On May 4th and 5th, 2008, CATA Chamber (California Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce) was represented by our President Mr. Remzi Oten at the first meeting of the “World Turkish Entrepreneurs Council,” established by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) in Istanbul. The new council was created under the structure of the DEIK. The council will carry out lobbying activities to promote Turkey inside and outside the Country. The two-day-long meeting was attended by over 200 businessmen, CEO’s and bureaucrats from 47 different countries.

The president of Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) and DEIK, Rifat Hisarciklioglu, was also the President of the Council. Muhtar Kent, President and Chief Operating officer of the Coca-Cola Company, and the President of the Supreme Advisory Committee of the Council, were also Honorary Speakers on the second day of the meeting.

Rona Yircali, Chairman of Executive Board of DEIK, gave a brief speech about DEIK and DEIK’s activities during the Supreme Advisory Committee Meeting which was held on the first day of the gathering. The next speaker, Ertuğrul Önen, the President of the “World Turkish Businessmen Foundation” (DÜTİV), mentioned that the “World Turkish Businessmen Conventions” which has been organized in even-numbered years since 1996 will continue under DEIK. At the end of the meeting each participant had a chance to share their experiences and ideas.

Ali Babacan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, joined for the closing ceremony at Esma Sultan Yalısı. Babacan said the Ministry will be supporting DEIK’s activities. He underlined that Turkey became the 17th biggest economy in the world and the foundations of this growth are private enterprises and investors.

Muhtar Kent stated that he is honored to be here and Turkish businessmen should act like an honorary consul to promote Turkey and Turkish trade.