03.08.2018 Ankara
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and the Turkey-US Economic Relations Consultation Meeting organized by the US Chamber of Commerce and hosted by TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu was held with the participation of Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan.
The meeting at TOBB Twin Towers was attended by representatives of about
30 US companies, including companies like Apple, Boeing, IBM, Microsoft.
Speaking at the meeting which took place closed to the press, TOBB
Chairman Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Turkey-US relations are based on a
foundation of strong traditions, friendship, alliance, strategic partnership
and mutual benefit with a successful history.”
Stating that Turkey-US Relations have overcome many ordeals in the past,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The robust foundation of relations on the bilateral level
has enabled us to take a common stance on many international issues,
particularly in our region, and helped us to act together. In addition to the
political and military basis of our relations, the economic basis is also undergoing
an important development process in recent years. Turkey-US bilateral trade
reached nearly 20bn$ annually. In bilateral trade, the United States is making
a significant profit by consistently via trade surplus. Between 2010 and 2017,
the trade surplus of the US with our country is about 55bn$.”
“The investments made by US companies into the economy and the future of
our country have further strengthened the economic dimension of our relations,”
said the TOBB President and stated that there are significant partnerships in
terms of investments as well as trade. “As business people, we attach great
importance to the commercial and economic relations between us. Together with
you, we work together and cooperate in many difficult and distressed
geographies. Despite all this, especially in recent years, Turkey and the US
are faced with a series of developments which harm our relationship. I have
also emphasized this in many of our contacts with the United States. I continue
to do so.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that view the rhetoric and steps taken the US
administration and Congress in recent years targeting economic relations
between Turkey and the USA with grave concern and they find talk of embargoes
and sanctions between the two allied countries extremely dangerous.
Stating that President Trump's executive order announced a few days ago
has exacerbated the situation a step further, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The
decision of the US government to impose sanctions is contrary to the nature of
our strategic alliance. This has brought about the risk of irreparably damaging
relations between our countries. This development should concern all of us as it
is indicative of how poisoned our relations are becoming. This sanction
decision is unacceptable. We're all on the same ship. We are trading. We are
investing. We produce prosperity for our people. We contribute to region peace
and world peace. We must not be a spectator to the damage done with political
and populist calculations to our economic relations which we brought to this
point with great effort. We should not be silent to lose all that we’ve gained.
As TOBB president, as a business person who has endeavored for many years for
the development of Turkey-US economic relations, on behalf of the business community,
we want the US business community to be involved in this issue.”
Trade Minister Pekcan emphasized that Turkey would maintain its momentum
in developing its tradition of rule of law, its strong culture of democracy and
its rapid economic growth and development.
Drawing attention to the major contribution to the global economy with
its Turkey's young population and dynamic economy provides, Pekcan provide a,
Turkey's business, was underlined that Turkey continues to be an attractive
country in terms of trade and investments.
Pekcan, pointing out that Turkey has always been in favor of cooperation
and stability, said, “Non-economic based, non-cyclical crises with Turkey must
not be allowed to supersede economic cooperation between the US. Pretending there
is an economic problem between the United States and Turkey would harm both
countries’ manufacturers, consumers and the economies.”
- “US should take joint action with
Turkey regarding iron and steel”
Stating that the Turkish iron and steel industry is not a threat to the
US, Pekcan said that there is a balanced trade between the two countries in
this sector.
Pekcan, noting that there is no possibility for third countries to
export product via Turkey to the US, said, “In this context, US should take
joint action regarding Turkey iron and steel. Turkey, as long as it is met with
unfair measures, will practice reciprocity as per rights accorded it by international
trade law unless to preserve its economic interests. The economic relations of
the two countries will continue on their solid footing. Presently, there is a
significant trade and investment relationship between the two countries, and we
hope that this partnership will continue to grow.”
Pekcan pointed out that the country will undergo a transformation with focus
on added value, technology, R&D and innovation. She pointed out that in the
process of transformation, US companies and capital can play an important role.
Pekcan, referring to unfair criticism and disinformation about Turkey
abroad, especially asked for support in this regard from American companies
doing business with Turkey.