The victory of democracy was relayed to Europe

What Turkey had endured during and in the aftermath of the attempted coup of 15 July was a topic of intense debate in the global agenda as well. During those discussions, often mentioned were the political as well as economic manipulations targeting Turkey. That's why an accurate reading of what happened in Turkey have eluded the world so far. The events were followed by credit rating agencies' statements about Turkey, leading to new question marks. That is why Turkey had embarked on a civilian and commercial diplomacy campaign to provide accurate information to the European public.

In this context, Çağlar, the President of İstanbul Chamber of Commerce, as well as the members of the Democracy Platform of Turkey told at the Brussels Office of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, what happened during and after the coup attempt of 15 July. The officials of the European Parliament and the representatives of the European Chambers of Commerce attended the meeting.

GROWTH RATES WERE NOT HIT

Speaking at the meeting which received substantial interest among European counterparts, the Vice President of TOBB and the President of İstanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC), İbrahim Çağlar said that Turkish economy grew for 27 consecutive quarters despite the coup attempt by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ/PDY). Çağlar emphasized the fact that Turkey is about to conclude numerous unmatched projects.

STATE OF EMERGENCY DOES NOT HURT

Sharing his view about the state of emergency, Çağlar said "We, the business world, is satisfied with the State of Emergency. For the State of Emergency does not build pressure on the public and the business world. Within the framework of the State of Emergency, the government is offering substantial subsidies to the business world. Ask about it to firms which have investments in Turkey. These days, all such firms are making statements. The opportunities for investment in Turkey are extensive. The most recent example is provided by Bosch, “Which announced its intention to invest in Turkey."

COME AND HAVE A LOOK AT THE PROJECTS

Noting that Turkey is working on mega projects, İbrahim Çağlar said "The third airport of İstanbul, slated to cost 35 billion dollars, is fast approaching completion. There are many more projects like that one. These show the strength and potential of Turkey. Come and see these. As the head of ICOC, I invite you to come and visit us, so that we can show these to you on site."

DEMOCRACY AND LAW

Mayor of Metropolitan Municipality of İstanbul, Kadir Topbaş, in turn, emphasized the existence of so many one-sided remarks voiced in certain media entities of Europe. Topbaş said "The political will did not speak against the coup attempt. All layers of our society showed that nothing was above the will of the nation."

The Chairman of the Platform, Kezban Hatemi, in turn, pointed out the fact that Turkey, a party to the European Convention on Human Rights, despite not being a member of the EU, is a democratic country.

THE DISCOURSE WAS PRESENTED AT BERLIN AS WELL

Berlin was yet another destination of the platform. The contacts led to a presentation to German officials, about the 15 July coup attempt by FETÖ.

Meeting representatives from the Chancellorship, Federal Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various German foundations, the delegation then paid a visit to the Turkish Embassy in Berlin as part of the two-days long program. The Chairman of the Platform, Kezban Hatemi made a presentation on their efforts.

MEETING WITH NGOs

The members of the Democracy Platform of Turkey also met representatives from Turkish Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Germany. The chairman of the platform, Kezban Hatemi voiced the will to live in a Turkey governed by a democratic system. The meeting also saw some dissent about the recent decisions the European Union took about Turkey.

THE MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION

The platform was comprised of İbrahim Çağlar, the President of İstanbul Chamber of Commerce, Attorney Kezban Hatemi, Aşkın Asan, the President of Avrasya University, Leyla Alaton, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alarko Group of Companies, Mehmet Emin Ekmen, former AK Party MP for Batman, as well as Ayşe Cevahir Ersoy, Demet Sabancı, Mustafa Süzer and journalist Murat Yetkin.

TURKISH ECONOMY FROM EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

EUROCHAMBERS: A growing Turkey is crucial for the EU
Arnaldo Abruzzini, the CEO of Eurochambres noted that what happened on 15 July troubled them as well and said "We do not have an ideological perspective on this issue. We want to see a peaceful and democratic Turkey. A robust economy in Turkey is also a positive development for us. You have a huge capacity for growth. That is why, we, the representatives of the commercial world, want to expand the connections with your country in the most optimal way."

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY FOR BRUSSELS REGION: We are well aware of Turkey's importance
Olivier Willocx, the CEO of BECI said “We are well aware of Turkey's importance. After the Brexit decision on part of the UK, Europe has lost its way. Belgians and Europeans need to understand what you are telling now. On the other hand, your ties with Russia are also crucial for us, since the relationship between Europe and Russia are not stellar at the moment."

BRUSSELS MINISTER OF ECONOMY: Turkey's capacity is growing
Minister Didier Gosuin said the following: "We are confident in Turkish economy. We also had our share of suffering from deplorable acts of terror. However, the Western democracy is having a hard time in understanding the recent event as it did not have your experience."

BRUSSELS MINISTER OF FOREIGN TRADE: Commercial ties are crucial for us
The Minister of State for Foreign Trade for Brussels Region, Cecile Jodogne, said that they were not affixed on the political side of the recent developments in Turkey, and added "What is crucial for us are our commercial ties with Turkey."

01 Şubat 2017 Çarşamba

Etiketler : English