Wednesday, 10 Mar 2010







PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
ECO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
M. Rifat HİSARCIKLIOĞLU

Today, regional cooperation initiative is one of the most powerful ways for the countries to improve their economies. The precondition of raising the level of national welfare by increasing economic and trade relations is based on the cooperation with the other neighbor countries even for the economically strong countries.

ECO-CCI, which was established by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines, and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, in order to promote commercial, industrial and economic cooperation among member states, has today become an organization whose significance and efficiency is enhancing day-by-day, together with its expanding vision and number of members reaching ten.

In a broad geography, the ECO countries, with diverse economic structures and capacities, with vast human resources, constitute an extensive potential.

Globalization and economic integration trends are challenging the competitiveness of ECO countries in the global market. This requires more effective use of our countries’ potential. Efficiency in qualified hi-tech production should be raised to a desired level. In order to achieve this goal, we should aim at enhancing the trade volume among our countries. I believe that the private sector has the most significant role to play in this regard. Naturally, the performances of countries in economic development go parallel to the dynamic, enterprising and competitive-ready private-sector.

ECO-CCI is continuing its successful work with the awareness of being part of these processes of globalization and economic integration and also with the rightful pride of being a pioneer in the ECO region.

Under the auspices of ECO, ECO-CCI’s endeavors aim at focusing on frequent cooperation, creation of common policies and deliverance of suggestions. More specifically, on a practical level, ECO-CCI, with the framework of a Work Program, aims at: organizing and coordinating business forums, buyers/sellers meetings, seminars and workshops in Member Chamber’s respective countries.

ECO-CCI is a privileged and illustrative kind of cooperation platform for all of us. We will endeavor for making up efficient service process during our presidency in accordance with our mutual goal. I especially want to express that, during our presidency, your considerations and suggestions will be enlightening and guiding for us through our achievements.

With this understanding, we plan to initiate the new website of ECO CCI covering current commercial, economic situations of member countries, import-export data, cooperation opportunities with emerging sectors, news from member chambers, speeches and addresses by the presidents of the member chambers and current international issues.

For the entire ECO region to benefit from these inputs, the contribution of each Member of ECO-CCI is of utmost importance, as each member would provide the most updated relevant data regarding their respective country.

M.Rifat HİSARCIKLIOĞLU
President of ECO CCI
President of TOBB