D-8 COUNTRIES GATHER FOR COLLABORATION

The D - 8 countries Bangladesh, Iran, Nigeria, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Malaysia agreed on developing business relations. More than 30 representatives gathered at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) for ‘D-8 Chambers of Commerce and Industry Izmir Meeting’ for collaboration in education.

Ekrem Demirtaş, President of IUE Board of Trustees and Chairman of Executive Board of Izmir Chamber of Commerce (ITO) said, “Our goal is to send our own satellite to space in the next ten years. Products sold by world-renowned brands for thousands of dollars are in fact manufactured in Turkey. Therefore, we need to increase relations and improve our business. We need to create our own brands.”

President Demirtaş, who addressed the audience at IUE Conference Hall, stated that they have never held any meeting regarding D-8, and not attended any of the meetings held so far. He said that the countries had to improve all kinds of collaborations, and that the D-8 countries had great potential. He said that major steps could be taken in order to improve business. “Countries grow through trade, industry, and technology. And such a nation grows with education and we place high importance on education. We can make collaboration with you in education also.  Here, I will take the first step and offer 15% discount to first degree relatives of you just like we offer for our members,” said Demirtaş.

'We need to become a brand'

Turkey, in addition to fashion and design education, also played an important role in ready-to-wear and garment industry, pointed Demirtaş. He said, “People travel to Paris and London and pay thousands of Euros for clothing. Yet, many of the world-renowned brands get those manufactured in Turkey. But they are sold out with their brand name for thousands of dollars. The same product is sold here for $ 30-50. This being the case, we become servant of those countries. We need to create our own fashion and brand now.”

'Izmir Economics will be exemplary in 8 countries'

President Demirtaş, who reported that the University offered education to more than 10 thousand students, of which 128 of them were foreign students from 62 countries, stated the following:

“We have 8 faculties. We are in the process of building a 260-bed hospital. You too can do the same thing in your countries. You can take example of what we accomplished in Izmir. This all started with a dream and look where we are now. Soon, our science college will be established. Students will be taught 3 languages starting from elementary school. We will prepare them for the future there. We also plan to create our own satellite in the next 10 years at our newly opened Department of Aerospace Engineering."

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Askar indicated that the university already hosts many foreign students, gives English mother language based education and second foreign language is compulsory.

After the presentations on various departments of the University, a protocol that offered 15% discount to first degree relatives of D-8 Chambers of Commerce and Industry members was signed. Following the ceremony, the guests enjoyed delicious Aegean Region dishes at Ege Restoran (Aegean Restaurant) prepared by IUE Department of Culinary Arts and Management, and went on a city tour.