Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Faik Yavuz, speaking at the 6th meeting of the Istanbul Forum which was established to develop dialogue between Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan stated that each meeting has contributed to the development of the private sectors in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Yavuz, providing information to this end and setting the theme of the meeting as women entrepreneurship, said, “Regrettably, the economic status of women in our countries is nothing to boast about.”

The annual “Global Gender Inequality” report published by the World Economic Forum places Turkey at 126th and Pakistan at 132nd place among 134 countries while Afghanistan was not listed. According to The Economist the participation of women to the economies of developed countries has had more effect on global economic growth than China.

In his speech Yavuz stated, “One of the primary ways to increase the participation of our women to the economy is by developing women entrepreneurship. Our women will become more active in the economy by taking successful women entrepreneurs as an example.”

It is now more important than ever that examples of women entrepreneurship to provide role models for the new generation in order to guide them be found. Therefore I once again congratulate each of you who are entrepreneurs in your own country.”

Yavuz stated that in order to provide successful role models, TOBB established women entrepreneur councils throughout Turkey in 2007 with the number of members exceeding 500 and they plan on reaching 10,000 members in a short order.

- Afghanistan Minister for Mines Shahrani

Afghanistan Minister for Mines Wahidullah Shahrani stated that economic relations between Turkey and Pakistan were very important for them and that there was a significant trade volume between the two countries.

Stating that in recent years the cost of contracts which Turkish contractors have won have exceeded 1 billion dollars, Shahrani expressed that there is very great potential for growth and development of her country, saying that one of the fields they would focus on would be one of women entrepreneurs.

Shahrani, stating that they wish to increase the interaction of the women in Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan and enabling the women of the region to take full advantage of this, said, “We need to provide more chances and investment opportunities for the development of women’s skills.

- ACCI CEO Haqjo

Afghanistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) CEO Qurban Haqjo stated that giving women entrepreneurs a chance would provide great opportunities for the three countries, ensuring economic development in their countries.

Stating that Afghan women were painted in a bad light in global media and that many advances have been made after Taliban, Haqjo said that 30-35% of the 8 million students in his country, 25% of state officials and 25% of the seats in the parliament were women.

Haqjo stated that women held important roles in the traditional business branches doing business as small and medium sized business throughout the country in crafts, rug making, transportation, production and education.

Stating that long term economic growth and stability is to be achieved via the adaptation of women to the market by identifying opportunities, designing business models and finding the means to business.

-FPCCI Vice President Khan

Federation of Pakistani Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Vice President Mohammed Akbar Khan stated that equality among sexes was very important for the development of a country said that women were successful in male dominated fields such as high technology and science.

Emphasizing that economic development will not be possible without the participation of women, Khan said the population ratio in his country was 52% women and that work was being undertaken in order to abolish poverty and raise the level of welfare.

Khan, pointing out that the role women play in the development of economy cannot be disregarded, said, “Pakistani women entrepreneurs are conducting their business with success. They are active in the fields of textiles, fashion, design, crafts, jewelry, leather and dry food. Women have come a long way in the fields of health and education.

Women are also actively participating in sports. We support the enterprises of women in the tri-lateral cooperation region. The interaction of the women in this region must be increased.

- Women Entrepreneurs assessed the outcome of the Istanbul Forum in a round table discussion

On the second day of the Forum, women entrepreneurs held a round table discussion to assess the outcome of the Istanbul Forum.

During this meeting the importance of actively participating in Expos was expressed and that the presence of websites where women could market their products would further raise awareness.

In the assessment, it was decided that an Innovation Center should be constructed jointly between Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan in either Afghanistan or Pakistan and that cooperation with Chambers in which women entrepreneurship activities are being implemented is increased. It was decided that new mechanisms to help with the strengthening of women’s entrepreneurship and increasing the survivability of women in economic life.

In the round table talks TOBB Vice President Faik Yavuz, TEPAV Director Prof. Dr. Güven Sak, Ambassador Beth Jones, USA Ankara Ambassador Francis Joseph Ricciardone’s wife Marie Ricciardone and Pakistan Federation of Pakistani Chambers of Commerce and Industry Vice President Akbar Khan also made speeches.

After the meeting, participants met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu and the Pakistan Foreign Affairs Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.