Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Turkish – Tunisian Business Forum was held at the TOBB Union Center. The work dinner hosted by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu was also attended by Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Tunisia has been at the heart of many great civilizations for centuries; Phoenicia, Carthage as well as the Roman and Ottoman Empires.

Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating that Tunisia is situated strategically at the access point between Europe and Africa, said that its intellectual young population sets it apart from other African countries.

“The descendants of the great philosopher Ibn Khaldun have once again pioneered a new era after 700 years with the Arabian revolution,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Tunisia has proven that it can achieve social and political transformation quickly.

Pointing out the Arab revolution which began in Tunisia has been an example for many countries in the region, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Just like many countries in the world, Tunisia’s struggle for democracy has been heartily supported by Turkey.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that the road to regional cooperation is possible through the strengthening of economic and trade relations, the diversification of cooperation fields and increasing bilateral investments, “In previous times, we as the countries of the region, fail to fully actualize our potential. We failed to turn opportunities into cooperative projects.” Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that countries need to be open to transformation and there needs to be strong bonds between countries in order for cooperation to succeed.

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We want to strengthen and deepen our institutional relations with Tunisia. Because, we the Turkish business community, want to invest in Tunisia’s future.” Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Turkey and Tunisia’s bilateral trade volume is 1.1 billion USD and stated that this figure is unbefitting of the friendship and developing relations between the two countries and the he believes that much better can be done through joint efforts.

- OIZ to be built in Tunisia

 Touching on Turkey and Tunisia’s joint projects, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that necessary steps for the establishment of an Organized Industry Zone (OIZ) in Tunisia where Turkish companies will also be present in are being taken and that the said OIZ will follow OSTİM’s example. Hisarcıklıoğlu

Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating that the focal points of the Turkey – EU Business Bridges Enterprise are Egypt, Tunisia and Palestine, said that they have brought approximately 172 companies from Turkey and EU member countries together as a part of this enterprise. Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating that almost 800 business meetings have been held in Mersin and Antalya, said, “Turkey has become a center of attraction in a large region with its strategic depth, economic success and style of management.”

Stating that Turkey is one of the most important actors in its region, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that the Turkish private sector is, due to its economic power as well as its cultural and historic ties, able to do business easily in Central Asia, the Missile East, North Africa and Eastern Europe. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Our brother country Tunisia, with which we have a shared history, and we share the same fate. Our joy, happiness and grief have always been shared and will continue to do so.”

- Tunisian President Merzuki

Tunisian President Muncef Merzuki stated that the suggestions of the private sector will be heeded in implementing democracy in his country and that economy will be their greatest helper in this period.

Stating that the West is praying for the success of Tunisia, Merzuki reported that it is believed that failure in Tunisia may set back the progress achieved in other Arab countries.

Merzuki said, “If we had come to this point 30 years ago, everything would be different. We are working towards a government which focuses on the people and endeavors to serve the people. Our priority is our citizens.”

Merzuki stated that they are working to remove obstructions to foreign investments to Tunisia and went on to say:

“Tunisia is a safe and stable country for everyone. Come and see for yourselves. We share a beautiful history. I say, long live Turkish – Tunisian friendship; long live Turkish – Tunisian cooperation!”

Also speaking during the Turkish – Tunisian Business Forum were Tunisian Presidential Economy Advisor Anis Jaziri, Tunisia’s Honorary İstanbul Consulate Mustafa Göksu and TEPAV Researcher Esen Çağlar.