Chemical Sector Platform Term Presidency to Be Held by PAGDER

The Chemical Sector Platform (KSP), founded in 2004 by the late industrialist Refik Baydur to address the economic and professional issues of the chemical sector and its subsectors on common ground, has continued its activities to the present day. The Chairmanship of the period transferred to PAGDER until September 2019. The new term at the Chemical Sector Platform officially began with the Board of Presidents Meeting held in Istanbul on 22 September 2017. Taking over the two-year term chairmanship from the Rubber Association, Plastic Manufacturers Association (PAGDER) and Chemical Sector Platform (KSP) Chairman Reha Gür made the following statement: "In the Chemical Sector Platform, where democracy prevails and the understanding of joint governance is adopted as a culture, we aim to implement an institutionalized, efficient and transparent management approach. We thank all platform members for their confidence and support, whom we believe will support us in operating the Chemical Sector Platform effectively and efficiently." Pointing out that the chemical industry is Turkey's third largest export sector with USD 14 billion, Plastic Manufacturers Association (PAGDER) and Chemical Sector Platform (KSP) Chairman Reha Gür noted: "Of the approximately 22,000 businesses in the sector, only one-third are engaged in exports. The goal of the Chemical Sector Platform is to create the necessary conditions for chemical exports to reach USD 50 billion in 2023. There is hope that when new petrochemical investments, in particular, and foreign investors are attracted to Turkey, the said targets can be achieved." At the Board of Presidents Meeting, it was decided to hold the 9th Chemical Industry Congress with the theme of 'petrochemical and intermediate chemical investments' on 23-24 November 2017.

Why the Chemical Sector Platform?

• To develop regional, sectoral and national development visions in Turkey's chemical industry, • To assist the sector's international integration, • To contribute to increased competitiveness of Turkey's chemical industry, • To develop cooperation with universities for R&D and innovation, • To inform the sector about the support of the government, relevant ministries and public institutions.