17.04.2018 Ankara
TOBB Economy and Technology University Senate presented EUROCHAMBRES (European Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Christoph Leitl with an Honorary Doctorate in the field of 'International Entrepreneurship.’
Speaking at the Honorary Doctorate ceremony, TOBB ETU Board of Trustees Chairman
and TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, pointing out that they have been
working together with Christoph Leitl since 2004 at EUROCHAMBRES, “Dr. Leitl
always keeps the European business community and the European Chamber system at
the forefront of the agenda. My friend Cristoph Leitl, who we will be
presenting with a TOBB ETU Honorary Doctorate title, is a true European; a true
entrepreneur; a determined leader and a trustworthy friend who believes in the European
chamber movement from the heart.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that TOBB has been a EUROCHAMBRES member since
1966, “TOBB became a EUROCHAMBRES member eight years after its foundation. This
shows a vision; highlighting integration with the European economy. This
vision, introduced by the Turkish Chamber system in 1966, has progressed
greatly today.
While Turkey's economy integrated with the European economy, the Turkish
Chamber system has completely integrated into the European Chamber system. This
integration process started with TOBB's membership in EUROCHAMBRES Board of
Directors; now it has progressed to the Deputy Chairman in EUROCHAMBRES. The
integration process of TOBB's EUROCHAMBRES, which started with Leitl's first
presidency and with great support from him, made it possible to achieve a first
in 2009.”
- A first for EUROCHAMBRES
A first in the history of EUROCHAMBRES occurred in 2009, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “A non-European Union member’s, namely from Turkey’s, chamber president
was elected EUROCHAMBRES Vice-President. This success has contributed significantly
to accepting the Turkish Chamber system as a part of EUROCHAMBRES. Union of
Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey today engages as deputy chair of the
leading economies in Europe. EUROCHAMBRES President Dr. Leitl's support has
been extremely decisive in the actualization of this success.”
TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that, through reforms implemented
in Turkey's economy, it will integrate into the global economic system, taking its
place among the world's 20 largest economies, a member of the G20.
This economic success, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized, has a very significant
contribution to EU-Turkey relations, “Turkey's EU integration efforts have been
instrumental in becoming a functioning market economy. Likewise, the reforms
realized through the customs union have made significant contributions to Turkey’s
production power. Turkey is the EU’s 4th largest export partner and
5th largest import partner. Nearly 45% of Turkey's exports are to the
EU countries. 38% of the imports are made from the EU. The share of EU
countries in foreign direct investments to Turkey is around 75%.”
- Achievements in economic
relations will bring Turkey and the EU closer
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, noting that Turkey and the EU achieved significant economic
integration, “In this success, the Customs Union has been decisive. Now, the
modernization of the Customs Union is on the agenda. With the customs union to
be modernized, the scope will expand. Agriculture, services and public
procurement will be included in the customs union. A mechanism will be
developed for the solution of bilateral commercial disputes. Therefore, the
expansion of the EU-Turkey Customs Union, with its negotiations concluded as
soon as possible, will provide significant gains for both sides.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu, emphasizing that, as business organizations and business
circles, they believe Turkey's success in economic relations will bring it
closer with the EU, “We also continue our efforts in this direction. We prepare
our business world and our chambers system to integrate with the EU. To this
end, TOBB and EUROCHAMBRES have collaborated on important projects since 2001.”
- “Waters need to be calm”
EUROCHAMBRES President Christoph Leitl, beginning his speech by greeted
listeners in Turkish, said it is a very emotional moment to be receiving an
honorary doctorate title for the first time.
Noting that the variety of people attending the event Leitl, “In 10
years, maybe you (Hisarcıklıoğlu) will be president. Hisarcıklıoğlu, in fact
many times, was elected Vice President. He's been the Vice President for the
last 10 years. Work completed during his tenure in Europe and Turkey are
gaining acclaim.”
Leitl also touched on Turkey-EU relations, stating that the two sides are
not only neighbors but also are close friends and trust each other.
Leitl stated that the political wing can show differences from time to
time, “But, waters should be calm so that economy, science and culture can
develop, these three foundations must be supported.”
Leitl added that the continuation of the political dialogue would also
have economic benefits.
Leitl, awarded an honorary doctorate after following his speech, also
signed the memorial ledger.