Şekib Avdagiç, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce

Interview with Şekib Avdagiç, Chairman of the Board of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, on the Chamber's development process and its objectives for Turkey's economy

Could you briefly tell our readers about yourself, your educational background and professional experience?

I was born in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I grew up in an industrialist family. For this reason, I have been involved in the business world since my childhood. Avitaş Composite Plastic A.Ş., which we currently own, was founded by my father, Chief Engineer Eşref Avdagiç. We have half a century of experience in composite materials and the automotive industry. I completed my education at Istanbul Technical University as a mechanical engineer. I also finished the Business Administration specialization program at Istanbul University.

Avdagiç: "Since its establishment in 1882, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce has been operating at a global scale for 136 years. In this framework, in the new period that began after 14 April, we will take steps with a global focus. Turkey needs this."

As the son of an engineer and an engineer myself, I can say I have always enjoyed being in the field. My father's greatest advice to us was, "In business life, pursue not only material opportunities, but also your dreams and personal values." Undoubtedly, our company, which produced Turkey's first racing car to enter the global market, is the most concrete and most rewarding product of these efforts. Today we take pride in representing our country on the global stage. In this direction, I also played an active role in the establishment of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MÜSİAD). In my view, the establishment and activities of MÜSİAD have been an important achievement not only economically but also democratically for our country. In addition to my commercial role, I have held many positions on different platforms. As Chairman of the Steering Committee for 2010 European Capital of Culture, we implemented numerous projects that would enhance our city's brand value. For more than 30 years, I have served in various civil society organizations, primarily in the automotive and composite industries. I currently continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Composite Manufacturers Association and as a Member of the Board of the Vehicle Sub-industry Manufacturers Association.

Of course, my belief that real development stems from the integration of commercial life with academic and cultural spheres has never diminished my interest in academia.

I continue to hold positions I have taken at Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul Commerce University and numerous think tanks. On the other hand, my emotional connection with Bosnia and Herzegovina has never been severed. I currently continue my work as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Bosnian Sancak Academic Culture and History Foundation. Istanbul Chamber of Commerce has a special meaning for me. For 136 years, it has been an institution that has added value to both Istanbul and Turkish commerce. On this journey, our members have stood by us. I have served as a Board Member, Vice Chairman and Speaker of the Assembly, and now I have assumed the position of Chairman of the Board. Our goal is to carry this 136-year legacy much further with the strength we draw from our 400,000 members.

After the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce elections, you took office as Chairman of the Board. What is your course of action going forward?

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce has over 400,000 members and is one of the world's largest chambers. On one hand, we have procedures we must fulfill legally, and on the other hand, we are working to address the demands and expectations of our members. Of course, it is not possible to limit this work only to domestic activities. Since its establishment in 1882, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce has been operating at a global scale for 136 years. In this framework, in the new period that began after 14 April, we will take steps with a global focus. Turkey needs this. Our responsibility is great, our work is heavy. Taking office at this position through the goodwill of our members, we are working and will continue to work on new projects for both our city and our country. We are advancing with a four-pillar strategy. Enhancing Istanbul's brand value, strengthening international bridges, providing solution-oriented approaches to our members' demands, and taking steps to accelerate innovation economy and R&D work. Based on these four headings, we are accelerating our steps. Among the most important factors that will increase the power you currently have are your e-commerce capabilities and entrepreneurial strength. We now know that how you market your product is more important than the product itself. This becomes the main determinant of success. How far you extend your boundaries in e-commerce, what innovative discoveries you present in this medium and gain followers for—these are very important. Of course, it is our entrepreneurs who will advance our country in e-commerce. We value the quality of our entrepreneurs more than their quantity. For this reason, we view the Commercialization of Knowledge Center (BTM) that we have launched as Istanbul Chamber of Commerce as one of our most important projects. Anyone with a commercial idea, a product or service in the start-up phase can come here and receive support to meet their capital, experience and knowledge needs. Although it has only been operational for about a year, over two thousand innovative business ideas and nearly three thousand entrepreneurs have applied to this center. Twenty-seven business ideas have already been commercialized and implemented. Patents attracting millions of dollars in investment have emerged from them. With BTM, we aim to create brands that will be Turkey's soft power on the global stage.

How do you assess Turkey's economic growth in recent years?

Turkey is a country with a rapidly growing young population. For this reason, the rate at which we create new jobs is extremely important for us. To do this, we must grow at least 5 percent annually as a country so that we can provide jobs for our young people entering the economy. In this context, we are satisfied with the economic growth that our country is achieving. However, the real issue is being able to base this growth significantly on production and exports. This is what Turkey must focus on intensifying after 24 June. When we achieve this, we will have permanently solved vicious cycle issues such as inflation, exchange rates and current account deficit.

You also serve as Chairman of the Board of the Composite Manufacturers Association. How do you assess the composite sector in Turkey?

The value added by the composite sector, which we call the material of tomorrow, is very important for our industrial development drive. We are talking about a sector that has export capacity both directly and indirectly. When you look at it today, around the world, whether in the aerospace sector or the automotive sector, the reduction in energy and fossil fuel consumption is developing in direct proportion to the penetration of composite materials into these sectors. When we look at per capita composite consumption amounts, which are accepted as a "Development Criterion" in the world, we see significant opportunities and possibilities ahead for our country. While this amount ranges between 4-10 kg globally, in our country it is at the level of 3.5 kg. Even more important is that while the average price level in the world is 6.9 €/kg, in Turkey it is at the level of 5.3 €/kg. These figures should be considered as advantages for our country in the coming period. The sector is already showing growth above European and world growth rates, and as its areas of use increase, it will push these rates even higher. Moreover, the high level of exchange rates can provide an important plus for our exporters at this point. Today in our country, composite products are most used in pipe-tank infrastructure, transportation-automotive and building-construction sectors. Due to the impact of demand both in Turkey and in neighboring countries, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) pipe production emerges as the driving force of the composite sector. In the coming period, with the acceleration of high-tech product manufacturing, we expect greater quantity and ratio of composite material use, particularly in wind energy, aerospace and aviation as well as electrical and electronics sectors. On the other hand, for government, local administrations, investors and manufacturers to seek composite material alternatives that are lighter, more durable, and have higher strength levels instead of traditional materials is an important productivity point both for themselves and for the country's economy. Likewise, we see positive steps being taken from the public sector in this direction. For example, government-supported market creation efforts such as the wind power plant tender recently held will increase the sector's growth momentum and create significant advantages for companies in the sector.

Today you serve as both Chairman of the Board of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Avitaş. Considering your career story, what are the most important characteristics that bring success in business life?

Hard work and courage are important parts of the business. However, the starting point of everything, in my view, begins with being able to dream and pursue our personal values as much as our material endeavors. Essentially, our dreams and personal values are our first and main capital in this life. There is no doubt about their blessings. I have witnessed at every stage of my life that success can be achieved by dreaming, believing in our dreams and asking God for the strength and determination to work for those dreams.