14.11.2015 Antalya

Moderated by Muhtar Kent, the general session taking place following the B20 Summit opening with B20 Turkey Chair and TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu’s keynote speech discussed problems and expectations of world trade and economic issues.

Speaking at the meeting moderated by Coca Cola Company President and CEO Muhtar Kent, Sabancı Holding Chairman and B20 Trade Taskforce Co-President Güler Sabancı provided information about efforts regarding Facilitation of Trade Agreement.

Reporting that the number of countries which have signed the Facilitation of Trade Agreement has reached 51 Kent stated that the number is expected to reach 107 during the first half of 2016, the number necessary for the agreement to be effective.

Spanish BBVA Bank Chair Francisco Gonzalez provided suggestions for attaining economic growth, and stated that the growth in developed countries cannot balance the growth in developing countries.

Stating that there are steps necessary to ensure access to finance, Gonzalez stressed the importance of supporting SMEs.

- Indian Bharti Enterprises Group Chair

Indian Bharti Enterprises Group Chair and ICC Vice President Sunil Bharti Mittal stated that, looking from the point of entrepreneurs, this is a very difficult period and commodity prices are subject to great amounts of erosion.

Drawing attention to the problems facing petroleum based economies, Europe, Brazil and even China which is facing a slump in growth while India still remains an island of hope with its population of 1.2 billion producing goods and services.