Prime Minister Jose Maria Anzar Comes to Turkey with 200 businessmen from 27 sectors 

Commercial declaration from Spain 

ISTANBUL – Jose Maria Aznar, Spain Prime Minister, is arriving at Turkey together with 200 businessmen from 27 sectors. Bilateral relations flourished after Suleyman Demirel’s visit to Spain has not gets into a new dimension with the visit of Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar. Spain Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who will also give a speech on the second day session of the meeting to be arranged by Turkish-Spanish Business Council at Ciragan Palace on 22 –23 July, will seek ways to improve Turkish-Spanish relations together with numerous businessmen including almond and hazelnut exporters, electronic industry representatives, bankers, and those from large construction groups. 

Prime Minister Aznar will also have a 30-minute talk with Rahmi Koc, Sakip Sabanci, Bulent Eczacibasi, Uzeyir Garih, Sarik Tara, Feyyaz Berker, Muharrem Kayhan, Aldo Kaslowski, Yavuz Kilic, Faruk Erkoc, Yavuz Zeytinoglu, fuat Miras and Zeynel Abidin Erdem, Chairman of Turkish-Spanish Business Council. 

While Koc and Sabanci groups are leading in cement sector and Tekfen in fertilizer sectoramong those groups in collaboration with Spain, it is tated that Spanish firms are interested in privatizations in Turkish Telecom and iron-steel sector. 

During the contacts to start with the meeting to be arranged by Turkish-Spanish Business Council at Ciragan Palace on 22 –23 July, numerous businessmen including almond and hazelnut exporters, electronic industry representatives, bankers, and those from large construction groups will seek ways to improve relations between Turkey and Spain. 

Chairman of Turkish-Spanish Business Council Zeynel Abidin Erdem, stating that Spain was the best partner of Turkey in Europe, added that Spain was of high political importance for Turkey and improvement of the collaboration will benefit much for both of the countries. Erdem, emphasizing that Spain had a technology accumulation especially in terms of defense industry, said that as a result of mutual developments, cooperative investments were possible for the businessmen in different sectors. Stressing that the businessmen in Spanish delegation were willing to get in active trade with Turkey, Erdem continued saying Spanish authorities encourage their citizens who visit Turkey. Erdem said: “ Spain is a country hosting about 60 million tourists a year and the competitor of Turkey in terms of tourism. But they encourage their tourist to Turkey, not to Greece or Italy as in other countries of Europe. The encourage visits to Turkey. This is an evidence which proves that they are keen on getting in good relations with us.”

Erdem continued as: “Turkey is country under weapon embargo by Russia, French and the USA due to various reasons. In a militarily and politically bad position. However we can easily purchase defense industry products from French and Spain. Turkey has many projects such as the purchase of war ship, aircraft carrier, mosquitoe boat, frontier control craft. Spanish investors run for these projects. Since it has no problem such as the embargo, Spain puts efforts for developing such projects.”

Erdem, reminding that Spanish Prime Minister Aznar, speaking at the dinner tender on to President Suleyman Demirel’s honor during his visit to Spain, had addressed Mesut Yilmaz as “My beloved friend”, said : “ It is a matter of personal friendship between Aznar and Mesut Yilmaz. We hope that Turkish businessmen benefit from this” 

Hundreds of businessmen will visit Turkey. These are prepared for investing and collaboration. We have spent great endeavors as Tukish – Spanish Business Council. We are convinced that good will relations that was launched by our President will progress towards new horizons.” 

Capital flow is poor 

Foreign capital flow between the two countries is quite low. Spanish firms’ investments in Turkey is only 416 billion TL as of the end of 1997 December. According to data received from DEIK, number fo Spanish firms operating in Turkey increased to 19 as of December 1997 where it was 14 at the end of 1995. Shares of the said firms in total foreign capital is at 0.16 % level. Spanish firms mainly operate on cement, metallic goods industry, food and tobacco, trade, tourism and banking fields. 

Spanish firms are interested in Canakkale Bosphorus Bridge Transition project and Iran natural gas transportation project as well as defense and aviation projects. 

WHAT DO WE PURCHASE FROM AND SELL TO SPAIN?

According to the information taken from Foreign Economic Relations Committee (DEIK) raw olive oil, cement, central heating boilers and machinery, synthetic artificial filament, dry leguminous seeds are the leading items that we export to Spain, whereas we mainly import air-land vehicles and parts, machinery and parts, raw aluminum, iron-steel products, raw leather, soy oil, phosphates and sugar beet. As a result of oil crop developed due to weather conditions in Spain, Turkey faces with an important amount of oil demand. On the other hand, as Spain, an important cement exporter to world markets, imports cement from Turkey at considerable amounts, the probability of Turkish originated cement, which is delivered bulk, being a subject of reexport increases. 

Chairman of Turkish-Spanish Business Council Zeynel Abidin Erdem declared that Spain was politically important for Turkey and the collaboration would benefit much for both countries. He said that collaborated investments would be possible through mutual developments. 

WHO ARE AMONG THE DELEGATION 

Some of the businessmen to visit Turkey together with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar are: AFM ( Association of Spanish Set Workbench Producers) Director General Alberto Ortveta Azcaretta, Technical Director General Luis Antonio Balaguer from Aguas de Barcelona firm providing consultancy services equipment on water distribution, quality and cleaning control, Antoni Borras Cros- Chairman of Almond and Hazelnut Exporters Union Amendrave, Technical Commercial Director of telecommunication firm Amparo S.A. Nabil Chahine, Gonzalo Caro – Director General of National Electronic Industries Association, Amparo Bertomeu Talens – Director of Spanish Furniture Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Luis Castilla – Spanish Central Bank Director of International Finance, Franscio Manuel Suares – Deputy General Director of Banco Espanol de Credito S.A., Carlos de Bricio – Chairman of Spanish Manufacturers and Employers Confederation, Ivo Rauh – Director General of Telecommunication Technologies, Fernando Franzio – International Lines Director of Telefonica International. 

LATIN AMERICA 

DEIK Chairman of Turkish-Spanish Business Council Zeynel Abidin Erdem states that commercial and investment collaboration between the two countries has not yet reached a desired level and this is due to lack of harmonization between the regulations and particularly due to bureaucratic barriers. Erdem, telling that Turkey had to weigh on advertisement work, added that since Spain had an organic link with Latin American countries with a total population exceeding 300 million, progress in Turkish-Spanish relations would create opportunities to access these countries. Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem replied our questions as follows:

… A serious progress has started to be apparent between Turkey and Spain in terms of both foreign trade and foreign capital investments. According to you, what are the reasons for that

ERDEM: Spain has been accepted as a member of the European Union in January 1986 and a transition period was let for Spain until December 1992. It was after January 1993 that Spain abolished all customs tariff against European Union. For this, we may never ignore Spain’s being a member of the EU when evaluating our relations with Spain. Commercial collaboration between Spain and Turkey has not yet reached to a desirable level. Total commercial volume stands at 750 million $ level. This figure does not mean much when the commercial potentialities of both countries are taken into consideration. The same situation is apparent between the foreign capital investments between two countries…While there is not any noteworthy Spanish capital investment in Turkey, the same applies to Turkish capital in Spain. Not even the 1 percent of total foreign investments in Turkey is occupied by Spanish capital. Whereas Spain is a country with large amounts of capital investments in Portugal, Latin American Countries and Union countries. One of the main characteristics of Spain is that it has a very considerable amount of foreign capital stock within its body. In order to increase commercial collaboration and improve relations with Spain, we firstly have to spent endeavors to overcome bureaucratic barriers between two countries. There is yet not any agreement signed to avoid double taxation between Spain and Turkey. Although the negotiations directed towards this issue have commenced in April 1987, yet not progress has been recorded. Also the Agreement of Protection and Encouragement of Investments which was signed in February 1995 has not come into force since the required legal operations have not been fulfilled. 

… Can you give examples of concrete steps to be taken in the year 1997? What kind of activities are designed to improve the relations?

ERDEM: I consider 1997 as a very important year for Turkey on all aspects. I hold the belief that the issue should not only be evaluated in terms of Turkey’s relations with Spain, but within the scope of European Union – Turkey relations in a wider perspective. Although Turkey has been admitted as a member of Customs Union from the beginning of 1996, no satisfying progress has been actualized and the harmonization legislation and other required regulations have not been completed. Thus, any step taken towards the Customs Union and the European Union will constitute the basic steps for development of Turkish – Spanish commercial relations. .. Another important issue is that the two countries do not have sufficient information about each other since there is not an intense commercial interaction between the two. Here Turkey’s self-presentation in the world arena and lobbying activities come into agenda, and I want to stress that such activities should be performed in a highly coordinated manner from both government and private sector sides. 

… How do problems like antidumping faced in foreign trade relation affect future?

ERDEM: Concerning Turkey’s unloading actions in foreign trade, we experience problems with Spain as well as other countries. For example, the dumping claim experienced in cement export has been ended in favor of Turkey, but the effects in the market were against our interest since the resolution came after a year. Spain is a very important country for Turkey especially in terms of textile export. From time to time there are some doubts claiming that there was dumping in textile. All these can be resolved through a coordinated and stable foreign trade policy. I believe that the problems frequently experienced in foreign markets due to antidumping legislation may be removed in this way. 

…Does the stagnation in European markets affect Turkey-Spain relations? 

ERDEM: There is not doubt that the stagnation prevailing in Europe has negative impacts between Turkey-Spain relations as well as relations with other countries. However in addition to Spain’s being a member of European Union, Turkey has another important position. Namely, Spain, due to its historical and geopolitical position, has a strategic importance because it is located between Western and Southern Europe and the USA, as a center of Mediterranean’s commercial vivacity. Spain has historical and organic links with Latin American countries with a population exceeding 300 millions. Thus, the improvement of Turkish – Spanish commercial cooperation should not merely be interpreted as the entrance of Turkish entrepreneurs into Spanish market. I believe that both Turkish and Spanish businessmen should benefit from such an advantage.

…What are your opinions related to Spanish firms’ point of views to Turkish and their investment trends?

ERDEM: There are various sectors that Turkish and Spanish businessmen may collaboratively invest. These include agriculture, tourism, construction and manufacturing industry. The important thing is the performance of due actions to stimulate the potential. My impression on both Turkish and Spanish businessmen is that current level of commercial collaboration between two countries is not at a desired level.

GENPA

Erdem: Turkcell should be supported. 

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Erdem Holding, Zeynel Abidin Erdem, said that Turkcell has had an infinite contribution to Turkey and any act of this corporation should be supported. Erdem, speaking at the 7th Dealer’s Meeting of Genpa which is within the body of the corporation, told that they themselves were not afraid of the crisis and wanted to utilize the economic shrinkage in order to overload excess loads that they have been loaded. 

Erdem, telling that Turkcell has had an infinite contribution to Turkey and any act of this corporation should be supported, as an answer to the question “ Why is Aria not sold through Genpa?” said: “Aria came to us. Aria requested sales in South East, East, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia. This should be possible if we receive Turkcell’s consent for them. We told them that we will keep Turkcell alive at Genpa. We proposed them service at another company, but failed to agree.” Erdem stated that they would never block Aria and Aria’s failure in Turkey does not mean Turkey’s failure and added that opportunities should be provided for Aria. Erdem stressed that they had not dealers closed and they would not let dealer closures. Zeynel Abidin Erdem told that next week, they would present a new company joined into their holding 

320 Genpa dealers has participated in the Dealers meeting held in Antalya on weekend. A plaquette has been handled to Mehmet Emin Karamehmet, Chairman of Bord of Directors of Cukurova Holding, because of his contributions to GSM. 

ERDEM HOLDING

Dear readers, starting from this print, we launch to present you our businessmen brothers who are brought up in Mardin and now attained success in Mardin and in other cities. 

ERDEM HOLDING CO.

People brought up by Mardin, the home of civilization with a history tracing back to 3 thousand years, are those having a character of an old Istanbul gentleman with a highly esteemed family discipline and engaging in trade and industry – men of perfect manner. 

Those families migrated to Istanbul from Mardin, the center of culture, tell that rocks and soil of Istanbul is gold, but in fact they are not… While family leaders are concerned with lack of service to Mardin, narrowing of trade fields, scarcity of teachers and education activities in our city, these forced many Mardin natives to migrate. The remaining are minorities who are pending to extinct just as Kelaynak birds. However things jollifying our souls also develop. We have beloved fellow citizens who had left Mardin but not forgotten his own land and filled with the struggle to serve his homeland. Among them is Zeynel Abidin Erdem, Chairman of Board of Directors of Erdem Holding…

Erdem, whom we met in Istanbul, is a pure lover of Mardin. 

Erdem, who descend from BeytHac Alibek (Erdem Family) from Savur notables, said:

“ I came to Istanbul in 1966. I both continued my education and took on business. I found a business with support of my family. Erdem Holding, in which we are now, is a very respected corporation in its field of activity. I have always been proud of having Mardin origin throughout my life. I also preach this to my children. That is to say, I am a fan of Mardin. Mardin is a city with a history of 3 thousand years. A place where people from various cultures lived in a total harmony. Strictly speaking, it is a mosaic stone. All respect each other. That may be why I am an admirer of Mardin. Mardin flourished many prosperous businessmen. They had success not only in Turkey but in the international arena. We have businessmen who are Mardin natives even in America. 

Mardin is, due to its location, in such a structure to easily harmonize with people of other cultures. That does not make difference for us. We can easily conform with any place we go, whether it be America or Africa. 

I connect this to the principle of respecting other people which our elders had taught to us at little ages. 

Finally I thank you for coming here. I know that Mardin needs such publications. Thus, I congratulate you…”

ID of ERDEM HOLDING CO. 

Gen-Pa Co., Ertel Co, Sistas Co, Nezih Trade Co., Ermeks-Er Co., Tanitim Co., Kurulus Co., Trans Inter Co., Mobicom Co., Marbas Ltd., Serinal Co. 

Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem was born in 1944 in Savur district of Mardin. His father was a distinguished businessmen in the region. After graduating from the Faculty of Chemistry, A. Abidin Erdem relocates in Istanbul with the material and moral support of his family. While completing his university education, he also dives into business life. His ascension in business world accelerates after 1963 and the first company established in 1965 soon turns into a Holding. 

As the General Distributor of 10 foreign countries in Turkey, Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem provides job opportunity to 550 people. Companies led by him engage in exports to and imports from man countries. 

COMES FROM A POLITICIAN FAMILY 

Family of Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem engages in politics for many years. They are even sent to exile for a period of time after 1960 military takeover. But politics attracts Z.A.Erdem during young ages. He enters into politics in university ages and with business life. Chamber Chairmanship, Province Chairmanship, MHP Youth Action, Chairmanship of Executive Committee, Syndicate Chairmanship are among political tasks that Erdem has personally performed. 

WE HAVE TO EXPAND TO WORLD

Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem has learned very crucial lessons from either his family or from the political and business life that he has gone in his youth. He has established two separate factories in three separate production area and started to export automobile spare parts to Middle East. While producing automobile tire valve in one of his factories, he has accelerated the production of Air Cooler in the other factory. Erdem, stating that there has been a countrywide market problem due to the scarcity of demand in the Middle East after the Gulf War, says : ‘All these come and go. The important thing is that Turkish Industrialists should have their place in world markets.’ 

Today, the company group headed by DR. Zeynel Abidin Erdem has reached an export volume of 18 million $ in Air Cooler production facilitated by the know-how in accordance with Japan standards. Also he exports 100 thousand tones of cereals annually. 

HEAD OF SPANISH BUSINESS COUNCIL 

Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem believed from the heart the necessity to expand to world markets. He has proved this as being the Chairman of Turkish-Spanish Business Council and a member of Turkish – American Business Council. Erdem, telling that the open market policy initiated in Turgut Ozal period will promote country economy to higher levels, says: 

‘ We have been with Ozal for many years. He had a wide vision. Free market economy is his greatest leap in terms of creating developmental opportunities for Turkey. For this reason, I joyfully execute the Secretariat General post of ‘Association for Reverence of Turgut Ozal’s Ideas’. 

ENGINEERING IS THE SOLIDARITY OF THE TWINS

Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem has a twin brother. Mehmet Nezih Erdem. His field of expertise is mechanical engineering. Both received Ph. D. degree in management. Erdem has demonstrated a complete solidarity with his twin and come to these days using their own capitals. While talking about the old days, a cloud passes through his eyes and tells those days as: 

‘Neither I, nor my brother have done business through interest up to now. We have neither a share certificate nor did we think of earning money through repo. We have always targeted to provide job opportunity to our people through investment. 

GOLF FIELD AND BUSINESS WORLD 

It is a great joy to talk on business and politics with Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem. But the subject comes to golf sport. For Erdem, playing golf is something like entering into paradise. Let’s listed from his own words: 

‘I recommend golf to every businessmen. Golf means the nature. You can play golf when you will to be alone with nature, and also when you want to be with your friends. A friendly or a business talk may be made on golf field. You relax from the stress you’re loaded, and wile playing, you feel yourself like in another world. 

A SUCCESSFUL AND SPORTSMAN BUSINESSMAN

GOLF COLOURS OUR COUNTRY 

Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem is a member the oldest golf club in Turkey. But he is disappointed since Istanbul Golf Club does not develop as deserved to. He believes that the existing and the to-be-opened golf fields adds new colors to Turkey. Erdem says: ‘ Golf sport has been a crucial factor for improving country relations to a higher level, what I say is not limited merely to material field, but it also provided color in terms of morality.’