So Hisarcikoglu became another first like Ekmelettin Ýhsanoglu. I give importance to both results; both are good opportunities for Turkey to play a more active role, one in the East and the other in the West, especially in Europe.
As you know, we have suffered many losses as a nation so far because of weak lobbying, we could not help lagging behind on many issues in which we were right. I was very happy on Turkey's behalf when I heard about Hisarciklioglu's success, in this period when we are taking important steps towards Turkey's European Union (EU) membership. I am sure that this will play an effective role during this critical period. Hisarciklioglu's membership has already yielded its first fruits; Eurochambers will hold its first executive board summit in Istanbul in April.
I attended the evaluation meeting the TOBB president held the night before on the recent developments. Saying he also received support from the Greek and Greek Cypriot side, Hisarciklioglu is very happy to undertake this duty in Europe. In addition to TOBB's work, Hisarciklioglu links his success to the positive environment that Turkey has created in Europe.
In the past years, TOBB was an establishment that aimed at being effective in domestic policy. Even though its structure is related to the economy, it was positioned as the backyard of some parties. With the chairmanship of Hisarciklioglu, TOBB's mission changed, its relations with the political parties settled on healthier ground. This was the right thing. It got no permanent benefit by being an instrument of domestic political conflicts, either as an establishment by itself or its branches in many parts of the country. Anatolia's dynamism and energy converge in the body of TOBB. Hence, its vision is crucial. I am sure that its getting away from domestic politics and making more openings abroad will yield positive results in many aspects.
Before the 2002 Copenhagen Summit, under the leadership of TOBB, the business world went to Brussels to create public opinion. Towards the December 17 Summit, Hisarciklioglu will again set into action on December 3, he will go to the center of Europe, to Brussels, with 320 non-governmental organizations.
He will hold top-level meetings with leaders of EU institutions so that Turkey is given a negotiation date in the early months of 2005. Undoubtlessly, the efforts of the business circles will produce their effects in addition to those of the politicians. Hisarciklioglu is sure that Turkey will receive a negotiation date, he does not think of adverse possibilities and has already started preparations for the upcoming period.
He explicitly says, "We want to be part of the negotiation committee." This is a call to the government. Of course, he has reasons to demand a place in the committee; 24 of the 31 issues that will be dealt with during the negotiation process are directly related to the economy and three of them are indirectly related with his sector. So, he is saying, "those who will bear the responsibility," should be part of the committee. He says the fact that TOBB did not play an active part in the Customs Union has brought about negative outcomes for sectors of the body of his establishment. He does not want to repeat the same mistake this time, hence, he is approaching the issue more seriously. TOBB's demand to take part in the negotiation committee, which is highly related to the economy, is very appropriate. I think the government will take this into consideration.
Up till now, there have been the political criteria on the agenda, now it is time for the economic criteria. It won't be that easy for Turkey's economic structure to adapt to Europe. The homework in this area is more intricate than the one in the political area. Hisarciklioglu is very assertive. He says, "Five years is enough for us, during this time, the private sector can catch up with the European criteria." To be honest, Hisarciklioglu is too optimistic.
Under the chairmansjip of Hisarciklioglu, I think he has given importance to TOBB's outward vision. I also think that the mission it has undertaken during the EU process should not be underestimated.
October 24, 2004
