Singapore also featured a special session for the B20 Turkey Term Presidency.
Attending the session were over 100 business people from 60 countries.
B20 Turkey Chair and TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu made the opening
remarks of the session in which the agenda and priorities of B20 Turkey were
relayed to business people from all over the globe.
Stating that the ICC is the world’s largest business organization active
in nearly 100 countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We met with Gulf Countries in
Saudi Arabia three weeks ago. Today, we told the leaders of 60 countries’
business communities about B20 Turkey. We will be holding out next meetings in
India, Southeast Asia, China, Brazil, Mexico, Azerbaijan, South Africa and
Russia. Throughout the year we will tour the globe and act as the voice of the
business community. It is of the utmost importance to be acting as the
directing country for the global business community. We must use it to the best
effect.”
- Washington DC visit
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they are preparing much more extensive and
active programs with the guidance of PM Davutoğlu, “In the middle of April, we
will be in the US for IMF and World Bank meetings. We are preparing appeal to
the global political agenda and G20 ministers with a delegation of 250 business
community leaders. All of our efforts are greatly assisted by PM Davutoğlu and
Mr. Babacan in addition to the rest of our government.”
The representatives of the business world were also given information on
B20 Turkey’s 6 Taskforces; Trade, Infrastructure and Investments, Financing
Growth, Employment, Fighting Corruption and, lastly, SMEs and Entrepreneurship
which has been implemented as a part of B20 for the first time by Turkey.
- Taskforce Surveys
In a survey prior to the ICC
General Assembly B20 special session with the attendees, the most important
issues for global commerce was selected by an overwhelming 65% as “Bali
Agreement should be signed and implemented”. This is an indication of the importance
business people put on the removal of obstacles to trade.
Another part of the survey
brought forth the opinion that “Foreign investors should be protected and
incentivized”.
Stressing the fact that classical
banking and investment banking methods have come to a standstill, it was
suggested that asset based financing such as Islamic finance should be
considered.
In regards to global growth, the
opinion that measures to increase financing for SMEs were necessary to ensure
global growth was widely expressed in the survey, stating the need to integrate
SMEs into the global supply chain.
A need for more flexible
workforce was expressed as well as access for businessmen in regards to
increasing employment opportunities.