Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The US Chamber of Commerce Regional Office was opened during a ceremony attended by Development Minister Cevdet Yılmaz, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, US Chamber of Commerce Vice President In Charge of International Relations Myron Brilliant and US’ Consul to İstanbul, Charles Hunter.

Speaking at the ceremony, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the US Chamber of Commerce Office would provide to the region and not just Turkey, “This office is the second foreign office after Brussels in the world. This in itself indicates how important US-Turkey relations are viewed by global American companies.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that the economic aspect of Turkish-American relations are always their priority, stating that TOBB and the US Chamber of Commerce has been taking concrete steps to this end, the TOBB President reported that many joint activities beyond the scope of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in the December of 2012.

These joint activities have been carried well outside of the capitals of Turkey and the USA, spreading to Ankara, İstanbul, New York, Atlanta, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and Jordan.

Reporting that joint work is underway in regards to the TTIP, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the Middle East Trade Center Technology meeting would be held the following day in İstanbul.

Emphasizing that the opening and signature ceremony is a result of the work of two years, Hisarcıklıoğlu thanked the Development Minister Yılmaz for his attendance and asked for his continued support.

Stressing the increased importance of Turkish-American cooperation, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Turkey-USA relations are very important for the strengthening of Turkey’s technological infrastructure and the resulting qualitative transformation.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that US Chamber of Commerce and TOBB cooperation is very important in this regard and that they will be presenting their report on this matter soon.

Stating that they have a vision for the centennial anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We’ve set significant goals in economy, social life, education, culture and art. In succeeding at these goals, the US business world offers important opportunities to this end. We must make use of these opportunities and take our economic relations to the next level. Our relations will level up. We want to work and succeed together.”

- Development Minister Yılmaz

Development Minister Cevdet Yılmaz stated that the opening of the office would create new cooperation opportunities between the two countries and stressed that Turkey could not be left out of the TTIP.

Stating that due to geographical and historical reasons, Turkey and the USA are compelling candidates for cooperation, Yılmaz expressed pleasure in the will put forth with recent developments such as the opening of the Region Office in İstanbul, going on to point out various possibilities emerging such as tourism, education transfers and health tourism.

- Myron Brilliant

US Chamber of Commerce Vice President In Charge of International Relations Myron Brilliant stated that Turkey is of great importance for them.

Stating that their work throughout the world is at a very important point as the US Chamber of Commerce, Brilliant said that the memorandum of understanding would present both countries with great advantages.

Brilliant went on to say that they would continue to diversify their relationship with TOBB as a part of the memorandum of understanding and said, “Turkey represent much more than just a region. Turkey is a base for many regions. A new era for Turkish-USA relations is beginning.”

- Charles Hunter

US’ Consul to İstanbul, Charles Hunter stated that the opening of this office is a very important step and would contribute to ensuring the peace and prosperity of the region. Pointing out the need to support private sector and business community partnerships, Hunter stated that they want bilateral trade to grow much more.

- TOBB – US Chamber of Commerce Cooperation Protocol signed

Following the opening of the US Chamber of Commerce Office, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and the US Chamber of Commerce Vice President In Charge of International Relations Myron Brilliant signed the TOBB– US Chamber of Commerce Cooperation Protocol.