Investment Advisory Council (IAC) meeting, aimed at improving Turkey’s image as an investment hub, attracting more foreign investors, and providing an international perspective to ongoing investment related reforms, was held on October 27 2016 in İstanbul. A highlight of the meeting was a declaration that was read on behalf of the companies at a news conference. Attending the news conference were Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, Deputy Prime Ministers Mehmet Şimşek and Nurettin Canikli, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak, and Minister of Economy Nihat Zeybekci. The declaration expressed the confidence of foreign companies in Turkey’s economy in the wake of the defeated coup. Emphasizing that the Turkish government has been very helpful to investors via incentives and reforms, companies noted that Turkey has outperformed most of the emerging economies in terms of growth rates. Investors also cited the medium-term program, the 10thdevelopment plan, and the government program as the main pillars Turkey’s transformation into an innovation and productivity-driven economy. The declaration also had some ideas on seeing opportunities in challenging times and on reducing the gap between the reality and the perception of Turkey. Stressing the importance of a stable macro environment to provide better predictability and to continue structural reform agenda, the declaration also pointed out the need to prioritize strategic sectors such as information and communications technology and to make more efficient use of communication channels with the international business community. 14 COUNTRY 1.5 MILLION PEOPLE The IAC was founded in 2004 with the participation of senior executives from prominent multinational companies. Attendees at the 9thIAC meeting included top executives of 20 multinational companies such as the World Bank Group, Alstom, Bank of China, Sberbank, Qatar First Bank, BP, Burgan Bank, Microsoft, Renault, United Technologies Corporation, and Vodafone. These companies came from 14 countries, operate in 10 different sectors, account for a total turnover of around USD 700 billion, and employ 1.5 million people.

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The President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the 71st General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), and said that humanity had reached a historical zenith in terms of technology, economic development, and health, but certain problems have yet eluded solution. "This bright picture however is marred by an astonishing dark side" said Erdoğan and added "Hundreds of thousands of children, women, young and old continues to die in many countries suffering the pain of terror and war." PROMISES MUST BE KEPT Asking the United Nations to keep the promises, the President Erdoğan said "The United Nations must be reformed. It is clear that the efforts will not produce results unless the UN Security Council, the main body responsible with ensuring peace and security worldwide, is reformed." Erdoğan noted that "You cannot condemn the fate of the world to the will of five countries. But currently, the fate of the world is dependent on the will of just five countries." REPRESENTATION OF ALL COUNTRIES Emphasizing the fact that a UN Security Council where all countries are not represented cannot bring justice, Erdoğan continued "What about the other countries of the world? Here's what we propose: 20 countries sit in the UN Security Council. Let them all be permanent members. These should be rotated every two years. The countries of the whole world should have their place in this council, representing the whole world." FOLLOW THE REAL TURKEY THROUGH INVESTMENTS The President of the Republic, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Turkey is a natural part of all formations based in Europe, Asia or Africa, due to its geographical location and the historical acquis it enjoys. The commitment of our country to infrastructure investments and grand projects is strong enough to draw attention of the whole world. Last year, in addition to numerous problems, we had also experienced a coup attempt. Yet, we were still able to bring into service a number of world-class projects in succession. We also proceeded with preparations for new ones. In the last 14 years, Turkey experienced truly historical success in economy in particular. For instance, the average growth rate we had in the period 2003-2015 was 4.7 percent. Despite tens of obstacles we faced in the past years, the growth rates we achieved were well above global averages. We achieved 4 percent growth in 2015 despite two elections and major acts of terror. That year saw the global economy grow on an average of 3.1 percent, while the developed world and most developing countries had often just 2 percent growth, with only a few exceptions. The growth remained in place in the last year as well. Neither the acts of terror nor the crises enveloping Turkey reflect the realities of the country. You can have a glimpse of the real Turkey through a look at investments and projects. Be confident that this country does not and will not embarrass anyone who believes in it, trusts in it, and invests in it. TURKEY AS A BASE OF GLOBAL INVESTMENTS Prime Minister, Binali Yıldırım Turkey reached to this day through continuous growth experienced in 27 quarters since 2003, with the exception of the major recession of 2009. The banking system is robust. Capital adequacy ratios reached to around 16 percent. From now on, the sectors which entail substantial added value will have investment priority, supported by our economy policies. Special and privileged subsidies will be introduced for seven basic sectors such as IT, chemicals, logistics, and so on. Now, the global investors consider Turkey as a regional management center for future years. Their decisions are not about just investments in Turkey, but about managing regions such as Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe through the base in Turkey. WE ARE RENOVATING OUR CUSTOMS FOR THE INVESTORS Minister of Customs and Trade, Bülent Tüfenkci We work to make Turkey a country of easier and safer trade. We are opening new border gates and customs directorates where required, and also renovating existing gates, in order to increase the tempo of our customs services. God willing, Kapıköy customs gate will be completed as of 2017. We also began the reconstruction of Sarp Border Gate to enable service under better terms, and the work there will be completed in 2018. We are rebuilding our border gates at Gürbulak, Hamzabeyli, İpsala and Posof-Türkgözü. We will also have the tenders for Hamzabeyli and İpsala border gates in 2017. THE UPDATED CUSTOMS UNION WILL INCREASE OUR REVENUE Minister of Economy, Nihat Zeybekci The update of the Customs Union Agreement will be a positive development for both the European Union (EU) and Turkey. The impact analysis based on this fact projects a 2 percent added increase in Turkey's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030. The full integration with the agreement marks Turkey's entry into a new age. Turkey is located in the middle of a geography home to a population of 1.7 billion, as well as the greatest energy and raw material resources of the world. Turkey will grow through production, with its industry, and the efforts of its private sector.

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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."

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Turkish and American businessmen met within the framework of contacts by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who visited New York for UN General Assembly meeting. In the meeting organized by the US Chamber of Commerce and The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), the entrepreneurs discussed joint investment ideas. The meeting attended by the Minister of Economy, Nihat Zeybekci and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Berat Albayrak as well, saw an address by the President of İstanbul Chamber of Commerce, İbrahim Çağlar, as the Vice President of TOBB, to the executives of major US firms. Çağlar reminded the audience the joint work on medical, IT, and tourism sectors. Also talking about the coup attempt by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ/PDY), describing the causes and results of the attempt, Çağlar emphasized the fact that FETÖ is a threat to democracy and business world in many countries. AGENDA: ECONOMY Noting that the government, agencies and non-governmental organizations in Turkey took the necessary steps for democracy and economy in the wake of 15th of July, Çağlar added "Foreigners who have invested in Turkey always voice their confidence in our country. As the representatives of Turkish business world, we, in turn, invite you to engaging in new investments in Turkey." Underlining the possibility of even more serious impacts even huge economies can suffer in the new global order with ever changing dynamics, Çağlar said "It is impossible for any economy to survive this era on its own. Investment in Turkey translates to huge opportunities for the US and the global economy." THE CONSUMERS WERE NOT AFRAID Çağlar said that, after 15 July, people flocked to Turkish Liras rather than foreign currencies, and the rising trend in the Securities Exchange remained strong. Emphasizing the fact that private consumption did not lag as well, he added "Turkey's stable economy, as well as its young and dynamic population, serving as a model with its energy, continues to open up to the wider world."

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İstanbul, January 31, 2017- Representing 400,000 İstanbul based businesses, İstanbul Chamber of Commerce ICOC is all prepped up to bring a breath of fresh air to MIPIM-The World's Leading Property Market, to take place between March 14–17, 2017, in Cannes, France. İstanbul Real Estate Pavilion is located in the most prestigious sea shore strip of MIPIM, also hosting the financial capitals like Paris and London. Themed ‘Bosphorus’, the Pavilion will offer breathtaking views of the beautiful Bosphorus strait of İstanbul, connecting the two continents. 23,000 visitors from 90 countries will be mesmerized with the unique views from the city of İstanbul, bejeweled by a splendid selection of mega projects, and will have a chance to get first hand information and details. FOLLOW YOUR ISTANBUL DREAM President of the İstanbul Chamber of Commerce, İbrahim Çağlar said: “We will explain to potential investors how the most profitable and attractive way of living in İstanbul is by purchasing real estate in the city. We will invite investors to İstanbul, to live the İstanbul Dream, in this beautiful city across two continents and the only city in the world with the sea streaming through it.” TURKISH CITIZENSHIP VIA USD 1 MILLION INVESTMENT İbrahim Çağlar highlighted that overseas buyers who spend USD 1million+ for property purchases in Turkey will be granted Turkish citizenship and added: “İstanbul continues to be a very attractive location for real estate investment thanks to the low price per m2 and offers many advantages. It is never too late to invest in İstanbul: A residential or commercial real estate purchase in İstanbul has dual return potential for the global investor – on one hand the significant return in capital gains and on the other the opportunity to obtain Turkish citizenship through your real estate purchase, by way of the recently effected legislation.” THE CITY THAT FLIES YOU TO 57 COUNTRIES IN 4 HOURS İstanbul will use the “two continents, one city” theme in its MIPIM promotion this year. It will also be highlighted that the city connects to 57 countries with a 4-hour flight and as the historical capital of three empires, İstanbul will continue to be the center of attraction for many years to come.

31 Ocak 2017 Salı