30.07.2019 İstanbul
Turkey and Paraguay Working Lunch was held in İstanbul with the participation of Paraguay Trade and Industry Minister Liz Cramer, Minister of Trade Ruhsar Pekcan and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu.
Speaking
at the meeting wherein commerce and investor relations between Turkey and
Paraguay were discussed, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that, as
the Turkish business world, want to develop commercial and economic relations
with all South American Common Market (MERCOSUR) members including Paraguay.
Stating
that he believes that there are opportunities for cooperation between the two
countries in many fields, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that Paraguay is an important
potential trading partner for the Turkish private sector.
Emphasizing
that, for Turkey, free trade agreement is one of most important the instruments
for increasing trade with Paraguay and neighboring countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “we think the resumption of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations between
Turkey and MERCOSUR its completion is important. We also anticipate Paraguay’s
support on this issue.”
In
addition to trade between Turkey and Paraguay, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that there
is potential for cooperation in many areas such as agriculture, infrastructure,
energy, construction and engineering services, “To give an example, of the
overseas contracting sector, 46 of the largest 250 firms are from Turkey. In
this way, we passed the US and rose to the second place in the world. To date,
our contractors have successfully undertaken 9,700 projects worth over 390bn
USD in over 100 countries. They’ve become a global brand. Our contracting
companies have experience in many fields from infrastructure projects to
construction of industrial complexes all over the world. We want to take part
in Paraguay's infrastructure and superstructure projects.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu
said that, as TOBB, they are the umbrella organization representing the whole private
sector of Turkey, “All companies conducting trade in our country, in every
industry, domestic and foreign, large and small, are our members. On the basis
of our service capacity and the work we do, we are one of the top three most
advanced chamber systems in the world. We are also present in all global business
organizations. I'm a board member of the International Chamber of Commerce. I
am also the Vice President of Eurochambres, European Union of Chambers, Islamic
Union of Chambers and Federation of Asia Pacific CCI. We also take part in the
AICO, the Latin American CCI Association, of which Paraguay is also a member.”
Stating
that the Minister of Commerce Ruhsar Pekcan is a very successful entrepreneur
and manager from the business world, TOBB community, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We
worked together with the Women Entrepreneurs Council of TOBB. With her efforts
and vision, our Women Entrepreneurs Council developed, grew and brought many
women into business life. Now, under the leadership of our minister, we aim to
make more business and investment with Paraguay.
- Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan
Trade
Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said that they are ready to remove any obstacles to business
people and to provide them with all the necessary support.
Pekcan
said, “Along with Paraguay Trade and Industry Minister Liz Cramer, borne
forward with the force of cultural similarities between Turkey and Paraguay, we
are ready to remove obstacles to the business world. Our businessmen should
stand ready to increase bilateral trade and the development of our economic
relations and our mutual investments. Looking at exports between Paraguay and Turkey,
80% of it is comprised of iron and steel and soy. It is in the hands of the
business world to diversify and deepen this portfolio. We will support them.
Turkey is among the world's leading exporters in automotive, automotive
industry, textile, apparel, appliances, sweets and biscuits, as well as various
other sectors. We are also ready to be the importer and distributor of Paraguay
products.”
Pekcan
underlined that Turkish contractors are second in the world but that Turkish
contractors have not taken on projects in Paraguay except the US Embassy.
Stating
that there are many agreements in place and ready to facilitate trade with
Paraguay and the South American market, Pekcan said, “We are ready as
ministers. Political will is ready. Our presidents are ready. It is the private
sector’s turn to step up.”
- “Turkey has huge economic
potential”
The
Paraguay Trade and Industry Minister Liz Cramer said, “We have great opportunities.
We have a chance to unify our economy. MERCOSUR is indeed a very big market
with so many great opportunities. Products from Turkey can be imported. Production
is also possible.”
Stating
that they want to take advantage of the political climate to increase the
cooperation between the two countries, Cramer, said that with many TV shows
imported from Turkey to Paraguay, they are able to gain familiarity with the
Turkish culture.
Cramer
said, “TV shows are not enough. Turkey has huge economic potential. We know how
Turkey achieved such development momentum.”