Istanbul to host world Turkish entrepreneurs council next month

Turkish entrepreneurs from all over the world will gather in Istanbul at next month's World Turkish Entrepreneurs Council, set to be co-hosted by the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat and Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK). Speaking at a press conference yesterday alongside Coca-Cola President and CEO Muhtar Kent, Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB) head Rifat Hisarciklioglu said that the council would be an important force for promoting Turkish brands in global markets. He said he believed that millions of Turks living abroad who have created new businesses would help bring Turkey to a more prominent international position. Also speaking at the conference, Kent said, "It's high time to bring together strengths and opportunities in this period of global financial crisis and to focus on new economic areas." He said the council is taking place at a crucial time and is important for its participants. "Every crisis gives birth to an opportunity," he added. "I hope that the face-to-face meetings at the council will generate new opportunities. We plan to discuss regional problems and possible solutions." Saying that now is the time to unify and create new areas of economic cooperation, he added, "As Turks, we make efforts to help our country on every platform possible. However, in order to have a louder voice, we need to find common ground. I hope that we will take necessary steps in this direction at the meeting." He said the council would give Turkish bureaucrats, professionals, executives, entrepreneurs and academics from all over the world the chance to cooperate.