Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Attending the work breakfast hosted by TOBB and the US Chamber of Commerce, in addition to US Commerce Minister Penny Pritzker and US Ministry Export Council Members were US CEOs and representatives of the Turkish business community.

US Commerce Minister Pritzker introduced the members of the US Ministry Export Council and emphasized in her speech that they want to develop the economic and trade ties between the two countries. She stated that they are pleased to be working closely with TOBB, the most comprehensive employers’ organization in Turkey with 1.5 million members.

- Hisarcıklıoğlu: Wide field for cooperation with US companies

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded that he will be holding the office of B20 Executive Board President during Turkey’s G20 presidency, and said, “I am convinced that we have a wide field for cooperation with US companies in the B20 platform.”

Stating that the business community believes in the peace-trade-prosperity chain, Hisarcıklıoğlu provided information in regards to the various trust increasing projects in the region. Emphasizing that they have been working to develop Turkish – American relations’ financial facet for a long time as TOBB, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that businessmen and their financial activities are the mortar of Turkish – American relations.

- Hisarcıklıoğlu calls to include Turkey in TTIP and support for an FTA

Reporting that they are also focusing on cooperation in third countries in addition to Turkish – American bilateral relations, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Turkey’s inclusion to TTIP or a free trade agreement (FTA) to be signed with Turkey are being worked on. To this end, I would like to emphasize the issue of TTIP. Turkey’s inclusion to this process will result in a true increase in the level of relations. It does not bear thinking that Turkey would be left out of this great global economic integration. We await your support in this. We are country of institutions and legislations. US companies which have invested in Turkey have seen this firsthand. We invite you to trade more with and to invest more in Turkey.”

Providing examples to Turkey’s power in trade and industry, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that three out of every four household appliance in Europe are Turkish goods. The world’s 6^th preferred tourism destination, Turkey is second in the field of construction worldwide.