Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag - DIHK), the High Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Spain (CAMARAS), the Union of Italian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (Unione Italiana delle Camere di Commercio, Industria, Artigianato e Agricoltura – UNIONCAMERE), the Austrian Economic Chambers (Wirtschaftskammern Österreichs - WKÖ) and the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Luxembourg met in Brussels for the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry (EUROCHAMBRES) Presidency Meeting.

During the meeting, developments in the European Economy, especially the developments in the Euro Zone, new management system for the EU, the General Assembly and Congress of EUROCHAMBRES to be held in İstanbul and the British Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech regarding the future of the EU and EU – UK relations. In his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu said:

“The public trust index for the EU is at its lowest since 2002. At the same time, majority of EU citizens are worried about the EU economy in regards to high level of unemployment and public financing. High inflation on a national scale is becoming prominent.

The general growth figure is expected to be of 0.04% in 2013 (0.1% for the Euro Zone) and the unemployment rate is expected to be 11.4% for the Euro Zone.

In this difficult time, we need a strong voice for the European business community. We must ensure that EUROCHAMBRES takes on this role. Of course, our national chambers should do the same in their countries. This is why the EUROCHAMBRES elections are more important than ever this year.”

- TOBB-DIHK-WKÖ Consultation Meeting

In order to exchange ideas regarding the EUROCHAMBRES Presidency Meeting and the items on EUROCHAMBRES 2013 agenda, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag - DIHK) and the Austrian Economic Chambers (Wirtschaftskammern Österreichs - WKÖ) held a consultation meeting hosted by TOBB in Brussels.

Convening under TOBB President and EUROCHAMBRES Vice President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, the meeting was attended by WKÖ President Chistoph Leitl, EUROCHMBRES Vice President Marthta Schultz, EUROCHAMBRES Deputy President Richard Weber and DIHK Secretary General Martin Wansleben.