Presidency & Memberships

In the business world besides companies which grow overnight, there are those which grow gradually but with sound steps. The light for those companies which grow very rapidly is likely to soon die away.

TV PROGRAM OF MR. MURAT BIRSEL

Date: 26.05.2004
Murat Birsel : Welcome Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem.

Dr. Zeynel Abidin ERDEM : Thank you.

MB :
Almost everyone knows you. We have many viewers, especially in Ankara. Let me introduce you to our viewers.

ZAE :
Thank you.




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Our Representative In Turkey Is TABA

Date: 8.05.2004
On May 8, 2004 Turkish-American Businessmen’s Association held a dinner in honor of Retired General Daniel Christman, Senior Vice President in charge of International Relations of the American Chamber of Commerce, Gary Litman, Senior Vice President in charge of Europe and Eurasia, and Peter Hans Keilbach, Senior Representative in charge of Europe at the same Chamber, who were visiting Turkey. At the dinner where Mr. Kemal Unakıtan, the Minister of Finance, also participated and made a speech there were about 150 guests including chief executive officers and managers of US companies operating in Turkey, press members, businessmen and TABA members.

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Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan invited the investors of U.S. to Turkey

Date: 29.01.2004
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN, Minister of State Kürşat Tüzmen, Minister of State Ali Babacan, Minister of Defense Vecdi Gönül, President of the Union of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Turkish-American Businessmen’s Association (TABA) Dr. Zeynel Abidin ERDEM and President of the DEIK Turkish-American Business Council Vural Akışık came together at a breakfast meeting, in which also the Presidents of the world’s strongest financial institutions, as well as Mr. Gary Litman, the Vice President for Europe and Asia of the United States Chamber of Commerce, and General Daniel Christman, the Vice President for International Affairs, also participated, on January 29, 2004. During the meeting, the striking upturn in the Turkish economy as of 2003 was appreciated greatly. The fact that the comment was made by the Presidents of the Financial Institutions has pleased the Turkish delegation.

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Turkey is a modern Islamic country, a model for both Middle East and Mid-Asia and it will play an important role also in the future

Date: 31.10.2003
Madeleine Albright, the foreign affairs minister during the second period of Clinton, the former US president, was in Istanbul in October 31, 2003. Albright, who gave a lecture in Çırağan Palace, noted “I face difficulty to understand why Iraq War is being employed now” and described Turkey as a “model country”.

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Spanish İndustrialist back Turkeys European Unio membership

Date: 17.09.2003

Spanish industrialists back Turkey’s European Union membership

ANKARA – Soanish industrialists back Turkey’s full membership to the European Union, expressing their will to cooperate with Turkish companies in the third countries.

Visiting Turkey for the Turkey-Spanish Business Council’s annual meeting, which was held yesterday in Istanbul, Spanish Industrialists Confederation Foreign Promotion Committee Chairman Juan Canals said that Spain attached special importance to Turkey as a technological and industrial partner.



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Your Excellency Prime Minister, TABA Will Always Beside You

Date: 12.09.2003

Turkish-American Business Association (TABA) hosted a dinner reception and conference, in which the Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated as a lecturer, on September 12, 2003. The dinner reception was attended by Minister of National Defense Vecdi Gönül, Minister of Internal Affairs Abdülkadir Aksu, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hilmi Güner, Istanbul Governor Muammer Güler, US Consul General Dr. David L. Arnett, the senior European representative of the US Chamber of Commerce Peter-Hans Keilbach, Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ali Müfit Gürtuna, and Istanbul MP of AKP Egemen Bağış, as well as approximately 400 top level businessmen, representatives of foreign missions and bureaucrats.



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The Closing Speech of Dr. Zeynel Abidin ERDEM - Chairman of TABA

Date: 12.09.2003
Your Excellency Prime Minister,

You change Turkey’s agenda in each of your speeches. I congratulate you.

People in Turkey now rely on each other; people in Turkey now rely on their banks, it is now trusted that the energy resources are not seized for private gain; you have created a personality in foreign policy of Turkey.



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The Speech of Dr. Zeynel Abidin ERDEM at TABA on 12 September 2003

Date: 12.09.2003
Your Excellency Prime Minister,

The Honorable Ministers, Members of the Parliament, and Ambassadors, Esteemed Press Members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen;

Welcome,



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Trade target with Spain is 4 billion dollars

Date: 15.07.2003
Dr.Zeynel Abidin Erdem, Chairman of Turkish-Spanish Business Council, declared that they target to increase the commercial volume between Turkey and Spain up to 4 billion dollars. Stating that the commercial volume between the two countries was 300 million dollars 10 years ago, Erdem said, “The commercial volume between Turkey and Spain, which increases every day, has today reached to 3 billion 200 million dollars”.

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Spain Interested in Turkish Ports

Date: 10.07.2003
Zeynel Abidin Erdem, Chairman of Turkish-Spanish Business Council, stated that they have collaborative action with Spanish authorities on privatization of Turkish ports. Expressing that they have presented projects to Spain on development of ports and yacht trailers, Erdem added, “ Spain was waiting for the stabilization of the flexible economy in Turkey. They are partially convinced after the positive indicators in Turkish economy.” Erdem told that after the Spanish success in aviation sector and railway improvement projects, they started to exchange works on ship manufacturing, ship trade and freight transportation among each other. He continued:

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The US Ambassador to Ankara says farewell to the World of Politics and Business

Date: 4.06.2003

A farewell reception attended by politicians and businessmen was held in honor of Robert Pearson, who has held the office of US Ambassador to Ankara for approximately 3 years and is to go back to the USA on termination of his term. The common opinion was that Pearson was a master diplomat and that as a friend of Turks, he played an important role in recovering relations between Turkey and the United States that were injured during the Iraqi Operation…



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You are a good friend of Turkey, we know it . - Pearson: With the Turkish word Estagfirullah

Date: 4.06.2003
The US Ambassador to Ankara, Robert Pearson said, “The past was left in history and now we should continue to work together. This is very important for us.” Comparing the relations between Turkey and the USA to a ship, Mr. Pearson said that the ship has passed through a storm… Mr. Pearson, who will return to his country on completing his three-year term of office in Turkey in July, participated in the farewell reception and lunch organized in his honor by Turkish-American Businessmen Association (TABA). 

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ERDEM: Turkey did not play its role well

Date: 11.04.2003
Zeynel Abidin Erdem, the Chairman of Turkish-American Businessmen Association (TABA AmCham) told, “If Turkey had played its role in the Middle East well, it would be able to require the US to settle the problems regarding Armenia, Cyprus, Aegean continental shelf and EU membership.”

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Visit to Thomas J. Donohue , President of U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Date: 16.03.2003
Dr. Zeynel Abidin ERDEM visited the President of U.S.Chamber of Commerce, Thomas J. Donohue and the Vice Chairman of U.S. Chamber of Commerce Gary Litman on 16 March 2003 at Washington DC. Dr. Erdem presented a plague to President Donohue for his great contributions and rendered important services to improve the trade, investment and cultural relations between the two countries.

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Free Trade Agreement Should Be Signed With THE US

Date: 16.03.2003
Erdem, the Chairman of TABA, said : “A Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and The United States is the way to increase the mutual trade volume and stimulate our exports”.

Zeynel Abidin ERDEM, the Chairman of TABA emphasized that cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense should be enhanced through a free trade agreement and also added that “The means to further increase mutual trade volume and especially to stimulate our exports is the sign of a Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and the United States.”



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Viva Spain, Viva Turkey

Date: 23.12.2002
"Commander of the Spanish Civil Merit" one of Spain's most important state awards, has been given to Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, the chairman of DEIK's Turkish-Spanish Business Council Spanish Ambassador: 'Zeynel Bey, we thank you for being our friend' 'There are very small stones under every big monument for eguilibrium. Foreigners make me feel that I am one of these small balncing stones. Other states are conferring these kinds of awards on me.'

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Spain decorates Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem

Date: 15.12.2002
"Commander of the Spanish Civil Merit" one of Spain's most important state awards, has been given to Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, the chairman of DEIK's Turkish-Spanish Business Council. Spanish Ambassador: 'Zeynel Bey, we thank you for being our friend' 'There are very small stones under every big monument for eguilibrium. Foreigners make me feel that I am one of these small balncing stones. Other states are conferring these kinds of awards on me.'

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Commander of the Order of the Spanish Civil Merit to Turkish Businessman

Date: 15.12.2002
"Commander of the Spanish Civil Merit" one of Spain's most important state awards, has been given to Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, the chairman of DEIK's Turkish-Spanish Business Council. Spanish Ambassador: 'Zeynel Bey, we thank you for being our friend' 'There are very small stones under every big monument for eguilibrium. Foreigners make me feel that I am one of these small balncing stones. Other states are conferring these kinds of awards on me.'

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Spain decorates Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem

Date: 14.12.2002
"Commander of the Spanish Civil Merit" one of Spain's most important state awards, has been given to Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, the chairman of DEIK's Turkish-Spanish Business Council. Spanish Ambassador: 'Zeynel Bey, we thank you for being our friend' 'There are very small stones under every big monument for eguilibrium. Foreigners make me feel that I am one of these small balncing stones. Other states are conferring these kinds of awards on me.'

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The U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz meet the leader of AK Party Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish Delegation

Date: 10.12.2002
The leader of AK Party Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish Delegation consisting of representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations, journalists, and the Members of the Parliament visited the U.S.Deputy Secretary of Defence Paul Wolfowitz on 10 December 2002 at Washington DC. Wolfowitz provided full support to the Turkish delegation that has started a persuasion tour before the voting to be conducted on December 13 regarding Turkey’s full membership in the European Union and stated that immediate implementation of amendments to the laws required for harmonization would be in favor of Turkey.

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Call For Friendship From TABA

Date: 1.09.2002
The committee of Turkish American Businessmen Association visited Mesrob Mutafyan, the Turkish Armenians Patriarch. This visit was held in the Virgin Mary Church just opposite to the Particarchy Building which is under restoration. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, the Chairman of TABA, stated they put great emphasis on improvement of Turkish Armenian relations and added “We infer from the historical experience that nothing can be settled with hostility”. Mutafyan, the Patriarch stressed that he consider negative campaign against him due to his key role in failure of so-called Armenian genocide draft in the US, as normal. He noted “Histroy will prove whose attitude is appropriate and whose not.”In addition, Mutafyan invited TABA committee to the Radaman evening meal on Saturday.

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The Doors of Mardin Are Opening to the World

Date: 14.08.2002
Mardin is opening to the world with its 7000 years history and with its magnificent wealth of 7 languages being currently spoken by its people.

The Educational and Solidarity Foundation for Mardin Citizens in Istanbul, is uninterruptedly carrying their efforts to make Mardin a world-wide known city which has witnessed tens of different cultures in its history. Mustafa Sandal, a well known singer, will be contributing to this by giving a concert at the historical Theatre of Aspendos on 17th August at no payment to himself. A press conference was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel for the purpose of promoting this concert.

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Everybody was there

Date: 11.07.2002
Many politicians, businessmen, journalists and well-known people from the world of philosophy desiring to listen to Clinton’s speech showed an intensive interest in the program at Çırağan Palace.

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Clinton: European Turkey is very important to us

Date: 10.07.2002
Clinton said that "Turkey should do its best for the EU." Stating that the benefits of Turkey's EU membership would be greater than the difficulties experienced during the process of fulfilling the necessary criteria.Your success is very important to us." Former US President Bill Clinton, invited to Turkey by TABA, gives advice regarding the problems on Turkey's agenda. 

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A Running Leader Is Needed

Date: 7.07.2002
Stating that they would elevate Turkey’s trade relations and vision in the United States, Ph.D. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, who has been re-elected as the Chairman of TABA, said that Turkey needed a dynamic Prime Minister. 

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TABA to pioneer for Bush

Date: 7.07.2002
Turkish-American Businessmen Association (TABA AmCham) is to engage a huge organization in order to further improve mutual relations. It was announced that TABA would host Bill Clinton, the former president of the US, in Turkey for a lecture. Zeynel Abidin ERDEM, the Chairman of TABA, following this event, will assume a leading role to host George Bush, the President of the US in Turkey next year. The invitation will likely take place in 2003.

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Bill Clinton Returns to Istanbul

Date: 1.07.2002
Former American President Bill Clinton comes to Istanbul this month to make a speech on "Turkey-Europe-US Relations on the Way to the European Union" under auspices of TABA, the Turkish-American Business Association, at a dinner in Qragan Palace Hotel on 9 July. Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz will also make a speech. During the meeting to announce Mr. Clinton's visit, Zeynel Abidin Erdem, Chairman of TABA said : "During 52 years of friendship between US and Turkey one sole American showed the biggest closeness to us. He announced to the world that PKK is a terror group, convinced Europeans that Turkey should be a candidate, despite the opposition of Baku-Ceyhan pipeline he caused the agreement was signed during Habitat Summit in Istanbul, he gave big support during the earthquake and he is the statesman who stayed in Turkey longest, 5 days."

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Activities of TABA AmCham

Date: 28.06.2002
TABA AmCham or Turkish American Business Association was founded on February 21 , 1987 in İstanbul to promote ; Business , Investment and Cultural relations between Turkey and the United States. Dr. Zeynel Abidin ERDEM is the chairman of TABA AmCham since 2000. On 6 July 2003 he was reelected as Chairman.

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Awards of TABA for 22 Giant Businessmen

Date: 22.06.2002
The Turkish-American Businessmen Association (TABA) has awarded 22 prominent Turkish business people, who have made great contributions to the improvement of relations between Turkey and the USA and rendered beneficial services to Turkey.

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Zeynel Abidin Erdem : To Enhance The Trust To Turkey

Date: 15.06.2002
Zeynel Abidin Erdem, the Management Board Chairman of Erdem Holding and also the Chairman of Turkish American Businessmen Association, stated that Yapı Kredi – Pamukbank merger is a positive decision from the point of a stronger Turkish banking sector. Erdem who pointed out that the range and quality of services to be offered to Turkish depositors will enhance as a result of this merger, also emphasized that this decision has a nature that supports economic stability.

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Award to 22 Prominent Businessmen

Date: 14.06.2002
The Turkish-American Businessmen Association (TABA) has awarded 22 prominent Turkish business people, who have made great contributions to the improvement of relations between Turkey and the USA and rendered beneficial services to Turkey. 

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Success Awards to 22 Turkish Prominent Businesmen for the Contributions to Turkey- U.S. Relations

Date: 13.06.2002
The Turkish-American Businessmen Association (TABA) presented “Success Awards” to 22 Turkish prominent business people, including Ali Koç, A. Nazif Zorlu, Güler Sabancı, Aydın Doğan and Arzuhan Yalçındağ, who have made great contributions to the improvement of relations between Turkey and the USA.

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The Us Is Of Greater Importance For Us Than Self-Seeking Europe

Date: 1.01.2002
ERDEM, THE CHAIRMAN OF TABA RECENTLY HOSTED CLINTON STATES : EUROPE SEEK INTEREST, THE US SEEK PARTNERSHIP

Dr. Zeynep Abidin Erdem, the Chairman of TABA AmCham said “It was only the US who affirmed our operations in the Southeast during the times the Europe welcome PKK terrorism. Furthermore, they lended us USD 36 billion during the crisis.”



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The Visit Of President Clinton and Turkey

Date: 1.01.2002
In the last two months, we had quite a busy time as the Turkish-American Busınessmen Association. During this time, the TABA dinner at the Çırağan Palace where we hosted William Jefferson CLINTON, the 42nd President of the USA and Mesut YILMAZ, Deputy Prime Minister as keynote speakers was a truly memorable event and maybe the biggest success TABA had in its history. 


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We will increase the business volume between Turkey and the USA

Date: 15.11.2000
Turkish-American Businessmen Association organized a Republic Day Ball. In his speech he delivered at the ball organized at The Marmara Hotel in Taksim, the Chairman of the Turkish-American Businessmen Association Mr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem stated that they were greatly happy to organize the traditional Republic Day Ball once again this year.

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Republic Day Ball Of TABA

Date: 15.11.2000
The prominent names of the business world and the authorities of the US Consulate came together at the Republic Day Ball organized by Turkish-American Businessmen Association (TABA).

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Dr.Erdem has undertaken a diplomatic mission as Honorary Consul of Sudan.

Date: 1.01.1999
Dr Zeynel Abidin, Who was known only for his commercial mission until four mounts ago, has now undertaken a diplomatic mission as well. 
Dr. Zeynel Abidin Erdem, President of the Executive Board of Erdem Holding Company, has become the honorary consul of Sudan, a country with respectable historical richness, which respects and has belief in the Turkish nation.

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Aznar: Turkey has the key role for the Caspian Sea

Date: 24.07.1998

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. 



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