Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Reporting that, as of 2015, Turkey’s trade volume with the region’s countries is 10bn USD, Kopuz stated that the total investment of companies into the region has surpassed 5bn USD.

Kopuz said, “Turkish construction companies’ total project value in the region is approximately 100bn USD. There are approximately 2,500 Turkish companies active in the region. The improvement of the investment climate in Central Asian Republics and the facilitation of trade will contribute to the integration period of these countries into the international community.

Stressing the fact that the Central Asia region is well on its way to becoming an international center for transportation and shipping, Kopuz stated that they view the Silk Road as a great opportunity to this end.

Kopuz stated that the Central Asian Republics stand at the center of a strategic region and newly developing energy resources in the 21^st century, “The Eurasian energy security issue can only be implemented to include the USA and Europe through an alternative with Turkey.”

- Deputy Prime Minister Şimşek

Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek stated that there are deep and strong historical and cultural bonds between Turkey and Central Asian countries, stating that Turkey is ready to provide all the support these countries need for development along with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Providing information regarding various developments and reform packages in Turkey and the world in general, Şimşek stated that the global economic growth has slowed down and that developing and developed countries are continuing growth lower rates.

- EBRD Chair Chakrabarti

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Chair Suma Chakrabarti stated that Turkey is one of the most important parts of EBRD’s success story, “Turkish companies are immensely developed in the fields of construction, logistics, hotels, retail and agriculture.”

Thanking their partner, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Chakrabarti went on to talk about the goals of EBRD which was founded 25 years ago.