17.12.2018 İstanbul
Speaking at the Plenary Assembly of the Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC), TOBB President, ABC Term Chair, European Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Eurochambres) Vice President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu called for increasing trade and investment. “Our priority should be to increase the trade and investment relations between us as the Balkans,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu, emphasizing that the path of peace and wealth is through trade.
The
Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC) Plenary Assembly was hosted by Rifat
Hisarcıklıoğlu in Istanbul with the participation of Minister of Trade Ruhsar
Pekcan and former Vice-President of EU Commission Günter Verheugen. TOBB President
and ABC Term President, Eurochambres Vice President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu
emphasized the importance of the Berlin process, which aims to strengthen trade
and investment relations between the Western Balkan states. Stating that this
approach, which provides important contributions to the region's peace, will
also reduce the risks of conflict, Hisarcıklıoğlu said as Eurochambers, they
will continue to support this initiative.
Reporing
that the foreign trade volume between Turkey and the Balkan countries in the last
15 years has increased from 3.5 billion USD to 20 billion USD, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “So we buy and sell more goods. We increased our mutual trade by 6 times.
Moreover, we did this in a period of global economic crisis. Yes, this is an achievement.
But this is not enough. As countries sitting at this table, we need to
cooperate more. To prosper together, we must increase our mutual trade and
investments. This should be our basic mission as ABC.”
- We must increase trade
Stating
that the global economic structure has changed rapidly, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “New
partnerships and alliances are being established. If we act together and increase
our cooperation, we both gain; our reputation in the world increases. In our
countries and in our region, if we want peace and wealth, this means more
trade. Because those engaged in trade do not seek conflict.”
Point
to the example of the EU, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that after two great world
wars, Europe understood reality and founded the union and encouraged trade.
Stressing that those who want peace and prosperity should first trade with each
other, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We must become stronger and integrate into the
global system.
We
also appreciate the countries that have completed the EU membership process
within the Association of Balkan Chambers. Likewise, we hope that countries
that have not yet completed the EU accession process will be provided with the
necessary cooperation and solidarity in order for them to successfully complete
this process.
Yes,
there are circles that express the failure of the EU with of the Britain
leaving. Going further, there are those who say that BREXIT is the beginning of
the end for the EU. However, we do not think this way. We want the EU to be
stronger and continue to be a center of attraction. More importantly, we want
it to continue to be a transformative force for the entire region, particularly
the Balkans. Because we all need it.
We
want to be a part of the EU integration process. We want this process to cover
the entire continent of Europe. Of course, we also know the conditions. By
meeting all these requirements, we want to be members of the EU with equal
status. But we all need a reliable expansion process. The European integration
process continues to be a source of hope and inspiration for the process of
change and transformation in the Balkans. Therefore, our governments have the
responsibility to continue their reform efforts. Likewise, the EU should be
aware of its historic responsibilities. It should continue to produce
constructive and inclusive policies and keep the enlargement process open. We,
as candidate countries or potential candidate countries, should accelerate the
reforms required by the accession process.
Likewise,
the EU has to keep the door open. Me and my friend Michalos, as Vice Presidents
of EuroChambers, pay particular attention to this issue. We continue to protect
the interests of Balkan countries in the European business world.”
- Minister of Trade Ruhsar Pekcan
In
her speech, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan stated that she was pleased to be
present with the president and representatives of the chambers of 10 Balkan
countries at the meeting.
emphasized
the importance Balkans for Turkey, not just geographically, politically and in
terms of economy, but historically, culturally and in socially as well, Pekcan
stated that the Association of Balkan Chambers has a significant role in strengthening
economic and trade relations between countries.
Ruhsar
Pekcan stated they attach great importance to increasing mutual investments and
that they have removed barriers for investment as the government in order to
facilitate trade.
- “I believe that we will cooperate
successfully in many fields with companies of the Association of Balkan Chambers”
Trade
Minister Pekcan expressed that relevant ministries are working in coordination to
improve the investment infrastructure in Turkey and to make it more attractive
to invest in Turkey. She provided additional information regarding the
investment incentives system as well as the free trade zones tailored for international
companies.
Pekcan
stated it is aimed to completely digitize Turkey’s economic administration with
regards to foreign trade and customs system and that steps of exemplary quality
taken have been in this regard.
Pekcan
said, “We have realized many projects that will bring digitalization and
e-commerce which are the necessity of our time in trade and customs to the
forefront. We have realized many projects such as Customs Digitalization,
Single Window, Harbor Single Window, Container-Port Tracking System. We are
continuing our innovations with all due speed in cooperation with TOBB.”