D-8 Secretary General, Dipo Alam, writes on Turkish Today’s Zaman*), on the importance of Turkey and Indonesia in representing D-8, and moslem world in the emerging market economy.

Indonesia and Turkey will represents two democratic republics with major Muslim population (about 300 millions people). Both countries will play important role in the meeting on the second Summit of G-20, April 2nd, 2009, in London

Here are my expectations of what role Indonesian and Turkish leaders, representing two democratic republics with predominantly Muslim populations (about 300 million people), yet secular, will play in an important meeting of the second G20 summit, slated to be held on April 2 in London.

Both countries are emerging markets economies (EMEs) in the G20; they are members of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, a trade alliance of developing countries comprising 930 million people. Furthermore, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited the two countries recently to convey the Obama administration’s “special message” to the Muslim world.

A detailed explanation of how the current global financial crisis began is unnecessary as it is clear how an ill-structured world economy, greedy banks and investors and a lack of efficient market supervision as well as the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) failure to function as a watchdog all contributed. However, I will emphasize some important points that should be considered and shared by Indonesian and Turkish leaders at such an important meeting:

(1) Indonesia and Turkey gained some experience with the IMF’s bitter conditions in the mid 1990s. Furthermore, the IMF’s bad advice has to some extent led to the failure in its main surveillance task of central banks, banks and other financial institutions. The IMF Country Report No. 06/279, July 2006, p.7, suggested: “Mortgage securitization had helped channel foreign savings into the US housing market while allowing mortgage originators greater flexibility to diversify credit exposures and reduce systemic risk.” One year after this suggestion, the US subprime mortgage collapse took place and led to the current global financial crisis. Therefore, a reform of the IMF governance — before they ask for an additional $500 billion in capital, as suggested by EU leaders in Brussels lately — is a must and should be undertaken while considering the role of EMEs. This is as a consequence of the G7 and G8’s limitation in handling the current global crisis. They asked the G20 to participate in global economic governance. In other words, the dominant role of the US and Europe in IMF quotas that are reflected in some of their policies needs to be reformed to allow EMEs a larger role.

(2) On the idea of coordinating fiscal stimulus, both for job creation and to revitalize banks and markets, developed countries led by the US and the EU previously suggested that EMEs increase their stimulus packages in macroeconomic policies while remaining confident that regulations governing the surveillance of the IMF and the World Bank of central banks and financial institutions is in place. In addition, stimulus packages, aside from stimulating the market and creating jobs through recapitalized banks and infrastructure development, should also target the largest problems facing developing countries: food security and energy. Speaking on March 23, President Barack Obama told the Tribune Media Services, “America will support new and meaningful investments in food security.”

(3) There should be no double standards or inconsistency, in order to avoid an increase of trade protectionism. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has estimated that in 2009 world trade will shrink by 9 percent and that further protectionist measures will render global recovery efforts less effective. However, in reality the WTO has become a lobbying organization in favor of industrialized countries that puts pressure on the developing world. This was particularly true in the WTO’s last round of negotiations on agriculture. Developing countries, including the EMEs, are forced to open their agriculture market, but the EU continues to use unfair agriculture subsidies, non-tariff barriers, to block the import of agricultural goods from developing countries.

(4) World political tensions should be relaxed through peace dialogues, especially in the Middle East and other Muslim countries, by avoiding inhumane and very costly wars — e.g., in Iraq and Gaza and perhaps in Afghanistan. It is also expected that economic sanctions, especially those Iran faces, will be lifted and that the country will be encouraged to increase to optimum levels its oil and gas potential to improve its economy, that of the region as well as that of the world at large.

(5) Islamic finance, which is becoming more and more popular and has been accepted by Western financial institutions, should become more prominent in the world financial system and be offered as an option by the conventional financial system. London is interested in becoming the center of Islamic finance, and even Israel offers the sukuk bond. Turkey and other G20 members that have not fully incorporated Islamic finance options should not be “allergic” to the adjective “Islamic” in Islamic finance. A consultant who works for Bener Danışmanlık suggests that Turkey could learn from Indonesia’s success of recently issuing sukuk bonds. “Like Turkey, Indonesia faces declining exports and lower foreign direct investment because of the global credit crunch. The sukuk issue was, therefore, raised in order to support alternative financing for the 2009 Indonesian state budget and to help offset the cost of stimulus spending needed to boost domestic demand. The savings of the local population were raised to be directly used to support the local economy.”

Why then should we rush again to ask for the “bitter assistance” of the IMF while, in fact, it is they who need to sign a letter of intent to the world to not fail once again to oversee the practice of “zombie” banks and financial institutions?

*) Personal opinion of D-8 Secretary General based in Istanbul.

ZSJ Industrial Group
No: 92, Floor 9th, Zomorrod Tower
Golnabi St, Pasdaran Ave, Tehran. Iran
Tel: +98 21 22895272-3  Fax: +98 21 22895275
Mobile: +98 912 426 9266 & +98 9173723480
Email: Dr.alitarat@DataDates.net , Ali.tarat7@gmail.com
Sub: Organic Sweetener for Chocolate, Confectionary as Back to Back Barter or JV Proposal

To:
CEO/ Commercial Manager
In line with WHO, FDA and OTA objectives to utilize Organic Sweeteners and with due regards to the role of Iran as the biggest producer of Organic Date worldwide, Glu Bar Inc.of Iran has the honor of being  the first national pilot project in this field and the forerunner of future projects which are to be initiated in the near future.

The project encompasses 300 Hectares of local and Selective Varieties of Palm Cultivation (Recommended by FAO and Supervised by UNIDO) all owned by Glu Bar and is capable of supplying all Raw Materials required. The capacity and capability of the factory are attached to this proposal . Further items to be considered are:

A: GLU BAR will provide Buyers/Investors will Fiber Full & Fiber Free Date syrup, Date Paste or Date Sugar, providing that the said Buyer/Investor provides GLU BAR with the formulation and packaging trademark to enable GLU BAR  to manufacture the product in Iran.

B: GLU BAR, as the sole representative of FDA in Iran has approached HACCP which is supervised by UNIDO and with due regards to the fact that the utilization of Organic Sweeteners in all industries including but not limited to Confectionaries, Bakeries, Center Fillings, Chocolates, Organic Energy Bars and Pro-Chocolate Agents is itself an integral part of Base Chocolate Formulation, GLU BAR Inc is ready to negotiate with Chocolate Producers, specially Chocolate-Energy Bar Producers, on a Back to Back Barter exchange agreement plan.

The Goal of Glu Bar Inc. is to create a bi-national Joint Venture equity company which would produce various types of Organic Sweeteners and thus meet the demands of Confectionaries and Chocolates Manufacturers ,especially Coconut Cream Manufacturers globally, such as China, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore (Rich in Coconut) with Halal License

It is of note that Glu Bar Inc. is open to any suggestion or recommendation from respective industries (Foreign and Domestic) in the Chocolate industry .

Yours sincerely,
MD
Dr. Ali Tarat

A school boy runs with a Bangladeshi flag during a performance to celebrate the 38th anniversary of Victory Day in Dhaka stadium. D-8 Congratulates Bangladesh on this special occasion.

Bangladeshis celebrated 38 years of independence Thursday, with tens of thousands of people visited a national memorial outside the capital to mark the independence day.

Political parties and different cultural organisations have taken various programmes to celebrate the 39th Independence and National Day and paid homage to the valiant sons of the soil who laid down their lives to free the country from old rule.

President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at a national memorial in Savar, 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Dhaka.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina called upon Bangladeshis to unity with one purpose in forging a modern and developed society and nation. “No country can prosper amid fear and intimidations,” said Sheikh Hasina as she handed the 2009 Independence Awards at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

Four citizens received the awards this year for outstanding contribution in their various fields. Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury received an award for Bangla literature, Abdul Matin for his work the cultural arena, Prof AM Harunur Rashid in science and technology and Begum Ivy Rahman received a posthumous award for her social and public services.

The prime minister handed the recipients a gold medal, Tk 1 lakh in prize money and a note of appreciation.

Different political parties including the ruling party Awami League and main opposition BNP celebrated the day through placing floral wreaths at the National Mausoleum in the morning. Besides, on the occasion, Awami League hoisted national flag in it offices and also places wreaths at the portrait of the country’s founder president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, at the Bangabandhu Memorial Mus-eum at Dhanmondi.

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia along with her party leaders after placing wreaths to National Mausoleum will go to the premises of late president Ziaur Rahman’s monument. Apart from these, national flag will remain hoisted in all party offices and a discussion meeting will be arranged by the party on March 27.

Freedom fighters, social and cultural organisations alongside the people irrespective of age, cast, creed and gender will visit the National memorial throughout the day and place flowers. Other political parties like Jatiya party, Workers Party of Bangladesh, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), National Awami party, Gano Azadi League, Symmobadi dal, Jatiya Samjtantrik dal and Ganoforum will also arrange discussion meeting with a view to celebrating Independence Day.

D-8 Organization also extend greetings to Bangladesh and hopes that the country can continue and increase to prosper. The organization also pledged that it will continue to support Bangladesh economic development through concerted cooperation within D-8 framework.

D-8 Secretary General, Dipo Alam (left), in the meeting with Malaysian PM, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (right). The meeting was held as part of annual consultation meetings of Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as to strengthen cooperation within the food security issues of D-8 countries.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and D-8 Secretary General, Dipo Alam, met today in Jakarta as part of annual consultation meetings of Indonesia and Malaysia. The two neighbouring countries held the consultation for the third time in Jakarta on Tuesday to strengthen their bilateral relations.

The annual consultation, held at the Merdeka Palace, was led by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. At 10 on Tuesday morning the consultation was preceded by a ceremony at the veranda of Merdeka Palace to welcome Prime Minister Badawi. After the reception ceremony, President Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Ahmad Badawi immediately led the annual consultation which was expected to last for about 90 minutes. The annual consultation between Indonesia and Malaysia was held to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

After the luncheon, the Prime Minister received courtesy visit by the Secretary-General of the Development Eight (D-8) Dr Dipo Alam.

Alam extended the Organization’s gratitude to the Malaysian Leadership in D-8, as well as her acknowledgement of the importance of food security to D-8 economies and reaffirm their commitment to enhance collaborative efforts to increase food production and ensure food security, which came into being as a joint action plan known as “KL-Statement: Initiatives to Address Food Security by D-8 countries”.

Alam said a working group on public-private sector partnership in food security was expected to be set up to maintain and develop cooperation among members in order to identify joint-investment potentials in fields such as fertilisers, animal feed, seed and fisheries.

Among other important issue that was raised by Alam was the urgency for the D-8 countries to appeal for the 20 countries (G-20) that will be holding a meeting in London in April, to also consider covering the food security issues in their financial stimulus budget in coping with the global financial criris.

In the meeting with Badawi, Alam introduced the idea of establishing a partly Government, partly NGO entity, “Badawi Center” as a D-8 organ to support the KL-Statement of the initiatives to address food security by member countries. Abdullah welcomes the idea warmly, and confirm that the technicality of the issue can be ironed out further by D-8 Secretariat and Foreign Affairs Ministry of Malaysia.

“We wish that US and EU will not use the stimulus to trigger only the financial or infrastructure construction projects, but also the food security projects,” said Alam, while underlining the trend of rising food cost in near future, and the decreasing purchasing power of the people after being hit by the financial crisis.

To Abdullah, Alam also talked about the organization’s proposal of food security to US President, Barack Obama, that will be also discussed with the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Turkish PM, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “This is because of only these two countries among our member countries that were invited to G20 meeting next month,” he said. Alam reported to Abdullah that the D-8 forum is currently working on joint investment plan in fertilizer project that will be carried collaboratively, that will serve the purpose to supply economic fertilizer for the benefit of the farmers in member countries.

Besides the fertilizer industry, Alam reported that the Organization is also working to boost the trade and investment intra D-8 by the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). This will increase the bargaining power of D-8 as economic region for developing countries, to balance the power of developed country such as G-8 that are currently under heavy blow of financial crisis.

At the end of the meeting, Alam presented Abdullah with his painting of the PM, with the flags of D-8 member countries in the background.

The Malaysian prime minister in this Indonesian visit was accompanied by his wife Jeanne Abdullah, several ministers among others Foreign Minister Rais Yatim, Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Human Resources Minister S Subramaniam, and a number of businessmen including Petronas President Mohd Hassan Marican. Badawi’s entourage was also made up of the members of Eminent Persons Group (EPG), namely former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam and Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali.

*Related photos of the meeting can be viewed by visiting our Gallery menu, or simply by clicking here.

The D-8 1st Working Group Meeting on Health Tourism, on March 1, 2009, in Antalya, Turkey was attended by delegates from Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey.

The Government of Turkey, Ministry of Culture and Tourism organized and chaired the D-8 1st Working Group Meeting on Health Tourism, on March 1, 2009, in Antalya, Turkey. The meeting was attended by delegates from the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Turkey.

The meeting was opened by a welcoming remarks by Mr. Ali Ağbal, Deputy Director General for Investments and Establishments of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey.

In his speech he expressed the importance of knowing each D-8 Countries’ strengths and weaknesses in health and thermal tourism in order to improve exchange of views. In this respect he emphasized that the human and financial resources could be shared for the common benefit of D-8 Countries.

He gave information on diversification of tourism and special emphasis on thermal and health tourism in Turkey. He also briefed delegates about physical and social infrastructures of Turkey.

Lastly, he mentioned that D-8 Countries having investment potentials should invest primarily among themselves.

Mr. Turabi Çelebi, General Director of İzmir Balçova Thermal Tourism Facility, who was elected as the Chairman of this Meeting, officially leading the meeting by introducing himself and gave information about the Balçova Thermal Tourism Facility. Then he gave the floor to delegation members to introduce themselves.

Mr. Turabi Çelebi, Chairperson made a speech on the meaning of Thermal Tourism and its different interpretation such as; thermal, spa-wellness and investments. He stressed the importance of legal establishments and the harmonization with EU and other international regulations. Also he emphasized the importance of standardization, establishment of infrastructure, training of human sources which will contribute to economic growth. He expressed our key interest in developing infrastructure as well as social security particularly with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

In the meeting, D-8 Organization also made several points to the board. On behalf of H.E. Dr. Dipo Alam, the Secretary General of D-8, Mrs. Z. Esen Gönen, Economist of D-8 Secretariat presented his speech to the Working Group. In his presentation, emerging health tourism market, especially thermal tourism, importance of cooperation among D-8 Countries in this field, enhanced participation of private sector and NGO’s were emphasized. Also, the necessary vehicles such as institutional development, capacity building, marketing and public diplomacy of D-8 cooperation were mentioned.

The importance of Thermal Tourism in Turkey was further discussed by Mr. Taner Piri, Culture and Tourism Expert, the Importance of Thermal Tourism in Turkey. He gave information on the current situation on Medical Tourism, the Importance of Thermal Tourism in Turkey and marketing opportunities for Thermal Tourism.

Several experienced were exchanged and discussed among the board regarding the health tourism activities in D-8 countries. Mr. Koosha from Iran Delegation made a speech about thermal and health tourism activities in Iran.  He emphasized the importance of working on the mutual development of economics of D-8 Countries in tourism especially in the field of health tourism. He said that tourism has a priority in the development of the economy of Iran and he gave some data on tourism investments in Iran.

Mr. Koosha suggested below mentioned points:

Creating a web-site to introduce health tourism activities
Introducing packages in the field of tourism to invest D-8 Countries
Legislation on insurance companies regarding to health tourism
Facilitate visa issue
Publishing a book about investment potential and attractions of health tourism in D-8 Countries
Developing mechanisms to exchange the idea and experience in the health tourism
Preparing a special training program to improve human resources
Giving opportunity to tour operators specialized in health tourism to visit the D-8 Countries

- Mr. Chairman expressed that since the 1930s Turkey has been carrying out scientific researches on that issue, founding a particular faculty on health tourism first in İstanbul University on Hydro Climatology and Medical Ecology and widespread it to other Universities of the country. He also mentioned that in our other Universities physical therapists, hydro therapists and medical masseurs trainings have carried out.

- Mr. Syed Iftikhar expressed that health tourism is in parallel with social development and spending power of population. In addition he expressed that it is essential to establish an effective cooperation in order to learn about each others capacity and a panel of experts may be commissioned to study and recommend ways for developing Health Tourism and expanding cooperation among the D-8 Countries. He stressed that each country should accept their health insurance in the other D-8 Country.

In the cooperation in investment in health tourism, various views from board were also exchanged. Mr. Badli from Malaysia gave statistics about the health tourism in 2007 then talked about the strength of the health tourism sector in Malaysia such as competitiveness, affordable hospital charges, favorable exchange rates, ISO certification, advanced medical technologies and enough number of specialists as well as hospitals are licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Health.

Mr. Koosha requested the possibilities of exchange of training in the field of health tourism.

The Chairman explained that Turkey has already license and certificate programs in this means. These training programs are in Turkish however, they could be translated in English and could be distributed in cooperation among the D-8 Countries.

The meeting produced several recommendations, which follows:

The Working Group on Health Tourism recommended defining a time table for the collection of information on health tourism in order to create a web-site dedicated to D-8 Countries.

The Working Group on Health Tourism recalled the importance of the ratification of the Visa Agreement for its entry into force.

The Working Group on Health Tourism stressed the importance of cooperation in publishing a book covering all kinds of tourism investment potential, attractions and opportunities within the D-8 Countries.

The Working Group on Health Tourism recommended preparing a special training program to improve human resources.

For photos related to this event, please browse our gallery (main menu) or simply by clicking below link:

http://www.developing8.org/photos/various-meetings/

Iran's D-8 Commissioner, Dr. Hadi Soleimanpour, who is also the Advisor to the Vice President and the Head of the ICHTO (Iranian Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization) chaired the Meeting on D-8 Tourism Investment Forum, in Tehran, Iran

At the First D-8 Ministerial Meeting of Tourism Cooperation in Tehran in May 2008, it was agreed to promote tourism cooperation among the D-8 member countries. It was also in this meeting that the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to host the First D-8 Tourism Investment Forum in Iran with the aim of exchanging views on the latest issues, developments and trends in the fast growing areas of tourism and seeking the possibility of formulating a concrete D-8 cooperation program on investment in tourism industry and business was welcomed and appreciated by the member countries.

Based on the above, the Islamic Republic of Iran hosted the First D-8 Tourism Investment Forum in Tehran on 2 March 2009. The Forum was attended by delegates from the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Turkey, the representative from Nigeria and the Director of  D-8 Secretariat.

The Forum aimed at exploring and drawing cooperation on Tourism Investment within the D-8 member countries as mandated by the First D-8 Ministerial Meeting of Tourism Cooperation in Tehran and endorsed by the 6th D-8 Summit held in Kuala Lumpur.

The Forum was chaired by Dr. Hadi Soleimanpour Advisor to the Vice President and the Head of the ICHTO. In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Soleimanpour stated that based on the decision of the First D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Tourism Cooperation in Tehran on May 2008, which was endorsed by the 6th D-8 Summit, we have gathered together to establish cooperation on tourism among the D-8 member countries. We are of the view that there are ample opportunities in tourism cooperation within the D-8 member countries. Nowadays, tourism is a fast growing industry worldwide and can play an imminent role in improving the economic development and poverty alleviation of the developing world in general and the D-8 member countries in particular. He further stated that there is a need to enhance tourism joint actions on the areas of common interest.

H.E. Mr. Fazeli, the Vice President of the Cultural Heritage, Handicraft and Tourism Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran in his inaugural statement expressed his appreciation to all participants attending the Forum and expressed hope that with a constructive exchange of views on this important subject, the Forum will produce new ideas for the attainment of common D-8 objectives. He emphasized that the main objective of holding this Forum is to identify potentials and constraints of the member countries in joint investment in tourism industry, formulate efficient rules and regulations that can support and facilitate sustainable cooperation in this field. He expressed optimism that the outcome of the Forum will lead to the adoption of recommendations that would strengthen tourism cooperation within the D-8.

Adoption of the Agenda

During the Forum, delegates from the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of  Iran, Malaysia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan presented their country reports on the latest development and activities in tourism industry.

The Forum agreed on the followings:

• Given the existence of capacities of the member countries in the area of tourism investment, the Group proposed that the Secretariat should prepare a complete report about challenges, barriers and capacities of tourism cooperation within the D-8 member countries and provide it to the members. Member countries are invited  to provide relevant information in this regard to the Secretariat within three months.
• The Forum agreed that the functions of D-8 tourism investment fund should include, inter alias, supporting activities such as :

1. financial support for operationalizing data bank
2. capacity enhancement and training on Tourism.
3. providing part of the loan facilities interest rates, extracted from the execution of the investment project.

• The member countries agreed on establishing Data Bank for Investment in Tourism Industry, and asked the Secretariat to prepare the unified  format of compiling related information and do the necessary arrangements for insertion of the said information into the D-8 website. In this regard, the member countries are requested to send their proposals to the Secretariat.
• On possibility of having a Joint Tourism Investment Company, Member Countries agreed to forward their views on the establishment of a mechanism to assist private sectors to find out suitable projects to invest. The member countries are invited to provide relevant information and suggestions to the Secretariat then the Secretariat with the assistance of Turkey will compile and circulate for the consideration by next meeting.
• On the Rules and Regulations governing investment in Tourism Industry, the meeting agreed that member countries are requested to submit their relevant regulations  to the Secretariat and the latter is called upon to prepare a comparative report on common regulations facilitating investments in D-8 within three months.
• The meeting welcomed the offer of the Islamic Republic of Iran to prepare a study report on the possibility of the reduction of tariffs for handicrafts and cultural products within D-8.
• The Forum agreed to provide their views on the Tourism Action Plan  based on D-8 10 year Road Map regarding tourism to the Secretariat to be circulated among member countries for consideration of the next meeting.
• The meeting agreed on the  proposal made by Iran to conduct a  joint marketing, investment and destination management system within D-8.

The private sector of the Islamic Republic of Iran presented two mega projects namely Shandiz Selected International Tourism Site(SSITS) and T.S.I, as examples of promoting industry investment sector in Iran. The D-8 member countries are invited to consider the participation of their private sectors.

For photos related to this event, please browse our gallery (main menu) or simply by clicking below link:

http://www.developing8.org/photos/various-meetings/