Istanbul Chamber of Commerce opens 2015 with new projects of global scale. ICOC aims to make Istanbul the safe harbor for investments globally with a new vision that entails high quality projects at international standards.
Accordingly, ICOC custom-tailored its 2015 work plan with the motto of “Istanbul: Capital of Money”. Work plan comprises of three main parts: 2015 Global Vision, 2015 Local Vision and Projects, all aimed at making Istanbul the capital of money.
CURRENT BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
President of ICOC Board, Mr İbrahim Çağlar said the following: “Istanbul has to be the capital of money for a number of reasons. Despite the economic and political uncertainties engulfing the world and slower growth in other emerging markets, Turkey sets the pace for growth with remarkable figures. It is also beneficial for us that the European Central Bank makes use of measures to support the markets and that the world economy is set to recover further in the coming year. Positive impact of lower oil prices on global macro economy, large scale projects that will transform Istanbul will all bring this city closer to realising its future self.”
ICOC ASSURANCE FOR COMMERCİAL VISAS
ICOC views a visa waiver program as the ultimate goal and in the meantime has signed commercial visa facilitation agreements with general consulates of many countries. Saudi Arabia, Finland, Austria and Denmark are the recent additions to the list of countries that take part in visa facilitation protocols with ICOC.
NO BORDERS IN ECONOMY
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce views the developments and threats of the global economy as opportunities and the whole world as a market to be tapped. ICOC will realise various projects for its members in the new year some of which can be summarised as follows:
International Competition: The URGE program of the Ministry of Finance aims to enhance international competition through integration of Turkish companies to export markets and entails up to 75% reimbursement of costs related to export activities. Program will also provide detailed information about various incentives.
First Step for Exports: This program, which has so far provided assistance for 220 companies in 10 phases, will have a new format to allow the duration of the training and consultancy assistance services to be extended by 2.5 times.
Incentive Policies: Incentives Division of ICOC informs members about incentives and assistance services. It also will prepare information sheets in 3 different languages to ensure a steady flow of up to date information is available to both local and international entrepreneurs.
2023 Construction and Real Estate Strategy: A construction and real estate white paper will be prepared to reflect on global sectoral developments and assess priority and potential areas for development. It will also be complemented by two workshops where potential development areas and related bodies will be determined.
SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES EXCHANGE OF TURKEY
Last year, ICOC organised a get together for members and leading companies like Bosch, Hitachi, Aselsan, Girbau, Harman, Continental and Scheaffler. We will follow up on our efforts and expand the scope of Supporting Industries Exchange of Turkey in its 25th anniversary and diversify activities both geographically and by industry.
Large Scale Projects:Istanbul Chamber of Commerce will continue its efforts in the new year to undertake large scale projects. Two such projects will be:
Spatial Strategy Plan: Urban strategy planning undertaken by Ministry of Environment and Urban Affairs will see the establishment of an Urban Affairs Workshop, in cooperation with İLBANK and The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.
Technopark Istanbul: Technopark Istanbul, a joint venture of ICOC and Underecreteriat for Defense Industry will enter phase II in 2015. Phase I is already complete and the Technopark is home to 90 companies setting up in the R&D centre and 40 potential entrepreneurs operating within the incubator, called the “İdea Cube”. Total area of the Technopark is 61,000 square meters.
OFFICES FOR USE OF OVERSEAS INVESTORS
Overseas businesses wanting to invest in Turkey or undertake import activities will receive guidance services and benefit from daily office use for their initial contacts in Turkey.