22.05.2015 Ankara

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu met with the Ambassadors of Latin American countries. Opportunities for cooperation between Turkish and Latin American businesspeople were discussed during the meeting which took place at the TOBB Twin Towers.

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu provided information in regards to TOBB during his speech at the beginning of the meeting and also made assessments regarding the activities of the B20.

Pointing out the importance of geographical proximity for international trade, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized the logistical and cultural bonuses provided by this situation. The TOBB President stated that with increasing techand competition force markets to reach out to distant geographies and said, “We are of the opinion that we need to be more closely acquainted with Latin American countries which we have not yet fully discovered.”

Stating that having no visa problems between countries brings with it many advantages, Hisarcıklıoğlu urged signing agreements for business committees in order to develop economic relations with Latin American countries.

- Importance of B20

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that another avenue for increasing economic cooperation is B20 and provided information in regards to B20 and its activities. Pointing out that developing countries are in the background for B20, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that it is their goal to magnify the voice of SMEs and developing countries within B20 during their term as B20 Chair. Stating that the 180 non-G20 countries also have their own business partnerships, Hisarcıklıoğlu stressed the need to take this into account as well.

Hisarcıklıoğlu drew attention to the importance of the World SME Forum Foundation which will be established in İstanbul.

The meeting was concluded with the speeches and bilateral talks of the guest Ambassadors.