Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Speaking at the Honorary Doctorate ceremony, TOBB ETU Board of Trustees Chairman and TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, pointing out that they have been working together with Christoph Leitl since 2004 at EUROCHAMBRES, “Dr. Leitl always keeps the European business community and the European Chamber system at the forefront of the agenda. My friend Cristoph Leitl, who we will be presenting with a TOBB ETU Honorary Doctorate title, is a true European; a true entrepreneur; a determined leader and a trustworthy friend who believes in the European chamber movement from the heart.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that TOBB has been a EUROCHAMBRES member since 1966, “TOBB became a EUROCHAMBRES member eight years after its foundation. This shows a vision; highlighting integration with the European economy. This vision, introduced by the Turkish Chamber system in 1966, has progressed greatly today.

While Turkey's economy integrated with the European economy, the Turkish Chamber system has completely integrated into the European Chamber system. This integration process started with TOBB's membership in EUROCHAMBRES Board of Directors; now it has progressed to the Deputy Chairman in EUROCHAMBRES. The integration process of TOBB's EUROCHAMBRES, which started with Leitl's first presidency and with great support from him, made it possible to achieve a first in 2009.”

- A first for EUROCHAMBRES

A first in the history of EUROCHAMBRES occurred in 2009, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “A non-European Union member’s, namely from Turkey’s, chamber president was elected EUROCHAMBRES Vice-President. This success has contributed significantly to accepting the Turkish Chamber system as a part of EUROCHAMBRES. Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey today engages as deputy chair of the leading economies in Europe. EUROCHAMBRES President Dr. Leitl's support has been extremely decisive in the actualization of this success.”

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that, through reforms implemented in Turkey's economy, it will integrate into the global economic system, taking its place among the world's 20 largest economies, a member of the G20.

This economic success, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized, has a very significant contribution to EU-Turkey relations, “Turkey's EU integration efforts have been instrumental in becoming a functioning market economy. Likewise, the reforms realized through the customs union have made significant contributions to Turkey’s production power. Turkey is the EU’s 4^th largest export partner and 5^th largest import partner. Nearly 45% of Turkey's exports are to the EU countries. 38% of the imports are made from the EU. The share of EU countries in foreign direct investments to Turkey is around 75%.”

- Achievements in economic relations will bring Turkey and the EU closer

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, noting that Turkey and the EU achieved significant economic integration, “In this success, the Customs Union has been decisive. Now, the modernization of the Customs Union is on the agenda. With the customs union to be modernized, the scope will expand. Agriculture, services and public procurement will be included in the customs union. A mechanism will be developed for the solution of bilateral commercial disputes. Therefore, the expansion of the EU-Turkey Customs Union, with its negotiations concluded as soon as possible, will provide significant gains for both sides.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu, emphasizing that, as business organizations and business circles, they believe Turkey's success in economic relations will bring it closer with the EU, “We also continue our efforts in this direction. We prepare our business world and our chambers system to integrate with the EU. To this end, TOBB and EUROCHAMBRES have collaborated on important projects since 2001.”

- “Waters need to be calm”

EUROCHAMBRES President Christoph Leitl, beginning his speech by greeted listeners in Turkish, said it is a very emotional moment to be receiving an honorary doctorate title for the first time.

Noting that the variety of people attending the event Leitl, “In 10 years, maybe you (Hisarcıklıoğlu) will be president. Hisarcıklıoğlu, in fact many times, was elected Vice President. He's been the Vice President for the last 10 years. Work completed during his tenure in Europe and Turkey are gaining acclaim.”

Leitl also touched on Turkey-EU relations, stating that the two sides are not only neighbors but also are close friends and trust each other.

Leitl stated that the political wing can show differences from time to time, “But, waters should be calm so that economy, science and culture can develop, these three foundations must be supported.”

Leitl added that the continuation of the political dialogue would also have economic benefits.

Leitl, awarded an honorary doctorate after following his speech, also signed the memorial ledger.