ILO Director General Guy Ryder`s Visit to TİSK

ILO Director General Guy Ryder`s Visit to TİSK

SEPTEMBER 2015 / VOL. 34 / NO: 3
Viewpoint
A week full of
G20 and B20 activities
The first week of September was full of G20 and B20
international events and meetings.
On September 2nd, the ILO Director General Guy RYDER
visited our headquarters in Ankara for the first time during
the 50-year history of the ILO and TİSK cooperation starting
1965. Mr. Ryder’s official visit was very productive covering
a range of topics from the operations of the ILO, which is
celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015, to ILO’s relations
with our Confederation.
The following day started with a breakfast bringing
together the representatives of International Organization
of Employers (IOE), Business and Industry Advisory
Committee to OECD (BIAC), Deloitte Global (Deloitte) as well
as participants from several government agencies and NGOs.
The Youth Unemployment Opportunity report prepared by
IOE, BIAC and Deloitte was shared with the participants.
ILO Director General Guy Ryder’s Visit to TİSK
ILO Director General Guy Ryder, CABINET Senior
Adviser James Howard, Regional Director, Europe and
Central Asia Heinz Koller and Turkey Director Numan
Özcan visited TİSK Headquarter on 2 September 2015.
Ryder was hosted by TİSK President Yağız Eyüboğlu
and TİSK Vice President Erol Kiresepi.
At the press conference which took place during the visit,
President Eyüboğlu stated that it is an honour to host
ILO Director General Guy Ryder in the 50th anniversary
of relations between TİSK and ILO. Eyüboğlu stressed
that “unfortunately in the last 35 years, the Conference
Committee on Application of Standards (Application
Committee) shortlisted Turkey for 28 times. There
are no other countries in ILO history having the same
marks as Turkey”. Eyüboğlu added that “Syrian refugee
crisis is the biggest refugee crisis of the century. The
initiative commenced by the ILO is significant but it is
not enough. ILO must act as a leader to respond this
global challenge.”
ILO Director General Guy Ryder thanked President
Eyüboğlu for the hospitality. Ryder stated that “the ILO
follows very closely and responds to developments in
Turkey, including challenges such as the Syrian refugee
influx, occupational accidents and social dialogue
needs,” said Ryder. “On-going ILO technical assistance
projects and new initiatives in the pipeline are expected
to help address these issues. It is obvious that the world
of work in the future will be very different than today’s.
We need to understand the dynamic in order to best
manage and shape it. At the ILO, we are conscious that
we must continuously improve and strengthen our
work to make it as relevant and useful as possible to
employees, employers and governments,” concluded
Ryder, reiterating the ILO’s commitment for future
collaboration and technical expertise.
On the same day, G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank
Governors started a two-day meeting in order to seek
solutions for the recent-economic volatility. The Group
pledged to act decisively in order to prop up the faltering
global growth and to refrain from the unsettling currency
moves following China’s controversial devaluation last
month.
The B20 Summit, which also began on September 3rd in
Ankara, was attended by 1,100 influential business and
financial representatives from 60 countries. In the B20
Conference, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged G20
countries to find ways to turn the global financial volatility.
At the end of the B20 Conference, 19 recommendations were
presented to President Erdoğan in preparation for the G20
Summit to be held in Antalya in November 2015.
In addition to the recommendations, the B20 Conference
forged the signing of the B20 and L20 Declaration that was
designed to tackle the youth unemployment by underlining
the roles of the business and the labor in shaping the
economic policy. This Declaration establishes a critical
level of partnership between B20 and L20 by focusing on
concrete projects.
During the B20 Conference, the G20 Labor and Employment
Ministers also signed a declaration that aims to accomplish
creation of quality jobs, investment in skills, reduction in
inequalities as well as promotion of inclusive and robust
growth.
TİSK has been deeply involved with this extensive
global effort, cultivating a strong presence and an active
participation in the G20 and B20 processes. We invite
our readers to review this issue for more information. It is
our sincere hope that our efforts will contribute greatly to
Turkey’s success as our country chairs G20 this year.
President
Yağız EYÜBOĞLU
TISK President Yağız Eyüboğlu and Vice-President Erol Kiresepi with ILO Director General Guy Ryder
B20 Ankara Conference
During the B20 Conference
held in Ankara on 3-4
September
2015
in
advance
of
Antalya
Summit under the Turkish
Presidency,
not
only
various meetings of G20
countries’ ministers and
other representatives were
held, but joint declarations,
communiqués, statements
and reports were released
during or after them. Since
full coverage of them goes
much beyond the capacity
of our limited pages, we
hereby offer a summary of
them for our readers.
TISK President Eyüboğlu addressing the B20 Conference participants
continued on page 2
IOE–BIAC–Deloitte Youth Unemployment
Opportunity Report
• Increased transparency and accessibility of credit
credibility and relevant information for SMEs to lower
risks of SMEs in attaining credit thereby enabling more
effective utilization of financial tools.
• Commencement of an entrepreneurial visa program
for G20 countries.
Yağız Eyüboğlu with IOE President Daniel Funes de Rioja and Deloitte
Turkey Chairwoman Sibel Çetinkaya
The IOE hosted an event in Ankara on September 3rd
morning to highlight joint work with BIAC and Deloitte
on cataloguing and assessing youth employment
policies. During the meeting IOE President Daniel Funes
de Rioja said that he would be conveying initial findings
of the report to the G20 labour and finance ministers in
his presentation on the same day. The report focused on
a range of policy initiatives, namely:
The session on “Advancing Labour Markets into the
Future: Skills Development and Youth Employment”
which was held on 4th Sept. started with introductory
remarks by TİSK Vice-President Erol Kiresepi. After
briefly talking about the B20 efforts during 2015
under the G20 Turkish Presidency, he drew attention
to the global labour market picture that the B20
Employment Task Force was dealing, by mentioning
figures about the youth unemployment. He said that
youth unemployment remains a troublesome issue,
with multiple consequences such as limiting future
economic growth, increasing brain drain, amplifying
social security costs and social unrest, and encouraging
rejection of existing political, social and economic
systems.
1. Benefits and incentives targeting youth
2. Job creation policies targeting youth
3. Gap between the unemployment system and the
education system
4. Policies aimed at minimizing the skills gap in youth
5. Policies promoting a dynamic labour market
6. Other relevant policies
7. Expected future policies on youth employment
TİSK President Yağız Eyüboğlu who addressed
the participants in this meeting said that youth
unemployment has started to be one of the focuses of
the G20 process for a long time. The issue was the reason
for the G20 Employment Task Force. He also said that
“skills development” has been one of the priority areas
in which most action was taken by G20 governments at
national level since 2010. By thanking IOE-BIAC and
Deloitte for their excellent work, he added that “we need
stronger follow-up of the G20 commitments at national
level.”
B20 Turkey Conference
Global business leaders who attended the B20 Turkey
Conference held in Ankara on 3-5 September 2015
called for the creation of common investment principles
in a repost which includes 19 recommendations to
be presented to G20 leaders who will get together in
Antalya in November. These recommendations include:
• Development of infrastructure investment strategies
specific to countries with regards to G20’s growth
goals.
Yağız Eyüboğlu and Erol Kiresepi with B20 Conference participants
In his speech, E. Kiresepi also pointed out that skills
mismatches are on the agenda for many countries
in the world, by adding that for the workforce skills
mismatches can cause lower wages and reduced job
satisfaction; for companies, it can reduce productivity
and increase employee turnover. Underutilization of the
workforce and reduction in productivity in turn lead to
structural unemployment and lower economic growth.
TİSK President and Co-Chair of the B20 Employment
Task Force Yağız Eyüboğlu who was the panelist in
the same session addressed the audience with brief
information about the approach at the B20 Employment
Task Force and the B20 and L20 Joint Statement which
was signed during the B20 Conference on Sept. 3rd.
Regarding the work of the B20 Employment Task Force,
he said that it developed its main recommendation on
the advancement of a business friendly environment
to create employment opportunities. “Under this
recommendation, we proposed several actions to G20
governments, which are directly and indirectly linked
with youth employment as well.”
About the B20 and L20 Joint Statement, his address can
be summarized as follows:
“The B20 and L20 is entering a new way of collaboration,
they will implement joint projects. Youth employment
is a very important agenda item for both employers and
workers. The G20 governments should put an emphasis
on the joint messages that B20 and L20 agreed on.
Vocational education and skills training are extremely
important for employers so they should have a word in the
development of systems. Global Apprenticeships Network
(GAN) is a business-driven answer to this problem and
now we need the contribution from the governments and
others. As GAN TURKEY we have a concrete road map and
we are very keen on investing in youth.”
B20 – L20 Joint Declaration
B20 and L20 also signed a substantial agreement calling
on governments to use the full potential of the G20 as
an engine for growth. The Signature Ceremony was held
on 4 September 2015 in Ankara, during the B20 Turkey
Conference.
The statement sets out a series of common proposals
including implementing macroeconomic policies to lift
employment and aggregate demand; bringing youth
back into jobs and pursuing joint work on scaling up
quality apprenticeships; formalizing the informal
sector of economies; ensuring occupational health and
safety at work; creating skills and jobs for the future;
increasing investment in infrastructure that will ensure
transition to a low carbon economy; and promoting
women’s participation and equal pay, including through
investment in childcare and the care economy.
Following the signature of B20–L20 Joint Declaration,
a B20–L20 Roundtable on the “Impact of Technological
Change on Employment” was held on Sept. 5th.
In his introductory speech, TİSK Vice-President and
Member of the B20 Executive Committee Erol Kiresepi
stated that “yesterday we have signed the B20-L20
statement. This year I am proud to say that under
Turkish Presidency, for the first time in its history the
B20 and L20 has committed to take concrete and joint
action. This is the generic feature of this Joint Statement.
Today, we are welcoming you to the first step of our joint
project on the effects of technology on employment. The
digital revolution and automation have a tremendous
impact on the world of work. In order to respond to these
changes we as employers and workers have to follow a
route to:
1. Better understand this impact,
2. Identify and agree on strategies how best to address
these challenges,
• Development and financing of programs aimed towards
addressing ability deficiencies especially in regards to
technical, administrative and entrepreneurial skills.
• Structural reforms aiming to render employment
markets more dynamic and inclusive in order to
increase employment opportunities.
• Increasing youth and women’s employment rates.
B20 and L20 Joint Declaration Signature Ceremony
continued on page 3
Design by
Yağız EYÜBOĞLU
SEPTEMBER 2015 / VOL. 34 / NO: 3
SEPTEMBER 2015 / VOL. 34 / NO: 3
30 September , 2015
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3. Make full use of opportunities this technological
revolution offers.”
TİSK Vice-President Kiresepi also added that the
Roundtable should not be seen as a one-hit wonder, but
as the start of a deeper joint engagement of B20 and L20
on this issue.
G20 Labour and Employment Ministers
Meeting
G20 Labour and Employment Ministers met in Ankara
for the sixth time on 3-4 September 2015. The meeting
was chaired by the Turkish Minister of Labour and Social
Security, Ahmet Erdem. Ministers from G20 members
and guest countries as well as principals of international
organizations attended the meeting.
In a special session, Ministers met with the
representatives of social partners and G20 outreach
groups representing business, labour, civil society,
think-tanks, women and youth to get their insights on
the agenda items of the meeting.
The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to
discuss recent trends in the global labour market, key
challenges the world has been facing and possible
policy options to address these challenges. In line with
the overall priorities of Turkish G20 Presidency, which
is formulated as three “i”s: Inclusiveness, Investment
for growth and Implementation; the Labour and
Employment Ministers of the G20 members and invited
countries focused on promoting more inclusive labour
markets, increasing investment on human resources,
and achieving successful implementation through
effective monitoring.
Ministers also agreed to reduce the share of young
people who are most at risk of being left permanently
behind in the labour market by 15% by 2025. The target
group in this regard has been identified by the Ministers
as low skilled or informally employed young people and
the young people who are neither in employment nor in
education or training (NEETs).
Following the meeting, G20 Labour and Employment
Ministers adopted “Ankara Declaration” titled “Creating
quality jobs for all, investing in skills and reducing
inequalities to promote inclusive and robust growth”.
G20 Labour and Finance Ministers Meeting
G20 Finance and Labour Ministers met in Ankara at the
Joint Meeting of G20 Finance and Labour Ministers on
September 4, 2015. The meeting was chaired by Cevdet
Yılmaz, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey and Ahmet
Erdem, Minister of Labour and Social Security of Turkey.
The Joint Meeting, first of which was held under Russian
G20 Presidency in 2013, was attended by the Finance and
Labour Ministers from G20 members and guest countries
and the principals of international organizations.
At the end of the meeting, Turkish G20 Presidency
released a Chair’s Statement which summarizes the
discussions of the Joint Meeting. Following the meeting,
Deputy Prime Minister Cevdet Yılmaz and Labour
Minister Ahmet Erdem held a joint press conference.
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors
convened for the third time under the Turkish
UN Global Compact’s 15th
Anniversary Event
Presidency in Ankara on 4-5 September 2015. The
meeting was attended by the Finance Ministers and
Central Bank Governors of the G20 members, invited
countries, and the heads and senior representatives of
the relevant international organizations. G20 Ministers
and Governors exchanged views on the recent global
economic developments, challenges and collective
measures to address them.
On the margins of this gathering, G20 Ministers
and Governors had the opportunity to hear B20
representatives’ perspectives on the 2015 B20 agenda
and B20 recommendations to the G20 during a working
dinner.
Upon the conclusion of the meeting, the agreed
communiqué of the meeting was released. In the
communiqué particularly the following sentences draw
attention:
“We welcome the strengthening economic activity in
some economies, but global growth falls short of our
expectations. We have pledged to take decisive action
to keep the economic recovery on track and we are
confident the global economic recovery will gain speed.
We note that in line with the improving economic
outlook, monetary policy tightening is more likely
in some advanced economies. We reiterate our
commitment to move toward more market-determined
exchange rate systems and exchange rate flexibility to
reflect underlying fundamentals, and avoid persistent
exchange rate misalignments. We will refrain from
competitive devaluations, and resist all forms of
protectionism.”
GAN TURKEY Member Company
Representatives’ Meeting
In honor of UN Global Compact’s 15th Anniversary, a conference titled “Global Compact +15:
Business as a Force for Good” was held in New York in June 23-25, 2015 where business and
civil society came together under the roof of United Nations to discuss private sector’s role in
overcoming universal challenges and sharing best practices.
The sustainable development vision shared during the Global Compact +15 Conference
includes the United Nations global agenda for sustainable development to be released later
this year (Sustainable Development Goals). The Conference brought together over 1,000
representatives from Global Compact Local Networks, business, investors, academy, civil
society, labour organizations and UN private sector organizations. The Turkish delegation
consisted of Global Compact Türkiye* and Global Compact Local Networks Advisory Group
Chair Dr. Yılmaz Argüden, ARGE Consulting, Boyner Holding, Garanti Bank, TİSK, TÜSİAD and
Yaşar University representatives.
During the Conference, various focused meetings were held such as Business for Peace
Annual Event, Human Rights and Labour Working Group, Children’s Rights and Post 2015
Development Agenda, Sustainable Supply Chain Advisory Group, Annual Local Networks
Forum and Working Group Against Corruption. Moreover, Global Compact’s newest issue
platform Business for Rule of Law was introduced during GC+15.
Dr. Argüden delivered a speech at the General Assembly meeting where the accomplishments
of the last 15 years were elaborated with government, private sector and UN representatives.
Dr. Argüden stated: “Trust is the foundation of good governance and sustainable development.
All institutions should take responsibility in employing good governance practices and forming
partnerships towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
*Global Compact Türkiye:
Launched in 2002 by UNDP and TİSK, the Local Network is Turkey’s largest and most inclusive
sustainability platform. Global Compact Türkiye attained formal status in 2012 when the secretariat
was established jointly between TİSK and TÜSİAD. The Local Network is being represented by
more than 300 stakeholders and provides a platform to network, exchange experiences and best
corporate responsibility and transparency practices globally. Global Compact Türkiye is the 5th
largest Network in Europe and 11th largest Network in the world.
GAN TURKEY Member Company Representatives’ Second Meeting was held
on 30 June 2015 in Istanbul.
The meeting was chaired by TISK Secretary General Bülent Pirler. As part of
the first agenda item, Corporate Social Responsibility Association President
Serdar Dinler made a presentation entitled “Can Work-Based Training
Programmes Be Considered As Social Responsibility?”
Following Bülent Pirler’s opening speech, The Turkish Employment Agency
(İŞKUR) İstanbul Province President Muammer Coşkun and Employment
Expert Eser Erol answered the participants’ question on the “Cooperation
Protocol” signed on 13 May 2015 between GAN TURKEY and İŞKUR.
Within the context of second agenda item, Ford Otosan, Mercedes-Benz
Turkey and Migros company representatives presented their work-based
training programmes.
The issue of determining the rate of minimum annual increase on member
company’s work-based training possibilities was presented to give a concrete
meaning of GAN TURKEY’s efforts.
During the meeting TISK Representatives presented the GAN TURKEY Work
Plan, Work-Based Training Day Guide and the website. TISK Secretary General
Pirler concluded the meeting by briefing the representatives on Global and
GAN National Networks’ latest developments.
Efficient banking and financial services for business activities in Turkey
Banking and Financial Services Index 2014
According to the International Institute for Management
Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014,
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
Hong Kong
Switzerland
Malaysia
Singapore
Canada
USA
Norway
Indonesia
Finland
Turkey
Chile
Latvia
New Zealand
Taiwan
Qatar
Australia
Poland
Thailand
Sweden
Estonia
Slovak Rep.
Germany
Luxembourg
Israel
Czech Rep.
South Africa
Japan
Denmark
Philippines
Peru
Jordan
India
Venezuela
UAE
Kazakhstan
Brazil
Belgium
Colombia
Ukraine
Iceland
Austria
Lithuania
Ireland
Netherlands
France
Ukraine
China
Romania
Mexico
Russia
Hungary
Korea
Portugal
Bulgaria
Croatia
Italy
Spain
Argentina
Greece
Slovenia
Turkish banking and financial system supports business activities
7,75
7,65
efficiently. Among the 60 countries covered by the Index, Turkey
7,64
ranks 10th with 7.19 points following Hong Kong, Switzerland,
7,63
Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, USA, Norway, Indonesia and
7,48
Finland.
7,46
7,33
The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook measures how well
7,29
countries manage their resources and competencies to increase
7,28
their prosperity and looks at perceptions of each country as a
7,19
place to do business. The index covers economic performance,
7,16
7,04
government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure
7,02
factors. The overall ranking reflects more than 300 criteria, two-
6,96
thirds of which are based on statistical indicators and one-third
6,94
on an exclusive IMD survey of 4,300 international executives.
6,94
Published since 1989, the World Competitiveness Yearbook is
6,88
6,84
recognized as the leading annual report on the competitiveness
6,82
of nations.
6,65
6,63
6,58
6,57
Turkey’s current account
deficit decreases
6,52
6,52
6,46
6,41
6,33
6,30
6,15
6,00
quarter of 2015, indicating a decrease of USD 812 million compared to June of
5,97
the previous year. As a result, the 12-month rolling deficit recorded USD 44,691
5,86
5,81
5,67
5,54
5,47
Turkey’s current account deficit was recorded as USD 3,356 million in the first
million.
Turkey’s current account deficit declined to 5.76 percent of GDP in the first
quarter of 2015 from 9.7 percent recorded in 2011 fourth quarter.
5,29
The improvement in the current account is mainly stemmed from balance of
5,29
goods item, which decreased USD 1,429 million compared to June 2014 realizing
5,23
as USD 4,839 million. Meanwhile, services surplus decreased by USD 460
5,19
5,11
5,04
4,96
million to USD 2,292 million while primary income deficit reached to USD 909
million with an increase of USD 160 million compared to the same month of the
previous year.
4,95
Current Account
Account Balance,
Current
Balance, as
as %
% of
of GDP
GDP
4,87
4,85
0
4,76
4,68
-1,95
-2
4,54
4,04
3,97
3,71
3,68
-4
-2,99
-3,62
-4,33
-4,87
-5,55
-6
-6,02
3,54
3,31
-4,72
-5,42
-5,78
-6,2
-7,61
-8
3,14
2,65
2,63
2,57
Source: IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014
-5,9
-6,17
-6,19
-5,76
-6,72
-7,89
-8,02
-8,95
-9,7
-10
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Source:
Central
Bank
of the
to Turkey
Source:
Central
Bank
of Republic
the Republic
to Turkey
2012
2013
2014
2015
Automotive production and exports ‘to hit records’
Record high figures are expected in the Turkish
automotive sector’s exports, domestic market sales
and production volume this year due to the recovery
in European markets and the support of the incentive
system, according to Automotive Industrialists’
Association (OSD) head Kudret Önen.
Önen said the sector had announced a total $4.5 billion
investment plan in 2013 and 2014, and its production
capacity will increase to 1.7 million units when these
investments are realized.
“The sector aims to reach 4 million units in production
and 3 million units in exports by 2023. The 2013 export
target was set at $75 billion by the sector. In this vein,
the sector’s investments have been supported by
the state since 2012. After the investment incentive
package was revealed, many sector players announced
comprehensive investment plans, including Tofaş, Ford
Otosan, Renault and Toyota in Turkey,” he also told
reporters. “We see the first fruits of these investments in the
first half of 2015. Both production and export figures
increased significantly. We’ll also see the positive
effects of these investments in the second half of the
year and even in the first half of 2016,” Önen said.
The association expects to see an increase of around
5 percent both in production and exports in the
measurement of units compared to the figures in 2014.
Some 1.17 million units were produced in Turkey last
year. Around 885,000 units were exported, worth
around $22.8 billion, while around 807,000 units were
sold in the domestic market. Turkey’s economy grows 3.8 percent
in the second quarter
Full liberalization to boost trade
between EU, Turkey
Turkey’s
grossgross
domestic
product
(GDP)
higher-than-expected
percent
Turkey’s
domestic
product
(GDP)grew
grew aa higher-than-expected
3.8 3.8
percent
year- year-onon-year
in
the
second
quarter,
a
surprisingly
positive
move
as
opposed
to
an
expected
year in the second quarter, a surprisingly positive move as opposed to an expected secondsecond-half slowdown in growth, according to data from the Turkish Statistics Institute
half slowdown
in growth, according to data from the Turkish Statistics Institute (TÜİK)
(TÜİK) revealedthon Sept. 11th.
revealed on Sept. 11 .
With the lifting of barriers in land transportation between EU member countries
and Turkey, the bilateral trade volume has the potential to increase by 3.5 billion
euros, creating 39,000 new jobs, according to a fresh study by the European
Commission, the Turkish Transporters’ Association (UND) stated on 23 July.
Turkey’s economy grows 3.8 percent in the second quarter
The GDP grew by 3.15 percent in the first half of the year after a revision in the first
The GDP grew by 3.15 percent in the first half of the year after a revision in the first quarter
quarter data from 2.3 percent to 2.5 percent.
data from 2.3 percent to 2.5 percent. A rise in public expenditures ahead of the upcoming election and some recovery in
A rise in
publicdemand
expenditures
the upcoming
election
some recovery
domestic
as well ahead
as in theofagricultural
sector
enabledand
the Turkish
economyin
to domestic
demand
as wellsome
as inlosses
the agricultural
sector enabled
the Turkish economy to overcome some
overcome
in exports, according
to analysts.
losses in exports, according to analysts. 6
5,1
4,5
4,4
4,3
4
3,8
3,1
3
2,7
2,9
2,7
2,5
2,4
2
1,8
1,5
0
1
2
3
2012
4
1
2
3
4
1
2013
2
3
4
1
2014
2
2015
Source: Turkish Statistics Institute (TÜİK)
According to an OECD Report Turkey was ranked third among all European countries
with to
itsan
3.8OECD
percent
growth
rate in
theranked
secondthird
quarter
of 2015
and rankedcountries
seventh with
According
Report
Turkey
was
among
all European
the world. Brazil stood at the bottom of the OECD's list with GDP decreasing
its 3.8throughout
percent growth
rate in the second quarter of 2015 and ranked seventh throughout
by 1.9 percent.
the world. Brazil stood at the bottom of the OECD’s list with GDP decreasing by 1.9 percent.
GDP
Growthrate
ratein
inEurope,
Europe,2015
201522nd
quarter
nd
GDP Growth
quarter
1
Malta
2
Czech Rep.
3
Turkey
4
Romania
5
Poland
6
Spain
7
Slovakia
8
Sweden
9
Latvia
10
U.K.
With the expected decrease in land transportation costs, the number of Turkish
transporters’ trips to the EU will rise by 11 percent and EU consumers will save
around 145 million euros. Additionally, around 25,000 new jobs will be created
in Turkey and 14,000 in the EU with the realization of full liberalization in the
sector.
Today, Turkish trucks make around 300,000 trips to the EU annually, paying
2,500-3,000 euros as freight charge per trip.
1,3
1
The report showed that bilateral trade between the EU and Turkey may increase
by 3.5 billion euros annually if land transportation barriers are lifted.
If the barriers are abolished, Turkey’s exports to the bloc will rise by 1.9 billion
euros and the EU’s exports to Turkey will rise by 1.6 billion euros, the report
predicted.
Growthrate
rateatatconstant
constantprices,
prices,%%
Growth
5
This report will likely strengthen the hand of Turkey when its Customs Union deal
with the EU is reopened to negotiation at the beginning of 2016, UND executives
said at a press meeting on July 22 to announce the results of the study with the
permission of the European Commission.
4,80
4,4
3,8
3,7
3,6
3,1
3,1
2,9
2,7
2,6
Source: OECD Statistics, Quarterly National Accounts Data
Turkey currently makes some 43 percent of its total exports to EU countries.
Around 40 percent of these exports are made through overland transportation
routes, according to UND data.
Turkish e-retailers among
fastest growers of Europe
Two Turkish companies have become two of the top five fastest growing
e-retailers in Europe, according to e-commerce research by Internet Retailer. Fast-growing web merchants from Eastern Europe and Turkey have carved out
niches in the e-commerce market, which is anchored by the mature markets
of the United Kingdom, Germany and France, according to the report.
“Without question, the Western European e-commerce strongholds of the
U.K., Germany and France still lead e-commerce sales in the Eurozone; for
example, looking at the Top 50 e-retailers in this year’s Europe 500 rankings,
17 are based in the U.K. alone. But major shifts eastward are indicated by
looking at the listing of the fastest-growing e-retailers: Two of the top five
spots are claimed by retailers from Turkey and one from Russia,” said Internet
Retailer.
Ankara to host Conference of
Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
(UNCCD) will host its Twelfth Session of the Conference
of the Parties (COP12) in Ankara, Turkey, from 12 October
to 23 October 2015. The conference will take place at the
Congresium Ankara-ATO International Convention and
Exhibition Centre. Decision-makers from 195 member
states will attend COP12 to discuss solutions to issues
related to desertification, land degradation and drought
(DLDD).
The Conference is taking place at a pivotal time: It is just
after the United Nations Summit for the Adoption of the
Post-2015 Development Agenda. Following the Rio+20
Conference, the UN General Assembly Open WG on SDGs
adopted it’s report titled “proposal of the OWG for SDGs”
containing 17 goals and 169 targets in a broad range of
issues.
The Conference will be an opportune moment to discuss
how the UNCCD can contribute to the implementation of
new global development framework.
Land rehabilitation is one of the pathways to sustainable
development. By rehabilitating degraded land, many
of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) would be
more attainable. Land that is properly nurtured fosters
food and water security and reverses negative climate
change impacts, such as forced migration, by cultivating
opportunities for growth and ensuring stability. To invest
in the land is to invest in sustainable livelihoods, therefore
the goal of COP12 is to provide practical steps to make the
rehabilitation of degrading land areas a reality. The Parties
are also expected to identify ways to contribute to the
success of the 2015 Climate Change Conference in Paris.
More Turkish beaches with Blue Flags
COP12 will begin
with an opening
plenary segment on 12
October. The high-level
segment will take place
on Tuesday, 20 October
and Wednesday, 21
October. During the
high-level segment,
ministers and other
heads of delegation
will hold round-table
discussions and special plenary sessions to identify
possible solutions to water scarcity, land degradation and
desertification while upholding efforts to mitigate the
effects of drought and preventing further land degradation.
Turkey among the top
countries in effective fight
against tobacco
According to July 2015 World Health Organization (WHO)
report on the global tobacco epidemic, Turkey is one of the few
countries combating smoking effectively by implementing a
widespread ban and efforts to curb smoking by helping addicts.
Turkey is classified within the group of countries showing
“perfect compliance” with adherence to smoke-free policies
and bans on advertising.
“Global Tobacco Epidemic” report series track the use of
tobacco and possible interventions to stop its consumption
and emphasize that the most effective and cost-effective way to
reduce tobacco use is to increase taxes on tobacco products.
Turkey now boasts the second-largest number of
beaches with “Blue Flag” certificates following a large
rise this year, according to the Turkey Foundation for
Environmental Education (TÜRÇEV).
Some 436 beaches acquired the right to display a
Blue Flag certificate this year, said Dr. Cenk Halil
Bayaz, a TÜRÇEV board member, during a meeting
in the Mediterranean district of Manavgat.
A “Blue Flag” is an exclusive eco-label awarded by
the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
to beaches and marinas that meet certain criteria,
such as water quality, environmental education and
information, environmental management and safety.
“Spain tops the list with 578 beaches with a Blue Flag
certificate, followed by Turkey with 436 beaches and
Greece with 395 beaches. Turkey had 397 beaches
with this certificate, and we have seen a dramatic
rise in the number of such beaches this year, which
is great for us,” he said.
In Turkey tobacco taxes increased steadily over the past decade;
as the tax rate rose from 58% to 65% of retail price, cigarette
prices more than tripled and cigarette tax revenues more than
doubled between 2005 and 2011. These tax increases and other
tobacco control efforts have been successful; between 2008
and 2012, tobacco sales declined by 12% in Turkey and tobacco
smoking prevalence fell from 31.2% to 27.1%.
Adult daily smoking prevalence in Turkey is reported to be 22%
in 2013. European countries with lowest smoking prevalence
are Uzbekistan (10%), Sweden (12%) and Iceland (13%).
The WHO Report explains that one person dies every six seconds
and about six million people die every year from tobaccorelated diseases, and that the number is likely to increase. The
health organization warned that if stronger measures aren’t
taken eight million people will die in a year by 2030.
Turkey among top 10 medical tourism spots
Turkey, the sixth most visited tourism destination in the
world, has also become one of the most popular medical
tourism destinations with more than half a million medical
tourists visiting the country last year, according to data
compiled by Anadolu Agency from the Association of
Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), the Health Ministry and
private hospital figures.
While 109,000 medical tourists visited Turkey in 2010, this
figure rose to 583,000 last year, mainly due to the rise in
the number of tourists from Libya, Iraq and Germany.
With the addition of plastic surgery figures, this figure
increased up to 700,000, according to sector representatives.
Exhibitions & Concerts
The 14th Istanbul Biennial
SALTWATER: A Theory of Thought Forms
Akbank Jazz Festival; Echoing Across Turkey
for the Past 25 Years
September 5 - November 1, 2015
October 21 – November 1, 2015
Steve McCurry – Photography Exhibition
September 16 – December 13, 2015
American photographer Steve McCurry is universally
recognized as one of today’s finest image-makers
and has won many of photography’s top awards.
This special exhibition brings together the most
memorable and beautiful of his images, taken around
the world over the last 30 years. McCurry’s ability to
cross boundaries of language and culture to capture
fleeting moments of human experience is unique.
With his discerning eye for form and colour, shape and
symmetry, he offers us windows into other worlds.
In the 14th Istanbul Biennial, drafted by Carolyn ChristovBakargiev, works by over 80 participants from Africa,
Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America
and North America are displayed in over thirty venues
on the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus.
SALTWATER takes place in museums as well as
temporary spaces of habitation on land and on sea
such as boats, hotels, former banks, garages, gardens,
schools, shops and private homes.
The 14 Istanbul Biennial is organised by the Istanbul
Foundation for Culture and Arts and made possible
thanks to the sponsorship of Koç Holding. Admission to
the 14th Istanbul Biennial is free of charge in all venues
except the Museum of Innocence.
th
There are venues where the visitors will encounter a
group exhibition, such as Istanbul Modern, ARTER,
the Italian High School, and the Galata Greek Primary
School, but most locations host the work of a single artist
or artist collective.
‘First lady’ Schuur to perform in Istanbul
October 19, 2015
Akbank Jazz Festival, one of the driving forces of
positive change since its introduction to Turkey’s
cultural and artistic life, is celebrating its 25th year.
Dating back to 1991, the Festival has remained a
meeting point of good and new music, opening a space
for various musical styles from jazz to blues, from
electronicato world music for many years now.
Akbank Jazz Festival has been a haven of sounds for
the different varieties of jazz since the first day it came
on to the musical scene of Istanbul and continues its
innovative spirit. The Festival has been featuring many
jazz legends from Jimmy Smith to McCoy Tyner and
also it has been a stage for many masters and young
names of Turkish jazz.
Akbank Jazz Festival is providing its followers more
than a music festival experience. With film screenings
featuring jazz, workshops, panels, Jazz in Campus
concerts and many more, the Festival has been a
school for many people for everything about jazz.
Bilkent Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Concert
October 10, 2015
World-renowned jazz diva Diane Schuur, or the “first
lady of jazz,” will perform once more in Turkey on
October 19, 2015 after a long hiatus.
The concert at the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, which
will be dedicated to Frank Sinatra and Stan Getz, will
feature Schuur’s favorites, as well as new material from
her latest album. Schuur, a two-time Grammy winner,
will be accompanied by Adam Pache on drums, Ben
Wolfe on contrabass and Julian Siegel on saxophone.
The 61 year-old American jazz srtist, who was blinded
at birth, hit the stages after her first album “Deedles”
in 1984. Schuur has toured the world with masters of
jazz such as Getz, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard
Ferguson, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder.
Bilkent Symphony Orchestra 2015-16 Season Opening Concert will be held
on October 10, 2015. The Opening Concert will feature Israeli conductor,
Avi Ostrowsky and American classical saxophonist and educator Timothy
McAllister.
Concert program includes R. Wagner Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Prelude,
J. Adams Concerto for Saxophone and I. Stravinsky Petrouchka.
Conductor Avi Ostrowsky has conducted the most prestigious orchestras, such
as the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra of London, BBC Philharmonic
Orchestra, Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic
Orchestra and Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra amongst many others.
Timothy McAllister has been hailed as “one of the foremost saxophonists of
his generation”. Since his solo debut at age sixteen with the Houston Civic
Symphony, his career has taken him throughout the world, garnering prizes
at many prestigious national and international competitions. McAllister
has premiered over 150 new works by today’s most eminent and emerging
composers. His recording of William Bolcom’s Concert Suite for Alto Saxophone
and Band has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards.
Two Cultural Turkish Properties added to the UNESCO World Heritage List
The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO has added
cultural sites in Diyarbakır, southeastern Turkey and the
ancient city of Ephesus in western Turkey to its World
Heritage List following a vote on July 2015.
cultural presences, memorials and sites with outstanding
universal value that meet at least one out of ten selection
criteria. The protection, management, authenticity and
integrity of properties are also important considerations.
UNESCO’s World Heritage List which is in existence
since 1972, aims to designate and protect cultural or
natural places that are of outstanding value to humanity,
create consciousness which protects this global heritage
in society and to provide necessary cooperation for
keeping alive damaged and disappeared cultural and
natural values.
As of August 2015, 1031 cultural and natural properties
are registered to UNESCO world heritage list. Among
these, 802 are cultural, 197 are natural and 32 are mixed
(cultural/natural) sites. This number increases with the
annual gathering of World Heritage Committee. During
the 2015 session, the Committee inscribed 24 new sites.
“World heritage” status is granted for the natural or
Following the recent inscription of Diyarbakır and
Ephesus, the number of Turkish assets on the list has
increased to 15.
The list includes; Göreme National Park and the Rock
Sites of Cappadocia (1985), Great Mosque and Hospital
of Divriği (1985), Historical Areas of İstanbul (1985),
Hattusha: the Hittite Capital (1986), Nemrut Dağ (1987),
Xanthos-Letoon (1988), City of Safranbolu (1994),
Archaelogical Site of Troy (1998), Selimiye Mosque
and its Social Complex (2011), Neolithic Site of
Çatalhöyük (2012), Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of
the Ottoman Empire (2014), Pergamon and its MultiLayered Cultural Landscape (2014), Diyabakır Fortress
and Hevsel Gardens (2015) and Ephesus (2015).
Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens
Ephesus
Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape, in the Southeastern
Anatolia Region, is located on an escarpment of the Upper Tigres River Basin
that is part of the so-called Fertile Crescent, the fortified city of Diyarbakir and
the landscape around has been an important centre since the Hellenistic period,
through the Roman, Sassanid, Byzantine, Islamic and Ottoman times to the present.
The site encompasses the Amida Mound, known as İçkale (inner castle), the 5.8kmlong city walls of Diyarbakir with their numerous towers, gates, buttresses, and 63
inscriptions from different periods, as well as Hevsel Gardens, a green link between
the city and the Tigris that supplied the city with food and water.
Ephesus is located on the Western Aegean coast of Turkey near to Selcuk town in
İzmir Province. The existence of the settlement can be traced back to the Neolithic
Age at Cukurici Mound up to the Medieval and post-Medieval period at Ayasuluk. The
inhabited areas though changed its location several times in accordance with habits
and demands.
The natural existence of all that is required for human life to thrive in Diyarbakır
ensured 7000 years of uninterrupted civilization in this city. Over time the city grew
even larger and developed even further, thus the people living in the city felt the
need to protect themselves and encircled the city with walls and unique towers
that support them, all constructed with the region’s local material, basalt stones, in
accord with the period’s conditions. The city was laid out to satisfy the need of the
local population in case of any attacks. In times of war, the gates of the castle walls
were shut down, and the city protected itself.
How to go to Diyarbakır?
Located within what was once the estuary of the River Kaystros, Ephesus comprises
successive Hellenistic and Roman settlements founded on new locations, which
followed the coastline as it retreated westward. Excavations have revealed grand
monuments of the Roman Imperial period including the Library of Celsus and the Great
Theatre. Little remains of the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the “Seven Wonders
of the World,” which drew pilgrims from all around the Mediterranean. Since the 5th
century, the House of the Virgin Mary, a domed cruciform chapel seven kilometers from
Ephesus, became a major place of Christian pilgrimage. The Ancient City of Ephesus is
an outstanding example of a Roman port city, with sea channel and harbor basin.
Diyarbakır is 1500km away from Istanbul and 1000 km away from Ankara.
Various airline companies offer daily domestic flights from Istanbul and Ankara
to Diyarbakır. The journey takes 1 hour. Also, many local bus companies offer
services from cities all over Turkey.
Diyarbakır Fortress and the gardens are 5km away from the airport.
Izmir has the nearest airport to Ephesus (83km away). There are number of airlines
that offer domestic flights from Istanbul to Izmir. Some airline companies provide
free shuttle between Izmir airport and Selcuk. It takes approximately 45 minutes to
reach Ephesus from Izmir airport.
“Ephesus” World Heritage Region; covers different settlement centers favored over
time. These include the earliest settlement at Çukuriçi Mound, Ancient City of
Ephesus, Ayasuluk Hills (Selçuk Castle, St. John Basilica, İsa Bey Mosque, Artemis
Temple) and House of Virgin Marry.
How to go to Ephesus?