Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that TOBB and the US Chamber of Commerce have signed an MoU in 2012, and that they’ve covered a lot of ground since then. As a part of the TOBB – US Chamber of Commerce cooperation, high level delegation visits have been conducted, “We’ve not only focused on Ankara and İstanbul. Our activities have been spread out all over Turkey. Likewise, we’ve been at work in many places other than just Washington D.C. and New York. We’re working in biotechnology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, communication technologies and venture capital. We are also working on the TTIP to be signed between the USA and the EU. Turkey becoming a party to this agreement and the signing of an FTA with the USA is very important for us.”

Stating that the strength of the relations between Turkey and the USA are for Turkey and the USA, they are just as important for Europe and the Middle East, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that TOBB and the US Chamber of Commerce would continue to work with this vision in mind.

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu added that they view the representation of the private sector as a part of the Healthcare Industry Direction Committee.

- Healthcare needs

Healthcare Minister Recep Akdağ stated that one of the subjects of most import for them is to maintain dialogue with the parties of the sector, stating that Turkey’s healthcare needs have changed, transitioning to mostly non-infectious disease treatment.

Reporting that they’ve facilitated access to health services and medication, Minister Akdağ said, “Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment should be produced in Turkey where possible.” Stressing the need to produce new molecules as well as high added value medication and medical equipment, Recep Akdağ pointed to the importance of their partnership with the US private sector in this regard.

US Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Myron Brilliant emphasized that significant steps have been taken in the last 6-7 years. Brilliant stated that they put great importance on private sector representation in the direction committee, access to latest pharmaceuticals by Turkish patients and public-private sector cooperation.

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, US Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Myron Brilliant and TOBB Board Members attended dinner afterwards.