Noting that the UNEP FI wants to build a strong relationship with Turkish financial markets, banks and insurance and asset management companies, he said that Turkey, as a gateway country to Asia and a bridge to Europe, has a very important economy. Clements-Hunt highlighted improvements in both the country’s export capacity and its industry, adding that Turkey is a good market for both the UNEP FI and financial markets.
With an agreement signed yesterday, the Turkish Industry and Development Bank (TSKB) became the first member of the UNEP FI from Turkey.
Recalling that short-term profitability and environmental awareness were once seen as conflicting goals, he noted that financial institutions and companies have managed to turn this situation around and make money from their environmentally friendly activities. Clean energy and environmental awareness are poised to become a lucrative business opportunity in the coming years, he underlined. Noting that many people thought companies would care less about the environment due the recent global financial crisis, he said time had proven them wrong all around the world.
