Press Relases

Doğuş Group Chairman Ferit F. Sahenk: 
“Turkey is a focal point of equilibrium in a world of shifting power relations”

 

At a panel on “Turkey’s Political Future”, Mr. Sahenk articulated Turkey’s indispensable role as a “focal point of equilibrium”. Sahenk stated, “Turkey’s path is irreversible. Economy is the main motor of Turkey’s way forward.”

 

Turkey’s Political Future has been discussed at the World Economic Forum 2007 in Davos. The panel was moderated by Raghida Dergham, a columnist for the London-based El Hayat Newspaper. Panelists included the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs - Abdullah Gül, the Adjunct Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies of the Council on Foreign Relations - Vali Nasr, Professor of Public Economics from Leiden University of the Netherlands - Victor Halberstad, the CEO of Doğan Yayın Holding – Mehmet Ali Yalçındağ and the Chairman of Doğuş Group- Ferit F. Şahenk.

 

Speaking from the perspective of the Turkish business community, Sahenk drew attention to a serious need for “balance setting” in the new global order where the power equations are changing rapidly. Sahenk stated that “Turkey, among some other key countries, plays an important role as a focal point of equilibrium.” 

 

Sahenk argued that it is more critical to comprehend the fact that Turkey is indeed a balance setter in the current global framework not because of its geo-strategic positioning but for the potential it embodies.  Sahenk continued, “Turkey is a predominately Moslem country with a secular government that is headed towards accession into the European Union. Turkey is a stable democracy based on the rule of law and values which are all shared.  Furthermore, it also is a unique contributor to peace and regional stability, and it is currently a “focal point” on the energy agenda.”

 

Speaking from the perspective of the business community Sahenk underlined that Turkey’s current path is irreversible and the economy is the main motor of Turkey’s way forward.  He continued, “The large growing stable market close to Europe, an export oriented industrial economy, a rapidly developing information society and a strong production capacity create tremendous potential for the Turkish economy.”

 

“In addition, Turkey’s population is young and dynamic with a consumer market of 72 million.”  Sahenk also stated that “Most importantly, Turkey has an economy which is profoundly integrated in global markets. There are considerable number of global partnerships and investments in Turkey  with a long term vision; also there is  a considerable presence of global companies with a vested interest in Turkey’s economic and political future.“
Sahenk stated that Turkey needs to continue with structural reforms and address productivity growth and job creation which are the two most important factors behind sustainable growth. Sahenk also argued that, “Committed political investment in human capital and technology are crucial for sustainable growth.” Moreover, Sahenk underlined that further decisive steps towards macroeconomic stability and structural reforms will also enhance the Turkish capacity to cope with competitor pressure and global market forces. “

Sahenk concluded his speech by pointing out that he strongly believes visionary and prudent economic and political leadership will bring a better future for the World. 

 

Dogus Group also hosted a reception preceding the panel.  Attendees included the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Gül, and over 200 leading businessmen and politicians from all over the world.