MÜSİAD, the Turkish Independent Industrialists & Businessmen’s Association, has successfully held the 12th MÜSİAD International Trade Fair that took place between 23-26 October 2008, in Istanbul Fair Center, Yeşilköy-Istanbul. In conjunction with that occasion, MUSIAD have also hosted the 12th International Business Forum (IBF) Congress which have been held between 22 25 October 2008 in the Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center.

In this fair, D-8 organization took part as one of participants that opened the pavilion or stand. The purpose of this participation is to encourage people to know more about D-8 organization. Through the fair, diverse sector of visitors from government to private sectors, were expected to have direct chances to learn more about cooperation and projects with D-8 in the future for any fields, for example in industry, energy, agricultural, etc.

As the result of this fair, there are many visitors that came to D-8 Organization to learn more about D-8. A lot of visitors that came to D-8 stand are courious to know about projects that D-8 could proposed, or currently working on. All booklets, brosures, and CDs that D-8 secretariat prepared for this fair were all finished in short time. This indicate that all visitors atracted for D-8 organization.

Furthermore, on Sunday afternoon, 26 October 2008, which is the last day of fair, Secretary General of D-8, Mr. Dipo Alam, was interviewed by Time Turk about the past, today, and future of D-8 Organization. For detailed interview, please kindly click here .

The 100,000th product of Iran Khodro Auto Manufacturing Company hit the global markets.

Managing Director of Iran Khodro Manouchehr Manteqi on Saturday told reporters that the peak of the company’s production in 1978 reached 100,000 automobiles while today the mere exports of this country have reached 100,000 automobiles. “Last year, we exported 10 percent of our production,” he added.

“The peak of the company’s production in 1978 reached 100,000 automobiles while today the mere exports of this country have reached 100,000 automobiles,” said Managing Director of Iran Khodro Manouchehr Manteqi. Manteqi described his company as the country’s main representative in industrial exports and said, “Before we engaged in exports, exported products of the industrial sector had a low technological level. But, after we started exports, exported industrial products of the country were upgraded to medium and high levels of technology. Presently, due to our efforts, Iran’s auto industry has found a special position within the Islamic world and very soon we will have good news in this respect.”

He recalled that with the export of 100,000 cars, the ground has been paved for exports of $50 million worth of automotive spare parts.Manteqi said that his company is expected to export 600,000 automobiles by 2016.

Regarding the quality of Iran Khodro products, he noted, “Some of our products such as Peugeot 206 and Peugeot 206 SD are not at all different from the quality of foreign cars. In the meantime, foreign industrialists have said that some of our productions, such as Samand, are at least of the same quality as Korean cars.”

Manteqi emphasized that his company has lowered exports in order to fulfill its domestic commitments and will again boost exports after this mission is accomplished.

Referring to Tondar-90 automobile, he said, “In the initial plan, it was projected that 20 percent of this production should be exported. However, due to the slow pace of procurement of its spare parts and the high level of local commitments, this level of exports cannot be fulfilled. This car will be exported to Iraq in a limited manner in the last quarter of the present Iranian year.”

He referred to Russia, Ukraine, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Algiers, Venezuela, Senegal and Turkey as the most important export markets of Iran Khodro. “Today Iran Khodro exports cars to 32 countries,” he added.

He also pointed to the increasing presence of Iran Khodro in global markets and said that the company’s exports in 2007-8 were more than the collective exports of the past 40 years.

“In 2007-8, Iran Khodro exported half a billion dollars of vehicles and technical and engineering services,” he noted. He said that Iran Khodro’s presence in global markets has earned the company 4 trillion rials.

D-8 cherishes the automotive development in Iran, and point this as a strong asset for similar development in memberstates. D-8 plans to hold at least two programs this year with regard to potential industries, including automotive. During the fourth D-8 Working Group Meeting on Energy in Cairo, Egypt on 1-2 June 2008, Indonesian delegation confirmed their readiness to be the host for the 1st D-8 Working Group on Industry Cooperation. Delegations from the memberstates will sit down to discuss potential issues in Working Group Industry, in Bali, Indonesia, in early December 2008. Automotive sectors will be among issues raised for in depth discussion.

Economic cooperation opportunities between Turkey and Pakistan were discussed in a meeting in capital Ankara on Tuesday. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani PM Gilani held a press conference in the capital Ankara on Tuesday.

Trade volume between Turkey and Pakistan should be boosted and both countries were determined to increase this figure to 1 billion U.S. dollars, Erdogan told reporters.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey attached a special importance to prosperity and tranquility of Pakistan.

Erdogan said Gilani and he discussed bilateral relations and the problems in the Middle East in the meeting.

Also attending the meeting, Turkish Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said that the trade volume between Turkey and Pakistan, which was around 690 million USD currently, should be increased to 1 billion USD as a first step and to a higher figure in the consecutive years.

Speaking at the meeting, Rifat Hisarciklioglu, chairperson of the Union of Chambers & Commodity Exchanges in Turkey (TOBB), said that the Turkish private sector believed in Pakistan's future and desired to contribute to the establishment of such future.

Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, who delivered a speech at the meeting as well, said that Pakistan desired to see Turkey as a role model in sustainable economic growth.

Noting that both Turkey and Pakistan were located on important trade and energy routes, Gilani said the two countries should use their geographical positions properly.

Gilani also said that Pakistan could act as a shortcut to Asian countries for Turkey and the two countries could cooperate in Asia as well.

The Turkish nation, Turkish diplomatic missions in foreign capitals, and D-8 Organization celebrated the 85th foundation anniversary of the Turkish Republic yesterday. Official celebrations started in Ankara at 8:45 a.m. at Anıtkabir, which is the mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the republic, presided over by President Gül, who laid a wreath of red and white carnations at Atatürk’s tomb and signed Anıtkabir’s guestbook.

“Great Ataturk, we are celebrating the 85th foundation anniversary of our Republic proudly. We promise to further glorify the Republic –you commended us– on the path you set; and further develop it over the contemporary civilizations you have marked. Rest in peace,” Gul wrote to Anitkabir special notebook.

State officials led by Turkish President Abdullah Gul placed a wreath on mausoleum, observed a minute of silence and sang Turkish National Anthem.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, D-8 Secretary General Dipo Alam, and Turkish political party leaders, military and civilian authorities also participated in the ceremony.

Representatives of various foreign countries sent celebratory messages to Gül. The prime minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is on an official visit to Turkey from Oct. 27-31, attended the reception at the presidential palace.

After the ceremony in Anitkabir, President Gul received congratulations at Turkish Parliament.

There will be glamorous activities with strong visual themes in Istanbul, while more official government ceremonies are being held in Ankara.

In Istanbul, the night sky will be lit up with fireworks, while the Bosporus Bridge and the Maiden Tower will be decorated with colorful lights and laser shows have been prepared. D-8 Organization is scheduled to participate for the ceremony in Istanbul, and will be represented by Secretary General.

Turkey became a republic on October 29, 1923. This formally declared the dissolution of Ottoman Empire; and Turkish State became a republic under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Republic Day is celebrated across Turkey every year with formal ceremonies. D-8 Organization and memberstates congratulate and wish Turkey to continue her successful efforts to increase the economic performances and trade, as well as to conserve its democracy.

In light to the dynamic of public’s awareness on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as one of the means to achieve economical, social and environmental sustainability for the business sector, environment and society at large, Indonesia Business Links (IBL) hosted its 2nd International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility in 26 - 27 August 2008 at the Jakarta Convention Centre. Secretary General D-8, Dipo Alam, was invited to the event, and discussed various issues regarding cultivating further cooperation between D-8 and IBL.

Indonesia Business Links (IBL) is a not-for-profit foundation and it was established in the wake of the Indonesian economic crisis. A major aim of the organization is to contribute towards the creation of sound and ethical business practices in the country. The organization is an affiliate of the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum (known also as PW-IBLF or IBLF).

According to Alam, D-8 plans to introduce and promote CSR programs into D-8 programs, which will involve existing CSR programs throughout the D-8 countries. “We hope that IBL Indonesia can be the leading CSR Program from D-8 companies, and our talks heading toward that target,” said Alam. He said that special attention will be given to CSR programs related to deal with high oil prices, food proces, and migrant workers.

Low-cost carrier AirAsia is expected to start its operations this December 8 at Malacca’s Batu Berendam Airport (LTBB) which is undergoing a facelift worth RM131.5 million.

Malaysian Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said six destinations had been identified by AirAsia for its initial operations comprising four places in Sumatra and two domestic destinations.

“The destinations jointly agreed upon, using the Boeing 737 aircraft, are Palembang, Pekan Baru, Padang and Medan in Sumatra, and Penang and Langkawi,” he told reporters after chairing the Exco meeting in Malacca today.

Also present at today’s event was AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, chairman of AirAsia Datuk Aziz Bakar and the general manager of Malaysia Airports Bhd, Abdul Rahman Karim.

Mohd Ali said the four major towns in Sumatra were selected based on their potential for medical tourism while Penang and Langkawi for their popularity as tourist destinations.

“Among other destinations being suggested are Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu and Nanjing in China and we have opened negotiations to other airline companies besides AirAsia which showed an early commitment to use the LTBB,” he said.

The expansion and upgrading work on LTBB which started last April is expected to be completed in April next year and a major aim is to provide facilities to medical tourists.

The number of medical tourists who sought medical assistance in the specialist hospital in Malacca is estimated to have gone up to more than 67,000 people last year compared with 18,000 people in 2004 with most of them coming from Sumatra.

Work on LTBB is being carried out by the Uni-Integrated consortium which will construct a new terminal covering 7,000 sq metres and is expected to be equipped with various facilities to cater to both domestic and international flights.

Mohd Ali said the Batu Berendam airport will be able to handle a capacity of 1.5 million passengers a year, adding that some 500,000 visitors are expected in the first five years.

Meanwhile, Tony said AirAsia is ready to cooperate with the Malacca government. He also described Melaka as having great potential as a tourist destination, especially in medical tourism.

“Coincidentally, December 8 is also the anniversary date of AirAsia and we are ready to take on a role in LTBB and hope to transport many tourists through the LTBB,” he said.

In the spirit of the succesfully held Third D-8 Working Group on Civil Aviation and Director Generals’ Meeting in Bali, Indonesia, on 17-18 June 2008, D-8 Organization cherished this news as a further encouragement for deeper cooperation among D-8 airlines. D-8 seeks to strengthen cooperation in the field of Civil Aviation as it would help to increase the economic and social conditions of the D-8 people. Dipo Alam, the D-8 Secretary General, said that the D-8 cooperation in this field was in line with strong commitment from each memberstates to enhance the safety, security and services of the civil aviation in order to meet the requirement set by the International standard.

Bangladeshi Commerce Adviser Hossain Zillur Rahman, now on a visit to Turkey, has invited Turkish investment in the revival of Bangladesh’s jute industry currently underway. He also listed the facilities his country offers for the foreign investors, which include cheap labour, tax holiday and infrastructural support.

The call for investment came during the adviser’s meeting with Turkish Minister for Industries and Foreign Trade Kurshad Tuzman in Ankara on Tuesday, according to an official handout yesterday.

He told Turkish Foreign Trade Minister, Kursat Tuzman that ready-made garments (RMG), pharmaceuticals, textiles, jute and jute products, energy, leather and ceramics are the most potential sectors of business between the two countries.

Tuzman said food processing, textile, construction industry and health machineries could be the potential fields of trade and investment between the two countries.

He also said his government is considering establishing direct flights between Turkey and Bangladesh soon in order to boost the bilateral trade.

The Turkish minister proposed to hold the pending 3rd session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting in Ankara during the first half of 2009, the handout further said.

“Turkish trade delegation will be sent to Bangladesh in every 6 months,” Tuzman said.

D-8 Organization welcomes this move of bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh-Turkey, as a bolstering move toward the deepening of intra-trade relation within D-8 Organization. Dipo Alam, the Secretary General, said that this move is in line with the PTA D-8 held in KL Summit recently, whose RoO was approved by memberstates. As for the industrial cooperation as promoted by Tuzmen, D-8 hopes that this issue can be further studied and implemented, as in accordance with the result of the 4th WG on Industry in Bali, Indonesia, in June 27-28 August 2008. “We also hope that this kind of initiatives, can increase the interest of our other memberstates as well,” said Dipo Alam.

Turkish Justice Minister & Turkey-Indonesia Joint Economic Committee (JEC) co-chairman Mehmet Ali Sahin said on Thursday that they aimed to increase the trade volume between the two countries to US$5 billion within the next three years.

The seventh term JEC protocol between Turkey and Indonesia was signed by Sahin and Indonesian Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu in Ankara.

Sahin said that the trade volume between the two countries, which was US$1.1 billion in 2006, rose 37 per cent to US$1.5 billion in 2007. He added that the trade volume rose 28 per cent to US$1 billion in the January-July period in 2008.

Sahin said that imports from Indonesia to Turkey, which was US$750 million in 2005, increased to US$1.3 billion in 2007 and was expected to be US$1.6 billion by the end of 2008.

He added that export rate, which was US$85 million in 2006, rose to US$174 million in 2007 and was expected to be US$350-400 million by the end of 2008.

Sahin said that the eighth term JEC meeting was planned to take place in Jakarta in 2010.

Sahin said that Turkey and Indonesia could cooperate in food, ship construction, automobile, textile and textile machine sectors, and they could increase joint investments in those areas.

The Indonesian minister also expressed pleasure over the developing relations between Turkey and Indonesia and said that the Indonesian people did not forget the assistance of the Turkish Red Crescent after the tsunami disaster.

Pangestu said that Indonesia considered Turkey as a door to Europe and the Middle East, adding that Indonesia also was a door to Asia Pacific countries for Turkey.

Taking first step toward FTA

Both countries have also pledged to enhance their economic partnership, introducing a plan to formulate a comprehensive trade and economic partnership — an initial step toward a free trade agreement.

The two-way economic mission aims to achieve US$5 billion in bilateral trade by 2011, according to the Trade Ministry’s director general for international trade cooperation Gusmardi Bustami.

The pledge was made after a two-day meeting with the Turkish Business Council in Istanbul, according to a press statement released by the Trade Ministry.

Indonesia-Turkey Business Council chairman Cetin Candan said Indonesia’s geographical position meant the country could become Turkey’s gateway to the ASEAN market, as well as to the broader Asian and Australian markets.

He said Turkey should take advantage of Indonesia’s coal outputs, as Indonesia is the world’s second largest coal producer after Australia.

D-8 organization cherished this encouraging news and pledged that it will support both memberstates to reach their goals through cooperation frameworks developed by the organization.

D-8 Economist, Esen Gonen, said that trade between Turkey and Indonesia has been showing an increasing graphic since 2002.

“While Turkey’s exports to Indonesia was 28.5 million USD in 2002, it was 173.7 million USD in 2007. In the first half of 2008, Turkey’s exports to Indonesia showed 93% increase compared to same period of 2007 by exceeding its 2007 value and reached 178 million USD,” she said.

Gonen also explained that Indonesia’ exports to Turkey have been consantly increase (around 30%) since 2002 and reached 1.3 billion USD in 2007. Statistics related to the first half of 2008 demonstrates the continuation of the same path.

In 2007, while trade volume of Turkey and Indonesia was 1.5 billion USD, trade balance is against Turkey which was -1.1 billion USD. “It is estimated that volume of trade of these two countries will reach almost 2 billion USD at the end of 2008,” she noted.

Main products in Turkey’s exports to Indonesia are wheat or meslin flour, tobacco, iron and steel, wowen fabrics, chemicals. Indonesia’s exports to Turkey are essentially palm oil, coconuts, natural rubber, single yarn, Poly(vinyl chloride), staple fibres, man-made filaments, monitors and projectors.

Potential cooperation areas between Turkey and Indonesia are automotive and automotive supply industry, agro industry, food, cellulose and paper industry, defence industry, construction, production of stainless steel, materials and equipments rnecessary for energy industry, logistics etc.

Malaysian tourism authorities are pulling out all the stops as they set out to woo more big-spending visitors, local media reported on Monday, as quoted by Xinhua news agency.

The target is to attract 21.5 million tourists this year, especially well-heeled and long-haul visitors from the Arab and East Asian countries. The ambitious plan is expected to rake in 50 billion ringgit in tourism revenue.

The move was spurred by the success of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 campaign, which the Tourism Ministry estimated had brought in 20.7 million tourists and total tourist receipts of 45.7 billion ringgit. It is also in line with remarks by Malaysian Dy PM Najib Razak last month, urging the Tourism Ministry to focus on ultra-rich tourists.

Such “quality tourists” would bring in more revenue as they would usually spend twice more than the average tourist, deputy Tourism Minister Donald Lim Siang Chai said after opening a Chinese calligraphy and painting exhibition here on Sunday.

D-8 countries posses a great deal of potency in tourism sector. Malaysia, Turkey, Indonesia, Egypt, and Iran are the member countries that record high percentage of tourist arrival growth each year. In the framework of cooperation, D-8 also underlines the importance of boosting a more intense work on D-8 tourism sector. In fact, D-8 organization has already prepared Roadmap for 2008-2018 where the cooperation in aviation, tourism, trade and industries are among sectors significantly highlighted.

The Malaysian government is ready to extend support to Pakistan in the development of its agriculture and tourism sectors while Malaysia will hold road shows in Pakistan next year to showcase vast opportunities exist in Malaysia for the foreign investors.

Malaysian Ambassador to Pakistan Ahmad Shahizan Abd Samad told reporters at a news conference here on Wednesday that there is zero poverty in Malaysia and Pakistan can follow the Malaysian experience to eradicate poverty from the country by adopting short-term, medium-term, and long-term policies. At present, he said the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Malaysia is $1.17 billion, which can be further enhanced through mutual co-operation in different fields.

The envoy said there exists vast scope of co-operation between Pakistan and Malaysia in different fields, including education, tourism and educational sectors. “Malaysia has developed its agriculture and tourism sectors and both the countries can share each others experience in both the sectors. On the other hand, Pakistan’s agriculture sector has strength and potential”, he said, adding: “We can share Malaysian experience in developing Pakistan’s tourism sector”.

About the impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf, Samad said that political developments in Pakistan are its internal matter, adding: “We hope Pakistan will move forward in terms of socio-economic sector.” Answering a question, he said that Malaysia is following liberal policies and foreign investors are not only fully encouraged, but also provided tax incentives.

“We are focussed and Vision-2020 Malaysia is to make Malaysia as a developed country”, he said, adding that five economic regions have been created in Malaysia to bring economic development. He also praised the standard of Lahore’s educational institutions, saying the faculty in these institutions is highly regarded. To another query, he said political system in Malaysia is very strong.