10 April 2015 – As part of the economic diplomacy program of each Embassy mission, an Embassy team combines three pillars (consular, economic, political) in its outreach activities to Filipino communities in Istanbul and other major cities of Turkey.  On March 30, Philippine Minister and Consul General Robert O. Ferrer, Jr., accompanied by Assistant Jose D. Aguilera, met with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (Istanbul Ticaret Odası or ITO) Vice President of the Executive Board, Mr. Dursun Topçu, to discuss the latest Philippine economic developments and investment opportunities. The team took the opportunity to engage officials of the Chamber and brief them on the latest trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Mr. Topçu was particularly interested in accurate business matching activities in light of his observation that “Turkey is interested in Southeast Asia, and therefore we need to know each other better.”  Mr. Ferrer mentioned that with the Joint Economic Commission, direct air links, more tourist arrivals, and inter-parliamentary cooperation, among others, the Philippines and Turkey are well-poised to elevate their trade and commercial links as should befit 65 years of bilateral relations.  Mr. Topçu promised to assist the Embassy in welcoming business delegations to Istanbul. END