17.04.2019 Sarajevo
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the Sarajevo Business Forum (SBF), held regularly for 10 years, has become a global brand.
Organized
within the scope of the forum by the Bosna Bank International (BBI) and the
Islamic Development Bank (IDB) with Anadolu Agency (AA) as the Global
Communications Partner, a panel was held on the subject of Leadership.
Speaking
at the panel attended by Vice President Fuat Oktay, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that
the SBF is a very successful initiative that investors all over the world have
shown interest in, “The regularly held Sarajevo Business Forum has become a
global brand.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu
emphasized that the SBF contributed a great deal to the region and the Bosnia
and Herzegovina economy and stated that TOBB would continue to support this
forum in the future as well.
Hisarcıklıoğlu
noted the Turkey great importance puts on relations with Bosnia and
Herzegovina, “Our history with Bosnia and Herzegovina, our culture, our customs
share origins. We also would like to strengthen the economic relationship
between our countries.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, pointing out that the Free Trade Agreement forms a robust business volume
platform between the two countries, that the 2003 trade volume of 71 million USD
has today reached 700 million USD and they are aiming to increase to this to 1
billion USD.
Reporting
that 100 Turkish firms are doing business in sectors such as banking,
agriculture, manufacturing, construction and tourism in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hisarcıklıoğlu
stated that these firms invest in the economy of the country over 600 million EUR
and employ approximately 4,000 people.
Hisarcıklıoğlu
said that Turkey has increased its trade with the Balkan countries in the last
15 years from 3.5 billion USD to 20 billion USD, and that this increase was
achieved despite the global economic crisis.
Noting
that Balkans geographically are Turkey's gateway into the European continent,
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Turkey is also the gateway to Asia and the Middle
East for the Balkans.
- Vice President Fuat Oktay
Vice
President Fuat Oktay stated that the Western Balkans act as a crossroads
between east and west as well as north and south, “Their proximity to the
European Union is of the utmost important for the region's countries. Integration
in the EU is a major advantage for the development of a common vision.”
Oktay
said that there is a sense of unity in the region. “Our wish is for unity of vision.
One region, one economy.”
Oktay,
pointing to the need to focus on common interests and values instead of the
disadvantages in the region, said, “These values can at times be cultural, demographic
or geographic. We can find many advantages if we observe carefully. We should
cooperate instead of competing.”
Emphasizing
that the Western Balkans served as a bridge between the east and west and the
north and the south, Oktay said, “Their proximity to the European Union is of
the utmost important for the region's countries. Integration in the EU is a
major advantage for the development of a common vision.”
Oktay
stated that being close to EU countries also provides proximity to technology
and market, and that young and educated population can benefit from cultural
diversity, business opportunities and innovations.
Stating
that Turkey’s approach is important in building successful relationships with
Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as other countries in the world, Oktay said, “Our
approach never considers using the resources of another country for our
country's own benefit. Instead of taking, we focus on giving. We do not think what
we can gain. Especially in aid. The most important example is the 4.6 million
refugees in Turkey.”
Oktay
said that trust has a key role for the countries in the region, “Trust opens
the way for long, successful cooperation.”
Stressing
that Turkey contributes to the region in the fields of agriculture, tourism,
infrastructure, energy and defense, Oktay finished his speech by saying, “There
are already difficulties in the region. Finance, heavy bureaucracy and security
are among some of them. For finance there are PPP (Public Private Partnership) projects
in Turkey. Turkey has immense experience on this issue. Although we only began
last year, we’ve achieved 135 billion USD in revenue from these projects.
Turkey can transfer these to the region. The solution to heavy bureaucracy is
through structural reform. Terrorism, security, war and conflict must be a matter
of unified vision. Today I can see that unity of vision here.”
- “Bosnia and Herzegovina needs
more change”
Bosnia
and Herzegovina's Foreign Minister Igor Crnadak stressed that the reforms they
have made on their way to EU membership constitute the conditions for further
investment and economic development, and stressed that today's business forum
is supported by everyone despite all political disputes in the country.
Stating
that EU membership and regional cooperation are among their priorities, despite
recent good results, Crnadak emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs more
change.
Crnadak
pointed out the importance of steps to be taken in the areas of combating corruption
and strengthening the rule of law, and said it was essential to strengthen the
private sector by increasing investments in the country.
Malaysian
Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa said that his
country has been cooperating with Bosnia and Herzegovina for many years and
said, “Malaysia was also present during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Malaysia stood with Bosnia and Herzegovina during that time in many fields
ranging from humanitarian aid to education.”
Stating
that they want to contribute to the peace and stability of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Rawa said they will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina,
which is showing growth every year.
Montenegrin
Labor and Social Welfare Minister Kemal Purisic stressed the need to develop a
common answer to the problems of the countries in the region and said that the
region has made significant economic development in recent years.
- Meetings
As a part the scope of Sarajevo Business Forum, Hisarcıklıoğlu met with Sarajevo Ambassador Haldun Koç, Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council Milorad Dodik, Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council Member Sefik Dzaferovic and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bakir Izetbegovic and exchanged views as well as attending the , Vice President Fuat Oktay and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Ministers Council President Denis Zvizdić, providing assessments regarding bilateral economic relations between Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As a part of the Business Forum, TOBB Board Member Cengiz Günay received the “Sarajevo Business Forum 10th Anniversary Special Award.”