ADEM ORHUN / ISTANBUL COMMERCE Istanbul World Trade Center (IDTM) will build the largest trade show center of Turkey and its neighborhood, with an investment of 500 million dollars. The plans are in place for the implementation of a huge investment by IDTM –where Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) holds a 41.47 percent share– to build one of the most modern trade show centers of Europe. 700 THOUSAND SQUARE METERS The site will cover an area of 700 thousand square meters, and thus be the largest of its kind in Turkey and its neighborhood, and the most modern one in Europe. More than 300 thousand square meters will be dedicated to trade show organizations. A further 35 thousand square meters will stay active 365 days a year as a life center, with a shopping mall, restaurants, and cafes. CONSTRUCTION IN TWO STAGES The investment will be implemented in line with green building standards, and will be Leed Certified. The project is to be realized in two separate stages. The plans entail the completion of the first stage by September 2017. The first stage will develop a trade/tourism area, in the form of offices or a hotel. The construction of the second stage, which is to include the trade show grounds as well, will start in the first months of 2018, and will be completed by the end of 2019. An indoors parking lot for 8,000 vehicles, allowing the discharge of all within just 12 minutes will be built under the site. MEASURES ARE TAKEN FOR TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IDTM will make life easier for visitors arriving on foot, with the underground station connected directly with the new trade show center. Furthermore, the traffic problems will be ameliorated as the vehicles will be directed towards 4 main axes. The project will make the complex one of the top 10 trade show centers of Europe, and will present a new page in the business development between Europe and Asia. The ultimate aim is to make Istanbul the global capital of trade shows, and work towards that goal will begin this year. ÇAĞLAR: ISTANBUL PAYS 44 PERCENT OF THE TAX İbrahim Çağlar, the President of ICOC and the Deputy Chair of IDTM, said that Istanbul single-handedly accounts for more than half of all foreign trade volume of Turkey. He added that Istanbul also pays 44 out of every 100 liras of tax revenues the state gets, and hosts 23 out of every 100 foreign tourists to come to Turkey, and said "60 percent of foreign firms invest and trade here." TOPBAŞ: ISTANBUL SHOULD BE NUMBER ONE IN EVERY FIELD Kadir Topbaş, the Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul and Chair of IDTM, said that they are planning for a trade show area to be built after a campus model, within an area of 300 million square meters close by the new airport, at a location to be served by 2 underground stations, and that negotiations with TOKI are well under way. Topbaş said “let no efforts be spared. Let visitors bring their families as well” describing a reportedly unique concept worldwide, and argued that Istanbul will be a household name in trade show business, if they can achieve such a goal.

08 Mart 2016 Salı

SÜMEYRA YARIŞ TOPAL / ISTANBUL COMMERCE Some operate in the food industry, some in advertising...There are some who continue to serve the mist of coffee through the centuries, and some others who have yet to close down the notebooks opened ages ago. They are the centennial brands of Turkey. They serve in many sectors, from food to transportation, advertisement to printing, cosmetics to watch making. Many are essentially family brands, and help pass a cultural legacy built through combining the honesty of Turkish family structure with an awareness of social responsibility, down to future generations. DELIGHTS ENJOYED BY SULTAN ABDÜLHAMID Since 1777, one of the oldest brands of Turkey, Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir is the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of 'Turkish delight'. Sugar candies, Turkish delights and syrups, all of which are musts of ancient Turkish cuisine, are on offer at the Firm's original store at Eminönü, Istanbul, which is virtually a living museum. The founder of the firm, Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir opened a small store at Eminönü, Bahçekapı in 1777, and began to produce candy and sweets with a small oven at the back. In the journey that began centuries ago, Hacı Bekir continues to try distinct tastes and offer them to the people of Istanbul. His rose and cinnamon flavored delights make him famous at a scale where Sultan Abdülhamid I hears about him, and makes him the Candy Master of the palace, with the brand Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir. One of the most important elements which contributed to the continued success of such an ancient brand lies in the production traditions which do not concede at all in terms of traditional tastes and quality. The ages old brand, which became a symbol of Istanbul, continues to offer varieties of delights, halva, jams, various pastes, and syrups to its customers. CENTENNIAL MISTS OF COFFEE The century-old Kuru Kahveci Mehmet Efendi, which is almost synonymous with Turkish culture, is the must-have of any guest accommodation ceremony. The story of Kuru Kahveci Mehmet Efendi begins in 1871, at Eminönü Tahmis Sokak, where the business still operates, offering the best of Turkish coffee to Istanbul, Turkey, and the wider world. Istanbul, the heart of the empire, was full of coffee shops back then, but those shops all offered raw coffee, as it was imported from Yemen. In other words, the coffee sold at the stores needed further roasting and grounding to make it drinkable. One of the coffee merchants, Kuru Kahveci Mehmet Efendi achieves a first in Istanbul and begins to offer the ready-to-cook fresh-roasted and ground coffee to make the life easier for his customers. This achievement was crucial for the day, and can be considered the official birthday of 'Turkish Coffee' as an indispensable element of the global coffee scene. It also gave Kuru Kahveci Mehmet Efendi a strong brand name to last for centuries. The scent of coffee from Eminönü Tahmis Sokak, as it first rose back in the day, is still there for the coffee-lovers to enjoy. 134 YEARS OF RESPECT AND PATIENCE Another unforgettable taste of Turkish cuisine, güllaç, is produced since 1881 under the brand Saffet Abdullah. The phyllo for the light dessert made by putting rose water on wafers of corn starch and water, have been produced under the brand Saffet Abdullah for 134 years, and is enjoyed by Istanbulites as well as the rest of the world. Abdullah Efendi, who migrated from Crimea to Istanbul, began to produce the phyllo for güllaç at a workshop, rather than the usual practice of the day –at home. The phyllo produced by Abdullah Efendi are so thin, that they are almost transparent. The phyllo receives great acclaim all over Istanbul, and its popularity reaches to Anatolia as well. Today the centennial brand is managed by the third and fourth generations, and has been able to survive the test of centuries thanks to 'patience and respect for our workers' as the fourth generation representative of the firm, Erdal Arseven puts it. The güllaç phyllo, one of the household elements of traditional Turkish cuisine, is produced for centuries, with the same level of devotion, under the brand Saffet Abdullah. 123 YEARS OLD NOTEBOOK In the days when to-do lists were noted on notebooks, using paper and pen, rather than smart phones as we do today, Mehmet Sadık Efendi turned the page for Ece Planners. In 1892, 14 years old Mehmet Sadık Efendi opens a notebook shop named Afitap at Beyazıt, known for bookshops. His planners made in Istanbul bring him fame all over the empire in short order. For long years the notebooks and diaries, large and small, are produced under the brand Afitap, only to be renamed Ece after some years. The Ece brand which produces planners to keep the most private of notes, is now managed by the fourth generation of the family. The strength of the pages of this centennial book owes to 'offering products for the future, without severing ties with the past', as the management of the firm puts it. The integrity of the family was the most important factor in making the brand such an unforgettable one, and was achieved through the holidays which brought all members of the family together. CENTENNIAL NAMES ON DIGITAL MEDIA The traditional brands, most of which are owned by family businesses, share a common characteristic: They engage in modern production by maintaining the element of patience and respect in Turkish family structure. The age old brands some of which have come together under the Centennial Brands Association, are now meeting those who seek quality, through the 'Digital Platform of Centennial Brands'. A smart phone app shows tens of centennial brands such as Komili, Güllüoğlu, Tevfik Aydın Saat, Cemilzade, Eyüp Sabri Tuncer, and Koska on a map. THE BRAND WHICH EARNED THE ‘VEFA (FIDELITY)’ OF THE YEARS Sadık Vefa began his journey as an apprentice at a boza shop in 1870. In 1876 he opens the first true boza business of the world, Vefa Boza. The firm have been operating as a family firm through the centuries, and now the fourth generation is at the helm. The centennial brand still serves at the 139 years old shop, using century-old items. DELIGHTS MADE SWEETER WITH THE LOVE OF LUTE Cemilzade is one of the oldest delight producers of Turkey. It was established in 1883 by Lute Master Cemil Bey, one of the household names of Classical Turkish Music. The ageless brand which produces traditional Turkish tastes such as delights, almond pastes, and syrups, is now being managed by the fourth generation of the family. Stating that they reinforced the century-old roots with reverence for family traditions, the fourth generation representative of the family, Barış Cemiloğlu adds "we abide by the principle of making no concessions on the quality front, ever."

08 Mart 2016 Salı

SOYHAN ALPASLAN / ISTANBUL COMMERCE On 29 November, 2015 a new page was turned with respect to Turkey's process of accession to the European Union (EU), after more than a decade of ups and downs. The summit held at Brussels provided a scene for both sides to name their priorities. The event marked the most comprehensive summit held in 11 years, on Turkey's accession process, after the weeks and months in which Syrian refugees flowed into Europe. The declaration made at the end of the summit emphasized an accelerated process for Turkey's accession to the EU. TWO SUMMITS PER YEAR Turkey and the EU will have two regular summits per year. The summits will discuss Turkish-EU relations and international issues, will also provide a venue for political dialog meetings to be attended by ministers and high-representatives. VISA-FREE TRAVEL TO EUROPE The EU Commission's second report on the road map for visa liberalization will be published in March 2016. From June 2016 on, Turkey will begin enforcing the readmission agreement. Provided that all requirements of the roadmap are met, the visa exemption will enter into force in October 2016. DIALOG MEETING The Senior Level Economic Dialog Mechanism will be implemented in the first quarter of 2016. The same period will see the second meeting of the Senior Level Energy Dialog and Strategic Energy Cooperation mechanism. Once the preparations for the updating of the Customs Union are completed, it will be possible to commence official talks by late 2016. JOINT ACTION PLAN The implementation of the agreed upon Joint Action Plan will begin on 15 October. The extent of cooperation regarding the prevention of entry of persons other than those in need of international protection, to Turkey and the EU, the enforcement of readmission agreements, and the deportation of the persons other than those in need of international protection, to their country of origin, will be expanded. 17TH CHAPTER IS NOW OPENED The EU now opened the 17th chapter. This move increased the number of open chapters in Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU, to 15. The 17th Chapter entails harmonization of the countries' economy policies with the EU's economy policies, with reference to shared goals of increasing competitiveness on the basis of free market economy based on free competition, encouragement of innovation, achievement of sustainable development, and increasing growth and employment. The aims regarding monetary policies, on the other hand, entail the implementation of the single currency policy with the purpose of maintaining price stability. The EU Commission will conclude its preparations regarding the opening of certain titles in the first quarter of 2016.

08 Mart 2016 Salı

"İstanbul; the city at the heart of the world… This unique city that melts the energy of Asia experience of Europe and potential of the Middle East, all in one pot, provides easy access to 1.5 billion people and a combined market of USD 24 trillion, all within a four-hour flight. The long standing capital of tree different civilizations including the East Roman Empire lives up to its legacy as the authentic owner of the saying “All roads lead to Rome” as maintains its position as a hub for 8500 years, uninterrupted. Organically live and on 24/7, the city has an awe inspiring commercial potential at par with its historical significance. Its GDP of USD 250 billion surpasses that of many countries within the EU. ITS unprecedented opportunities offer investors much more than a local center of operation; İstanbul is a unique regional hub for tourism, finance and real estate. The appeal of investments in real estate has particularly gone beyond the borders attracting USD 5.5 billion of foreign capital per annum. A large part of these real estate investments is based in İstanbul. İstanbul is also home to some landmark mega projects: the USD 10 billion “Kanal İstanbul” connecting Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, the gigantic third airport that will be able to accommodate 150 million passengers and “Marmaray”, the modern day silk road, is only a few of the many such examples. The fascinating city’s business world, represented by İstanbul Chamber of Commerce, works relentlessly with the strength of its 400 thousand members and the experience through 134 years of operation, to make new opportunities of investment possible. İstanbul Chamber of Commerce will be taking İstanbul, the heart of the world, to the heart of MIPIM this year. We want to make the sights and sounds of İstanbul come alive in the 600 square meters “İstanbul Real Estate Promotion Pavilion” and the 96 square meters “Living İstanbul Model” and highlight the opportunities offered by this great city for the attention of the 20,000 real estate professionals expected at MIPIM. İstanbul Pavilion will also be hosting various B2B and bilateral meetings during the event that will pave the way for further cooperation. İstanbul Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Prime Ministry Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), the pioneer of planned urbanization in Turkey, and the 700 strong delegations from the real estate industry is ready to leave the mark of İstanbul at MIPIM."İbrahim Çağlar / President, İstanbul Chamber Of Commerce *** Turkey's largest real estate investment company Emlak Konut, aims to sell 11 thousand units in its projects in 2016. Emlak Konut, Turkey's largest real estate investment company by its market value and the size of the land bank & projects, continues to build the most innovative projects of Turkey and affects the rest of the cities where its projects are located. Its brand value is based on years of experience and numerous projects. So far, Emlak Konut REIC has finalized approximate 121.000 units’ tender during 12-year period since 2003. Since its establishment up to date, the Company leads to use environment conscious technology in their both residential and commercial property productions. Emlak Konut has completed a successful year of 2015 with a total sales value of 5,47 billion Euros and a minimum guaranteed Company share of 2,13 billion Euros in 12 revenue sharing model tenders. The Company owns 9,9 million square meters of untendered land plots in value of 1,06 billion Euros in their portfolio has high expectations for 2016. Emlak Konut REIC growing with the public offers further strengthened its place among Turkey's most powerful companies with 1,16 billion Euros paid-in capital. Emlak Konut REIC targets to reach an approximate total sellable area of 1,5 million m2 and total sales value of 2,31 billion Euros for all units in its ongoing and pipeline projects in 2016. Emlak Konut REIC expects a net profit of 456 million Euros for the same year as well. Emlak Konut REIC steps to the future with strong determination and increasing momentum under its people-oriented corporate philosophy since its foundation. It approaches to the goal of becoming a proudly referred global player for this country day by day. #istanbulmipim

25 Ocak 2016 Pazartesi

İstanbul Chamber of Commerce will enlarge the scope of the İstanbul promotion previously undertaken at MIPIM targeted at real estate developers and internationalinvestors from 89 countries across the globe at the specially designed İstanbul Pavilion. The Pavilion will be located in between the Paris and London Pavilions and will house İstanbul city model and models of various development projects integrated with video mapping technology. İstanbul will have its most extensive participation to MIPIM, the most prestigious real estate event annually held at Cannes which draws 21 thousand real estate professionals from across the globe and a wide variety of players from the property value chain. Leading names of the Turkish real estate and construction industry will paint the MIPIM Event with the national red and white colors of Turkey and leave their mark with presentations on their most recent projects, their enthusiasm and the great potential they offer to investors. İstanbul Chamber of Commerce expanded the scope of Turkey’s participation to the Event by doubling up the space set for the İstanbul Pavilion where municipal authorities and leading names of the real estate and construction industry will present their projects. The 600 square meter İstanbul Pavilion will be located in between the London and Paris Pavilions, in a most prestigious spot of the MIPIM Event. İstanbul Chamber of Commerce President İbrahim Çağlar highlighted the strategic role and significance of the MIPIM Event in promoting the real estate and construction projects of İstanbul at a global scale. President Çağlar said; "We up our game at the MIPIM Event to a new and higher level every year promoting Turkey and İstanbul. Urban transformation projects undertaken by Turkish construction companies and the mega infrastructure projects of the Turkish government planned for the city of İstanbul will be presented directly and in detail to investors from 89 different countries. The Prime Ministry Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), the pioneer of planned urbanization in Turkey, will be our main supporter at the Event through its subsidiary Emlak Konut REIC. Our target is to ensure that all of the 21 thousand participants of the Event pay a visit to our Pavilion, which is even more appealing with its new and prime location this year. We look forward to seeing all our visitors at the İstanbul Pavilion to enjoy a nice cup of Turkish coffee served with the world famous Turkish hospitality." İstanbul Chamber of Commerce will repeat its success of the 96 square meter Living İstanbul Model originally introduced at the 2015 fair, yet with more elaborate and new features. The model will be updated to showcase the new construction projects of the mega city İstanbul. The video mapping presentation that allows the model to be live on 24/7 basis is redesigned as well. The biggest of its kind, the Living İstanbul Model will demonstrate the sights and sounds of İstanbul to the MIPIM visitors at the İstanbul Pavilion. The İstanbul Pavilion will also be hosting various B2B and bilateral meetings during the Event. MIPIM hosted 700 visitors from Turkey last year and thus ranked number 7 among the top ten countries with most number of participants.

07 Ocak 2016 Perşembe