CEO Network Platform Explores Turkish-American Relations at Inaugural Event
The CEO Network Platform, launched in collaboration with the Turkish Confederation of Business Associations (TÜRKONFED) and Integral Investment, focused on Turkish-American relations during its inaugural event. The meeting emphasized the goal of reaching a trade volume of 100 billion dollars between the two countries by 2030. Opportunities in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, finance, and fintech were discussed. TÜRKONFED Board Chairman Süleyman Sönmez highlighted the importance of accelerating cooperation in digitalization and sustainability, while Integral Investment Chairman Kadir Cenk Ulukartal pointed out significant opportunities to enhance collaboration in strategic sectors like technology, energy, and finance within Turkish-American relations. American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) President Tankut Turnaoğlu noted that Turkey's exports to the U.S. have rapidly increased, making the U.S. Turkey's second-largest trade market, and stated that the economic ties between the two countries continue to strengthen.
The CEO Network Platform, established through the collaboration of TÜRKONFED and Integral Investment, focused on Turkish-American relations during its first event. Under the theme "Turkish-American Relations and Transatlantic Cooperation," many topics were addressed, ranging from trade relations to collaboration in strategic sectors. The meeting discussed steps that could be taken to achieve the target of a 100 billion dollar trade volume between the two countries while evaluating opportunities in fields like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and fintech. The meeting aimed to strengthen the international ties of Turkish business, with participants including TÜRKONFED Board Chairman Süleyman Sönmez, Integral Investment Chairman Kadir Cenk Ulukartal, AmCham Chairman Tankut Turnaoğlu, and numerous other guests from the business community.
SOLIDARITY IS NEEDED FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Süleyman Sönmez, TÜRKONFED Board Chairman, stated that Turkey and the U.S. are key actors in regional stability and sustainable development within the context of transatlantic cooperation. He emphasized that economic relations have reached a significant point, with the trade volume between the two countries expected to reach 31.3 billion dollars in 2023. He also highlighted the collaboration opportunities in strategic areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and fintech solutions. Sönmez mentioned that the CEO Network Platform aims to be a think tank that not only facilitates the sharing of ideas but also produces solutions and policy proposals to address the challenges faced by the business world. He continued, “Bringing together the leaders of the business world to strengthen common intelligence and cooperation is one of TÜRKONFED's core missions. We believe that a strong economy and sustainable development are possible not only through individual successes but also through a collective vision and solidarity. This series of meetings is a tangible demonstration of this vision and a strong step towards the future. We wholeheartedly believe that the knowledge and experiences of our participants will add significant value to this platform.”
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FINANCE SECTOR Kadir Cenk Ulukartal expressed that the CEO Network Platform, which brings visionary leaders of the business world together, aims to strengthen strategic collaborations that will shape Turkey’s future and further integrate leaders into the global business landscape. He emphasized that there are important opportunities to enhance cooperation in strategic sectors such as technology, energy, and finance within Turkish-American relations. Ulukartal stated, “The synergy that can be created in these areas will lay the foundations for not just trade between our countries but also a shared vision. We know the potential between the two countries is much larger. We have an ambitious goal of increasing the trade volume between our countries to 100 billion dollars. At Integral Investment, we care not only about financial success but also about creating long-term value. We genuinely believe this platform will lead to new cooperation opportunities between the two countries, develop long-term strategies, and create a network that offers innovative solutions.”
THEY INCREASED THEIR ACTIVITIES IN TURKEY Tankut Turnaoğlu drew attention to the potential in Turkey-U.S. economic relations and emphasized that Turkey’s exports to the U.S. have rapidly increased in recent years, making the U.S. Turkey’s second-largest market after Germany. He noted that cooperation in digitalization and sustainability needs to progress swiftly. In this context, he highlighted that companies like IBM, Microsoft, Netflix, and Amazon have increased their activities in Turkey, stating that the distance Turkey has covered in its economic relations with the U.S. continues to grow despite geopolitical challenges. Turnaoğlu pointed out that the goal of reaching a trade volume of 100 billion dollars between the two countries is attainable, and with this projection, he noted that this goal could be achieved by 2030.