02.11.2016 Manama / Bahrain
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the contacts made by Turkish businesspeople in Bahrain have been very successful, culminating in a meeting with Gulf businessmen in regards to a 380mn USD business negotiation.
Hisarcıklıoğlu
briefed the press in regards to the 2nd TOBB-FGCCC Business and
Investment Forum held in the capital of Bahrain, Manama.
Reporting that 700
Turkish and Gulf country business people were present during the meeting,
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that fruitful bilateral meetings have been held during
the forum.
Stating that there
are two obstacles which must be overcome in regards to trade with Gulf
countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu said one is the matter of signing the Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) between Turkey and Gulf Countries, which he urged be hastened
on the ministry level.
Another issue is the
need for removing obstacles to trade among Islamic countries; reciprocal
lowering of customs taxes via the Preferential Trade Agreement, Hisarcıklıoğlu
stated that once the list of concessions are presented by member states the
agreements can enter into effect.
Hisarcıklıoğlu said,
“If these two issues can be resolved, I believe that economic relations with
the Gulf and Islamic countries will rise to the highest level.”
Drawing attention to
the fact that political relations are peak levels between Turkey and the Gulf
states, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that efforts are underway to form joint platforms
aiming to further develop investment and trade between Gulf and Turkish
companies.
- “Gulf countries are rich in resources; Turkey in
experience.”
Stating that 40% of
all petroleum and finance reserves are held by Gulf countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “The resources are here, in the Gulf. We have business opportunities.
Gulf countries are aiming for economic transformation. They want to transition
from petroleum- and natural gas-based economies to economies based on industry
and trade. Turkey has a lot of experience to share with this region; with our
brothers.”
Reporting that
they’ve received feedback from the business meetings which took place during
the Forum, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that presently business agreements which equal
380mn USD in trade have been conducted; a clear indicator of how fruitful the
meetings have been.
Hisarcıklıoğlu said,
“Hopefully both Turkey and Gulf Countries will enjoy the fruits of this visit.”
- Other speakers
Federation of Gulf
Cooperation Council Chambers (FGCCC) Secretary General Al Naqi stated that the
Forum has been fruitful for both business communities and that bilateral trade
volume between Turkey and Gulf countries would increase with the signing of an
FTA.
Naqi stated that
cooperation in the fields of agriculture, food, healthcare and education would
prove productive for both sides.
Bahrain Chamber of
Commerce and Industry Chair Halit Al Moayyed also emphasized the success of the
forum, stating that the success of the forum should be turned into further
developing relations and investments.
Stating that they are
excited to invest in Turkey, Moayyed extended their wishes for Turkey’s
stability and security.