Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Speaking at the meeting wherein commerce and investor relations between Turkey and Paraguay were discussed, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that, as the Turkish business world, want to develop commercial and economic relations with all South American Common Market (MERCOSUR) members including Paraguay.

Stating that he believes that there are opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in many fields, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that Paraguay is an important potential trading partner for the Turkish private sector.

Emphasizing that, for Turkey, free trade agreement is one of most important the instruments for increasing trade with Paraguay and neighboring countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “we think the resumption of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Turkey and MERCOSUR its completion is important. We also anticipate Paraguay’s support on this issue.”

In addition to trade between Turkey and Paraguay, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that there is potential for cooperation in many areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, energy, construction and engineering services, “To give an example, of the overseas contracting sector, 46 of the largest 250 firms are from Turkey. In this way, we passed the US and rose to the second place in the world. To date, our contractors have successfully undertaken 9,700 projects worth over 390bn USD in over 100 countries. They’ve become a global brand. Our contracting companies have experience in many fields from infrastructure projects to construction of industrial complexes all over the world. We want to take part in Paraguay's infrastructure and superstructure projects.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that, as TOBB, they are the umbrella organization representing the whole private sector of Turkey, “All companies conducting trade in our country, in every industry, domestic and foreign, large and small, are our members. On the basis of our service capacity and the work we do, we are one of the top three most advanced chamber systems in the world. We are also present in all global business organizations. I'm a board member of the International Chamber of Commerce. I am also the Vice President of Eurochambres, European Union of Chambers, Islamic Union of Chambers and Federation of Asia Pacific CCI. We also take part in the AICO, the Latin American CCI Association, of which Paraguay is also a member.”

Stating that the Minister of Commerce Ruhsar Pekcan is a very successful entrepreneur and manager from the business world, TOBB community, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We worked together with the Women Entrepreneurs Council of TOBB. With her efforts and vision, our Women Entrepreneurs Council developed, grew and brought many women into business life. Now, under the leadership of our minister, we aim to make more business and investment with Paraguay.

- Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan

Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said that they are ready to remove any obstacles to business people and to provide them with all the necessary support.

Pekcan said, “Along with Paraguay Trade and Industry Minister Liz Cramer, borne forward with the force of cultural similarities between Turkey and Paraguay, we are ready to remove obstacles to the business world. Our businessmen should stand ready to increase bilateral trade and the development of our economic relations and our mutual investments. Looking at exports between Paraguay and Turkey, 80% of it is comprised of iron and steel and soy. It is in the hands of the business world to diversify and deepen this portfolio. We will support them. Turkey is among the world's leading exporters in automotive, automotive industry, textile, apparel, appliances, sweets and biscuits, as well as various other sectors. We are also ready to be the importer and distributor of Paraguay products.”

Pekcan underlined that Turkish contractors are second in the world but that Turkish contractors have not taken on projects in Paraguay except the US Embassy.

Stating that there are many agreements in place and ready to facilitate trade with Paraguay and the South American market, Pekcan said, “We are ready as ministers. Political will is ready. Our presidents are ready. It is the private sector’s turn to step up.”

- “Turkey has huge economic potential”

The Paraguay Trade and Industry Minister Liz Cramer said, “We have great opportunities. We have a chance to unify our economy. MERCOSUR is indeed a very big market with so many great opportunities. Products from Turkey can be imported. Production is also possible.”

Stating that they want to take advantage of the political climate to increase the cooperation between the two countries, Cramer, said that with many TV shows imported from Turkey to Paraguay, they are able to gain familiarity with the Turkish culture.

Cramer said, “TV shows are not enough. Turkey has huge economic potential. We know how Turkey achieved such development momentum.”