Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Meeting with Kosovo Chamber of Commerce Chair Safet Gerxhaliu, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce had first applied for EUROCHAMBRES membership in 2008.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they expect the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce’s membership to be accepted by EUROCHAMBRES which represents 1,700 chambers and 20 million employees. He went on to say that TOBB will continue to be a voice for Kosovo in EUROCHAMBRES, “A strong chamber of commerce is necessary for Kosovan traders and industrialists to reach the same position as their counterparts in Europe. To this end, the mentality which is a remnant of Soviet rule must be abandoned. Kosovo requires a strong chamber with its necessary legislative framework. We are following the normalization process between Kosovo and Serbia closely. In this regard, we support the endeavors of the Kosovan and Serbian Chambers of Commerce. We hosted both countries’ Chambers of Commerce in Turkey on May 22^nd.”

“Without peace there is no trade; without trade there is no prosperity,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu and went on, “If you want to prosper, you must open the way for trade. The conditions necessary for trade can only be attained with peace. We must support politicians in the pursuit of peace. These efforts will result in a more prosperous and financially developed Kosovo which can stand on its own.”

Pointing to the establishment of the Business Committee as the business community organizations of Turkey and Kosovo in order to increase bilateral cooperation and improvement of the business capacity of both countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized the goal of strengthening relations between the Chambers of Commerce.

Reporting that the petition has been discussed at the EUROCHAMBRES Board Meeting on September 24^th, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I’ve come here to prepare a report to present to the Board. We will vote on the issue on October 16^th following the presentation of this report to the Board. Hopefully, the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce will become a EUROCHAMBRES member as a result.”

- Kosovo Chamber of Commerce Chair Gerxhaliu

Kosovo Chamber of Commerce Chair Gerxhaliu expressed his hope that the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce will become a part of European chambers of commerce during the meeting to be held by EUROCHAMBRES on October 15^th -16^th and said, “The greater share of this success is not mine by Mr. Rifat’s as he has supported Kosovo all throughout the membership process.”

Gerxhaliu stated that TOBB has introduced Kosovo to the business world and that TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu is a true ambassador to Kosovan economy.

Hisarcıklıoğlu also met with Kosovan Minister of Commerce and Industry Hykmete Bajrami, Minister of Public Administration Mahir Yağcılar and Turkey’s Ambassador to Pristina Kıvılcım Kılıç.