Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB and DEİK President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that they view Turkey and Mexico as two of the most dynamic actors of the new global power architecture and said, “As per the partnership declaration signed by our leaders yesterday, Turkey and Mexico will create joint strategic policies on the global and local scale.” Drawing attention to the fact that bilateral relations are not at the desired level yet, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Our bilateral relations are not becoming of our friendship. Our trade volume is 1.2 billion USD (Mexico 780, Turkey 400) while only 1 billion USD of that is bilateral trade (206 imports, 867 exports). That is but a drop in the ocean. We must be introspective in this instance. I previously stated this at the Business Forum in 2011 which took place at Mexico City.

 As Turkish business community, we must get to know the most dynamic trade actor of the region, Mexico, better; and vice versa. We must change this. It is my hope that this visit will be instrumental in the formation of many new partnerships. If we are able to read global trends successfully together, if we are able to take advantage of these, we will carry our trade relations to new heights.”

- Hisarcıklıoğlu drew attention to 4 important matters instrumental for increasing cooperation

Stating that preliminary steps must be taken in order to institute a strong trade partnership, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “To begin, we must institute the necessary physical, institutional and legislative infrastructure. First, Investment Incentive and Double Taxation Prevention Agreements are very important for us.

Second, a Free Trade Agreement signed by our two countries would solve the unfair commerce stemming from the free trade agreement between Mexico and the European Union which excludes Turkey.

Third is the matter of visas and the visa procedures which our citizens are subjected to.

Efforts to solve these problems by the political authorities of will encourage us as businessmen.”

- Importance of Nieto’s visit

Stating that Mexican President Nieto’s visit is very important, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “President Nieto has caused great happiness with the first state visit on the presidential level from Mexico to Turkey. You will start off a new period of bilateral relations. I present my thanks to you for the importance you’ve put on Turkey on behalf of the Turkish business community.

Stating that both Turkey and Mexico are in positions of strategic importance in regards to history and geography, TOBB and DEİK President Hisarcıklıoğlu went on to provide information about Turkey.

He went on to say that “As the Turkish business community we aim to increase our economic ties with Latin America which has gone ignored for the most part until now.

In this regard, we view Mexico as the most strategically important country for the Turkish business community in regards to both bilateral trade as well as our entry into the Latin American market.

Afterwards, Science, Industry and Technology Minister Nihat Ergün stated that they regard it very important for Turkey and Mexico to sign a free trade agreement and went on to talk about the developments in Turkey in the last 10 years. Stressing the fact that obstacles to economic activities adversely effect the global economy, Ergün said, “Likewise, we are also of the opinion that visas need to be lifted.”

In his speech, President of the Republic of Mexico, Enrique Pena Nieto said, “We want to diversify our trade with Latin America and to enter new markets and horizons. We are attempting to make entry into the Asia Pacific region. However, we’ve also turned our eyes on this region of the world.”

Stating that the two economies, Turkey and Mexico, provide ample opportunity for both to strengthen themselves, Pena Nieto said, “We have discussed very important issues with President Gül and signed important agreements, chief among them the Strategic Partnership Agreement for the 21^st Century.”

After the meeting, President of the Republic of Mexico, Enrique Pena Nieto awarded Honorary Consul to Mexico, Varol Dereli with a State Commendation.

Following the meeting, an agreement for the construction of a facility in Aliağa, İzmir, valued at 100 million USD was signed between the Kayseri company ÇİNKOM and the Mexican Zinc Nacionel company.