TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu: Balkan Countries are Strategic Trade Partners for Turkey
Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized the importance of Balkan countries as strategic trade partners for Turkey. With a total trade volume of 40 billion dollars with the region, Turkey has seen over 3 billion dollars in investments by the private sector in 11 Balkan countries, creating opportunities for production and employment.
Hisarcıklıoğlu’s remarks came during a series of visits to Bursa, where he first visited Hamidiye Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Hürriyet Mahallesi. He then attended the January Council Meeting of the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) before participating in the 32nd Synergy Meeting organized by the Balkan Rumelian Industrialists and Business People Association (BALKANTÜRKSİAD).
Expressing the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between Turkey and the Balkans, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated, “The Balkans and Rumelia are a geography where our nation’s historical, cultural, and economic ties are deep-rooted. Today, we continue to strengthen these ties and increase our economic cooperation. Balkan countries are strategic trade partners for Turkey. The total trade volume with the region reaches 40 billion dollars. Turkey has implemented many important projects in the Balkans, from infrastructure to superstructure, including airports, highways, bridges, energy plants, and wastewater treatment facilities.”
Strong Construction Sector and Factories Provide Advantage
Highlighting Turkey’s strong construction sector and factories, Hisarcıklıoğlu mentioned, “Turkish contractors have completed construction projects worth 25 billion dollars in a total of 700 projects in this region. BalkanTürksiad’s mission to strengthen relations in these regions and bring the business world together holds great value for our country. Especially in the current global turbulent environment, your performance is even more valuable. As you know, conflicts and wars continue in our region. The Middle East is still unstable. Ukraine-Russia, Iran-Israel, China-Taiwan issues pose significant risks to the world. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria was positive for our region and country. Following the establishment of an inclusive government recognized by the world in Syria, the reconstruction process will begin. Both our strong construction sector worldwide and the presence of cement and iron-steel factories close to the region provide us with an advantage.”
In conclusion, Hisarcıklıoğlu reiterated the importance of the strong economic ties between Turkey and the Balkan countries, emphasizing the mutual benefits derived from these partnerships. As Turkey continues to invest in the region, the collaboration between the two sides is expected to further strengthen, paving the way for increased economic growth and prosperity for both parties.
By recognizing the historical, cultural, and economic significance of the Balkans for Turkey, Hisarcıklıoğlu’s visit to Bursa underscored the importance of fostering closer ties and cooperation between the two regions. As the world navigates through a complex geopolitical landscape, Turkey’s investments and projects in the Balkans serve as a testament to the enduring partnership and shared vision for a prosperous future.
