ISTANBUL TO HOST TOP NAMES IN GLOBAL COMMERCE

UNCLAS ISTANBUL 000555 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EEB/MERMOUD COMMERCE FOR 4200/ITA/MAC/EUR/CRUSNICK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EINV BEXP TU SUBJECT: ISTANBUL TO HOST TOP NAMES IN GLOBAL COMMERCE REF: ANKARA 1567 ¶1. An increasingly popular venue for international congresses and conventions, Istanbul will host the World Chambers Federation (WCF) Fifth World Chambers Congress in Istanbul on July 4-6. Istanbul competed with Monaco and Bratislava to host the event. Prime Minister Erdogan will open the event, which will feature prominent speakers including former Secretary of State Albright, 2006 Nobel laureate and Grameen Bank Chairman Muhammad Yunus and Coca-Cola President and COO Muhtar Kent. Delegations will pay visits to business establishments in Gebze and Istanbul, and conference organizers are arranging a comprehensive schedule of one-on-one meetings for participating companies. ¶2. Over 1,000 businessmen are expected to attend the congress, which will be sponsored by the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB). According to TOBB President Rifat Hisarciklioglu the congress will host the presidents of 1,500 chambers and commodities exchanges from 140 countries, as well as Turkish business leaders. Noting that a strong presence in international events has an enormous impact on business life, Hisarciklioglu said the congress would be a meeting point for Turkish business and the leading names in the world economy. Arguing the meeting will contribute to the rapid implementation of cooperative projects, Hisarciklioglu added: "The Fifth World Chambers Congress offers the participants a unique opportunity to make new contacts and exchange experiences and ideas. It will be a significant event with its rich program, broad cooperation and information exchange." ¶3. The convention will host panel discussions and seminars covering the latest developments in the business world, propose solutions for current problems and predict challenges for the businessman of the future. Session will address topics including the management of global risk, economic restructuring, governance in global economies, migration/immigration, energy security and threats to multilateral trade. Conference speakers will include: International Finance Corporation Vice President and CEO Lars Thunell, International Chamber of Commerce Chairman and LM Ericsson Vice Chairman Marcus Wallanberg, Eurochambers President Pierre Simon, First Eastern Investment Group Chairman and CEO Victor Chu, Bridas Corp. Chairman Carlos Bulgheroni and ICC Vice Chairman Victor Fung. JONES