Inagural Address By His Excellency Mr Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey and Chairman of COMCEC, to the 26th COMCEC meeting
07.10.2010
Honorable Secretary-General,
Honorable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very pleased to get together with the delegates of brotherly member countries of the COMCEC, here in Istanbul, the 2010 European Cultural Capital.
It is a great source of pride for my country to have you as our guest in this cultural landscape where tolerance and compassion have taken root, bridging different continents. With this spirit, I would like to welcome you all to Turkey.
Distinguished Delegates,
We have gathered here for the 26th Meeting of COMCEC which has, since its foundation, incessantly carried out its endeavors and became a solid platform of cooperation between Islamic Countries in the area of economy and commerce.
COMCEC is determined to reinterpret developments in the Islamic World from a humane and economic perspective and take initiative in the resolution of problems. We will continue strengthening the economic ties between us with a view to lay the foundations of a lasting cooperation.
Distinguished Guests;
The world is undergoing rapid transformation. Today, solidarity between our countries is needed more than ever for the resolution of problems.
Each and every development has the power to simultaneously impact all countries and economies. The last crisis we have encountered has shown how strong this interdependence has become.
As you all know, the global financial crisis, which was caused by the idiosyncratic problems of the developed market economies, consequently also had a deep impact on economies of developing and the least developed countries.
However, compared to other developing countries, Islamic countries have been more exposed to the effects of the downturn. In this period, the performance of our economies lagged behind those of other developing countries.
Since the second half of 2009, a trend of mild recovery has been observed in the global economy. The enhancement of our resilience to such crises and our advance to the place we deserve in the globe rest with our ability to find solutions to chronic structural problems in the Islamic world.
Distinguished Delegates,
Hereby, I would like to underline some of the structural problems in the Islamic World. First of all, I would like to emphasize that the level of financial and social development of our countries is way below our potential.
Our countries, home to vast natural resources, are not getting the share they deserve from global welfare. Islamic countries which make up 22% of the world population, have unfortunately only received around 7% of the global economic output in 2009. The average per capita income in the Islamic countries appears to hover below the average of developing countries.
Poverty in Islamic countries tops the list of most serious problems that requires a solution. Twenty two of the member countries are among the least developed countries. Wars, violence and natural disasters taking place in the Islamic territory have further aggravated poverty
Moreover, we are behind the world standards in social realms of development like education and health. The rate of literacy in our countries is below the global average. Likewise, we have a multitude of shortcomings in providing health services to our people in modern standards.
I would like to highlight a point in this respect. Overall and balanced development can only be ensured through consistent, transparent and accountable administrations.
In this matter, administrative structures that value social participation are needed. By so doing, the legitimacy of our administrations will expand and they will become more stable and at peace with shared values of our people.
Honorable Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Though they may be located in different territories and display a wide variety in terms of political and economic spectrum, Muslim communities hold a massive potential as they share the same religion and sacred values. This potential feeds off of our shared values which constitute a common denominator as well as our social heritage and the enterprising spirit of our young population in search of growth and welfare.
The global community of Islam should be well aware that world problems calls for common sense and concerted action in the global scale.. Therefore boundaries between our countries should not distance us from each other or hinder cooperation among us.
As essential elements for economic, social and cultural development, the free movement of goods, capital, information and humans among our countries' across borders, constitutes the first step of our engagement in a global development-driven endeavor.
Steps enabling the movement of these four elements between our economies more freely will pave the way for a more rational use of resources in areas like trade, investment, technology and employment
Given this perspective I believe that:
- the Trade Preferential System project aimed at enabling the movement of
goods between our borders more freely;
- the financial cooperation aimed at facilitating capital flow;
- the establishment of the Standard and Metrology Institute for Islamic
Countries (SMIIC) aimed to set standards of traded goods; the OIC Halal Food
Standards;
- and the OIC Vocational and Technical Training Program (OIC-VET) aimed to
allow free movement of professional know-how and skills between our
countries,
requires, the highest level of consideration and support in our part.
Visa waiver programs between some COMCEC member countries or introduction issuance of visas at ports of entry constitute a major step towards enabling free movement of persons between our countries.
Both COMCEC and other OIC Institutions should develop policies that would ensure the free movement of the aforementioned elements and should provide guidance to the member countries.
Honorable Ministers,
Esteemed Delegates,
In this respect, I would like to underline some of the crucial decisions we have taken at the COMCEC Economic Summit we organized last year on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the COMCEC.
One of the resolutions that we have taken was to review the OIC Plan of Action and to revise it in the light of contemporary needs. Within this scope, I attach importance to the review of the Action Plan and underpin our need for a plan of action which defines the priorities of cooperation between our countries and provides an effective implementation mechanism.
Also, as you may all remember, the Economic Summit also decided to revive cooperation in agriculture, transportation and tourism. I would like to point out that enhancement of cooperation in these areas will make substantial contribution to our countries’ endeavor en route to development.
Honorable Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates,
The Agenda of the 26th COMCEC Session has been drawn out in the last Follow-Up Committee Meeting. In this Session, with your contribution, we are set to make progress with regard to the follow up of decisions taken, the current agenda items and the project proposals.
Trade is placed high in the COMCEC agenda. The trade volume in our countries has dropped in 2009 in parallel to the contraction in the global volume of trade. However it is pleasing to see that the share our countries get from global trade has been displaying a consistent rise in ratio.
I believe we can overcome the recent stagnation observed in Intra-OIC trade by implementing our projects.
The Trade Preferential System between OIC member countries will enter into force once the number of countries which have signed the Rules of Origin Agreement rises from 9 to 10. In this respect, the approval process relating to the TPS-OIC agreements needs to be accelerated.
Moreover, I expect those countries that have already approved the Preferential Tariff Scheme (PRETAS) to submit their list of preferences to the Secretariat of the Trade Negotiating Committee. in order to initiate the implementation of the Trade Preferential System.
With the implementation of this project, we will have made a significant and lasting contribution to the attainment of the target for 2015 as 20% in Intra-OIC trade. To emphasize the significance of this issue, I would like to point out that in the EU, the Intra-bloc trade accounts for 65% of the total volume of trade. Therefore, I am calling on all signatory countries to fulfill their commitments.
Distinguished Delegates,
Seizing investment opportunities is another point that would enhance our economic cooperation. As you will remember, I occasionally call on member countries to explore ways of investing their accumulated capital among each other. The downturn period so far has revealed once again that the investment potential and the accumulated capital in the member countries alleviate the impact of the crisis.
Hereby, I would like to express the importance I attach to cooperation initiatives between the Stock Exchanges and the Central Banks which take up an important place in the agenda of the COMCEC. Cooperation efforts between our Stock Exchanges have reached a certain level of maturity. At this stage, we need to enhance the implementation of this project.
Furthermore, cooperation between the central banks has become a platform where instability in the financial markets and precautionary and early warning systems are addressed. I believe the results of the meeting held last week in Istanbul should be evaluated carefully. Hereby, I invite all member countries to partake in these endeavors.
Distinguished Guests,
Undoubtedly, one of the most significant factors in enhancing our cooperation is the promotion of private sector activities. As you may all know, OIC bodies are making important endeavors on this issue. The strengthening of cooperation between the public and private sectors is one of our fundamental goals. To this end, primarily private entrepreneurship should be fostered, barriers before trade be removed, and capital support and trade guarantees be provided.
Within this framework I would like to draw attention to the Business Forum and Expo to be hosted this year by Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MUSIAD). I would like to invite all distinguished delegates to participate in this event which offers opportunities for business connections, problem sharing and rapprochement.
Distinguished Delegates,
As you know, the Statute of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) has taken effect as of last May with and the aforementioned Institute was established. Now it is time for SMIIC, which successfully held its first general assembly last week, to embark on concrete cooperation projects. Concurrently I would like to state that the number of SMIIC members has reached 12 with the approval of Turkey and Pakistan.
I attach importance to the establishment of an authorized institution in developing and sustaining standards in the face of increased competition and emerging need for common practices. I hope this seed planted in the soil will flourish and grow into a tree, also with your contributions and come to fruition for the benefit of all member countries.
I would like to express my thanks to SMIIC member countries, the OIC General Secretariat, Turkish Standards Institute and COMCEC Coordination Office. I invite all countries which have not done so, to sign or approve this to avail themselves of this synergy created by this cooperation at their earliest convenience.
Let me draw your attention to our two years of efforts for the development of halal food standards. Halal food has currently manifested itself as a substantial trading sector worldwide. Therefore, we need to devise regulations governing this important subject matter and develop a system that would meet the needs of Muslims and render the trade among us more secure.
I would like to emphasize that, in the following stage, it would be appropriate to carry out the works for establishing necessary standards in this area under the auspices of SMIIC with the participation of OIC Member Countries.
Honorable Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates,
Our Honorable Ministers will exchange views on agriculture and rural development during this COMCEC Session. Since 2008, agricultural population have accounted for approximately 38% of the total population of Islamic Countries.
The share of agricultural population in the total population of our member countries as of 2008 was over 50 percent. These statistics are relevant as they highlight the key importance of agriculture in alleviating poverty and ensuring rural development.
Islamic countries cover approximately 25% of the world’s total circumference. Forty three percent (44%) of this area has been classified as lands suitable for agriculture as of 2007. But our countries are currently able to utilize only 20% of the suitable farming land for production purposes. This percentage is below the average in the globe or in developing countries.
During the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit I attended last month, as the world leaders, we have assessed that we are far way from attaining the MDG, especially with respect to issues like chronic hunger, famine and poverty alleviation. On this occasion, I made a call during this summit for enhancement of cooperation in investments in the area of agriculture.
The crises encountered in global food prices and the financial downturn have once again highlighted the importance of development in agriculture and provision of food security for the achievement of the goal of alleviating poverty and securing rural development. With the impact of these crises, the number of people living under the poverty threshold in the world rose 100 million in 2009 and exceeded the level of 1 billion.
Looking into the situation in Islamic countries, the 2009 Global Hunger Index reveals that nearly half of the 57 Islamic countries are listed as “serious”, “alarming” or “extremely alarming” categories. In other words, hundreds of millions of people in Islamic territories are suffering from famine.
Nearly half of the 57 Islamic countries are in the United Nations List of Least Developed Countries (LDC). I believe that the multilateral relations which are concretized under the auspices of international organizations will support the development of these countries. Turkey continues to extend support to these countries in major international platforms thus drawing the world’s attention to their problems.
In this respect, I would like to bring to your attention that the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries will be organized in Istanbul between May 30, June 3 2011 at the level of Heads of State and Government. I would like to invite member countries of COMCEC which displays one of the best examples of South-South Cooperation, to this conference which will draw 6000 participants.
Forecasts suggest that current food security problems will even get worse in the short and medium term which necessitates humanity to set out on urgent structural reforms for the settlement of this problem. I would like to remind you the resolution on our cooperation taken at the Economic Summit on the occassion of the 25th Anniversary of COMCEC.
I attribute importance to the step taken to establish the COMCEC Food Security Task Force at the 25th COMCEC Session.
Honorable Ministers,
Honorable Secretary-General,
Distinguished Delegates,
Before I conclude my remarks, I would like to share with you the deep sorrow I felt over the flood disaster in Pakistan. May Allah have mercy on the souls of our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in this disaster, which was greater in magnitude than the earthquake in Haiti and the Tsunami combined.
On behalf of Turkey, I would like to stress that we will continue to provide assistance to Pakistan at the bilateral level as well as in all relevant international organizations. In addition let me point out that a fellow Turkish Ambassador was appointed as the head of the UN’s humanitarian relief operation in Pakistan.
I would also like to welcome the initiatives of the OIC General Secretariat in providing aid to Pakistan. Hereby, I call on all our countries to extend a generous helping hand to our brothers who are struggling for their lives under harsh conditions in Pakistan.
Distinguished Delegates,
I have full confidence that endeavors made by the 26th COMCEC will shed light on the problems troubling our countries from a humane and economic perspective and provide relevant and viable solutions.
I wish the days you will be spending in this ancient city where continents and cultures meet will be beneficial to all.
As I conclude my remarks with these considerations, I would like to express my thanks to all member countries, all affiliated and subsidiary organs of the OIC and their staff for their valuable contribution to COMCEC efforts in this regard. I wish solidarity and brotherhood binding us will prevail and be ever growing. I also believe that our meeting will serve this cause. I wish you all success in your endeavors.
