The New Nation - Internet Edition

BUSINESS REPORT

The Turkey-Asia Pacific Foreign Trade Bridge II was held with 465 businessmen from 20 countries in Istanbul between June 16 and 21 last.

In the summit, Bangladesh was represented with 22 businessmen from leading companies and firms. Among them were FBCCI president Annisul Haque, vice-presidents Abu Alam Chowdhury, Mojibur Rahman from Uttara Knitting Dyeing Ltd, AKM Rafiquddin from Development Design Consultant, Abdul Haque from Haq's Bay Automobile Ltd.

The delegation first enjoyed the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul and visited the historical monuments, such as, Dolmabahce Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

Then they were taken to a Bosphorous sea-cruise and had their dinner together with Mayor of Istanbul Kadir Topbas.

On 17 June, the Turkey-Asia Pacific Foreign Trade Bridge II was officially inaugurated with Foreign Trade Minister Kursad Tuzmen's opening remarks at Istanbul's WOW Convention Centre.

Tuzmen reminded the audience of the Latin aphorism "ex oriente lux" --the Sun Rises in the East--in his speech and said, "The axis of the world economy has shifted from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and we can make an important opportunity out of this shift if we work hard."

He also added that Turkey took a major step in reaching out to new trade partners in 2005 when it launched a new strategy aimed at developing business ties with the Asia-Pacific region, Tuzmen also expressed the hope that Turkish exports to the region would reach $6 billion by the end of 2008 and $10 billion by 2010.

A common point among all speakers at the opening was the improvement of trade relations between Asia-Pacific countries and Turkey while realizing their full potential at the international level. TUSKON Chairman Rizanur Meral said, "The Asia-Pacific region a $10 trillion GNP and a $2.1 trillion import and $2.2 trillion export volume." He noted Turkey has competitive advantages in furniture, food processing and packaging, the timber industry, industrial machinery and textile products.

At the opening session, FBCCI president Annisul Haque addressed the audience. In his speech he said that Turkey has advanced technologies and Bangladesh has low cost manpower. Turkey can sell many technology-dependant products to Bangladesh and buy labour dependant products from Bangladesh. Thus, the two countries can increase the volume of trade by three to four times. He also said "As far as I can see, Bangladeshi businessmen don't have enough knowledge about the Turkey market and Turkish people. In the same manner, Turkish businessmen don't know much about the business opportunities in Bangladesh and its people. When we overcome this hurdle the two countries, of whose brotherhood ties come from the history, will surely strengthen their commercial and other ties.

Bilateral trade meetings took two days. Bangladeshi businessmen held more than 20 meetings and almost finalized their deals with their Turkish counterparts.

In his speech, Md Salahaddin, owner of Pink City, stated he was running a construction business and Turkey is using great techniques in construction sector. And that he was willing to construct in Turkey, according to a research the cost of construction could be reduced by 25 per cent. He would come to Turkey at the shortest and start the work.

On their return to Bangladesh all the businessmen shared the thought that while on the way to Turkey they were a bit apprehended as they didn't know much about Turkey and its people. But after seeing Turkish people's hospitality and friendliness and the business opportunities there we noticed that we were very late to discover this country. Now we will go to Turkey as soon as possible and have trade deals with Turkish firms.

Mr. Fikret Cicek the chairman of TBCCI said, "This meeting was a stepping stone in developing the trade relations between the two countries." He also expressed his willingness to continue this kind of meetings, and said "The two nations don't know each other well and this is our biggest shortcoming. I believe that this mutual meetings and visits will serve as a means to form a bridge between the two countries. And TBCCI will do whatever is necessary."