Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In Madrid for the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Eurochambres) Presidency Meeting, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu met with King Juan Carlos of Spain, Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Garcia Margallo and the Economy and Tourism Deputy Ministers.

Speaking of his meeting with King Juan Carlos of Spain, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I provided information regarding the chambers system in Turkey and the structure of TOBB. I presented my thanks for Spain’s support in Turkey’s accession process to the European Union.”

Stating that he has invited King Juan Carlos of Spain to Turkey, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said that King Carlos has noted the invitation.

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that economic relations between Turkey and Spain have been increasing recently but that there is potential for more. Relating that cooperation between Turkey and Spain can be conducted in the fields of textiles-clothing, automotive-car spare parts, iron and steel products, electrical machines and equipment, plastics and furniture and went on, “According to 2011 data, Spain is the world’s 18th largest exporter and 14th largest importer. Spain’s biggest foreign trade partner in 2011 with 70.1% of its total exports and 59.1% of its total imports, were EU countries. Spain’s share in global trade is 1.7% of exports and 2.5% of imports. Spain’s main export partners, in order, are EU, USA, Mexico, Turkey and Switzerland with its imports partners being, EU, China, USA, Russia and Japan.”

Attending a dinner hosted by the Spanish Trade Chambers Council with the State Secretary Fernando Jiménez Latorre, Hisarcıklıoğlu also met with several Spanish parliament members.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the main subjects of the Eurochambres Presidency Council Meeting are economic crisis, Spain’s status and the role of chambers in surmounting crises.

​