14.07.2016 Ankara
The healthcare sector was discussed during the seminar held in cooperation by TOBB and the US Chamber of Commerce at the TOBB Twin Towers. Speaking at the seminar attended by Health Minister Recep Akdağ and the representatives of the healthcare sectors of both countries, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that a roadmap would be drawn in regards to the issues which need to be discussed with company and the public sector representatives.
Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that TOBB and the US Chamber of Commerce have
signed an MoU in 2012, and that they’ve covered a lot of ground since then. As
a part of the TOBB – US Chamber of Commerce cooperation, high level delegation
visits have been conducted, “We’ve not only focused on Ankara and İstanbul. Our
activities have been spread out all over Turkey. Likewise, we’ve been at work
in many places other than just Washington D.C. and New York. We’re working in
biotechnology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, communication technologies
and venture capital. We are also working on the TTIP to be signed between the
USA and the EU. Turkey becoming a party to this agreement and the signing of an
FTA with the USA is very important for us.”
Stating that the strength of the relations between Turkey and the USA
are for Turkey and the USA, they are just as important for Europe and the
Middle East, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that TOBB and the US Chamber of Commerce would
continue to work with this vision in mind.
TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu added that they view the representation of
the private sector as a part of the Healthcare Industry Direction Committee.
- Healthcare needs
Healthcare Minister Recep Akdağ stated that one of the subjects of most
import for them is to maintain dialogue with the parties of the sector, stating
that Turkey’s healthcare needs have changed, transitioning to mostly
non-infectious disease treatment.
Reporting that they’ve facilitated access to health services and
medication, Minister Akdağ said, “Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment should
be produced in Turkey where possible.” Stressing the need to produce new
molecules as well as high added value medication and medical equipment, Recep
Akdağ pointed to the importance of their partnership with the US private sector
in this regard.
US Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Myron Brilliant emphasized that significant
steps have been taken in the last 6-7 years. Brilliant stated that they put
great importance on private sector representation in the direction committee,
access to latest pharmaceuticals by Turkish patients and public-private sector
cooperation.
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, US Chamber of Commerce Vice
Chair Myron Brilliant and TOBB Board Members attended dinner afterwards.