Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Stating that Turkey and Poland business communities have written success stories in their own right, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “While the rich businessmen in developed countries look for places to hide their money, we took risks and invested in the future of our countries. We produced more, we exported more and we provided more employment.”

Drawing attention to the fact that the two fast fish of Europe, Turkey and Poland, are not sufficiently familiar with each other, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Our historical ties are very strong. We will celebrate the 600^th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Unfortunately, our economic relations are quite weak in comparison.”

Providing information regarding Turkey’s economy, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Take Turkey today: It is the largest industrial producer in the region between China and Italy; it is the largest logistics centers and the country with the most stable financial system.

Our construction contractors who have completed construction projects in over 100 countries are only the second strongest in their sector throughout the world. Our tourism sector has hosted 32 million tourists yearly, 6^th highest figure in the world.

Turkey, with its 160 billion USD export volume almost completely comprised of industrial goods, is the largest industrial supplier in its region. Exporting more than half of our export volume to the competitive European and American markets, we make a difference through our quality.

And what do we sell to Poland which imports over 200 billion USD? Only 1.8 billion USD. The vice versa is also applicable for Poland: How much goods do you sell to Turkey which imports over 230 billion USD yearly? Only 3 billion USD.

This is an indication that our business communities are not familiar enough with each other. It is in our power to change this. By working together, we can make this situation so much better.

I am of the opinion that, in addition to trade, there is a significant investment potential. Turkey has drawn in 123 billion USD in direct investments in the last ten years. Likewise, Poland is one of the most directly invested in countries of the EU. But looking at the figures, our investments with each other are zero.”

Inviting Polish companies to trade with Turkey, the TOBB President said, “Let us develop projects together and form an exemplary partnership of the 21^st century. Let us shape the future of Europe together. Both sides are successful in certain sectors. We would be able to exchange our experiences through a new generation of mechanisms, partnership models as well as the implementation of proper legislative and managerial structures.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Turkey is a gateway for Polish businessmen opening into a billion USD market comprised of the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa and that they could cooperate in a vast region.

Drawing attention to the fact that the successes of Poland, one of EU’s newer members, and Turkey which is still in membership negotiations, are very important for the future of the European Union, Hisarcıklıoğlu went on to say: “Turkey’s membership process is being unjustly blocked by some EU members. Contrary to the philosophy of the Customs Union, the competitive power of Turkish companies via unfair visa and transportation quotas,” and requested support for overcoming these unjust applications.

- Economy Minister Çağlayan

Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan stated that bilateral relations would be developed further with the visit conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Erdoğan comprised of over 200 businessmen.

Stating that Turkey and Poland have the potential to help the EU come out of the economic crisis it finds itself in, Çağlayan talked briefly regarding the business opportunities and partnership potential presented by Turkey.

Also during the business forum, a cooperation agreement was signed between TOBB and the Poland Chamber of Commerce.