Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC) Plenary Assembly was hosted by Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu in Istanbul with the participation of Minister of Trade Ruhsar Pekcan and former Vice-President of EU Commission Günter Verheugen. TOBB President and ABC Term President, Eurochambres Vice President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized the importance of the Berlin process, which aims to strengthen trade and investment relations between the Western Balkan states. Stating that this approach, which provides important contributions to the region's peace, will also reduce the risks of conflict, Hisarcıklıoğlu said as Eurochambers, they will continue to support this initiative.

Reporing that the foreign trade volume between Turkey and the Balkan countries in the last 15 years has increased from 3.5 billion USD to 20 billion USD, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “So we buy and sell more goods. We increased our mutual trade by 6 times. Moreover, we did this in a period of global economic crisis. Yes, this is an achievement. But this is not enough. As countries sitting at this table, we need to cooperate more. To prosper together, we must increase our mutual trade and investments. This should be our basic mission as ABC.”

- We must increase trade

Stating that the global economic structure has changed rapidly, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “New partnerships and alliances are being established. If we act together and increase our cooperation, we both gain; our reputation in the world increases. In our countries and in our region, if we want peace and wealth, this means more trade. Because those engaged in trade do not seek conflict.”

Point to the example of the EU, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that after two great world wars, Europe understood reality and founded the union and encouraged trade. Stressing that those who want peace and prosperity should first trade with each other, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We must become stronger and integrate into the global system.

We also appreciate the countries that have completed the EU membership process within the Association of Balkan Chambers. Likewise, we hope that countries that have not yet completed the EU accession process will be provided with the necessary cooperation and solidarity in order for them to successfully complete this process.

Yes, there are circles that express the failure of the EU with of the Britain leaving. Going further, there are those who say that BREXIT is the beginning of the end for the EU. However, we do not think this way. We want the EU to be stronger and continue to be a center of attraction. More importantly, we want it to continue to be a transformative force for the entire region, particularly the Balkans. Because we all need it.

We want to be a part of the EU integration process. We want this process to cover the entire continent of Europe. Of course, we also know the conditions. By meeting all these requirements, we want to be members of the EU with equal status. But we all need a reliable expansion process. The European integration process continues to be a source of hope and inspiration for the process of change and transformation in the Balkans. Therefore, our governments have the responsibility to continue their reform efforts. Likewise, the EU should be aware of its historic responsibilities. It should continue to produce constructive and inclusive policies and keep the enlargement process open. We, as candidate countries or potential candidate countries, should accelerate the reforms required by the accession process.

Likewise, the EU has to keep the door open. Me and my friend Michalos, as Vice Presidents of EuroChambers, pay particular attention to this issue. We continue to protect the interests of Balkan countries in the European business world.”

- Minister of Trade Ruhsar Pekcan

In her speech, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan stated that she was pleased to be present with the president and representatives of the chambers of 10 Balkan countries at the meeting.

emphasized the importance Balkans for Turkey, not just geographically, politically and in terms of economy, but historically, culturally and in socially as well, Pekcan stated that the Association of Balkan Chambers has a significant role in strengthening economic and trade relations between countries.

Ruhsar Pekcan stated they attach great importance to increasing mutual investments and that they have removed barriers for investment as the government in order to facilitate trade.

- “I believe that we will cooperate successfully in many fields with companies of the Association of Balkan Chambers”

Trade Minister Pekcan expressed that relevant ministries are working in coordination to improve the investment infrastructure in Turkey and to make it more attractive to invest in Turkey. She provided additional information regarding the investment incentives system as well as the free trade zones tailored for international companies.

Pekcan stated it is aimed to completely digitize Turkey’s economic administration with regards to foreign trade and customs system and that steps of exemplary quality taken have been in this regard.

Pekcan said, “We have realized many projects that will bring digitalization and e-commerce which are the necessity of our time in trade and customs to the forefront. We have realized many projects such as Customs Digitalization, Single Window, Harbor Single Window, Container-Port Tracking System. We are continuing our innovations with all due speed in cooperation with TOBB.”