The 5th annual Businessmen's Meeting organized by Right Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (HAKSIAD) concluded with a positive outlook on fostering international collaboration and tackling business challenges.

Held under the theme "Strong Ties, Great Achievements," the event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and industrialists from Türkiye and across the globe.

The gathering showcased HAKSIAD's role as a vital bridge connecting Türkiye’s business leaders with their counterparts in regions as diverse as Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Through an intensive schedule of introductory meetings, lectures, sector-based presentations, and networking sessions, the event embodied HAKSIAD’s vision of fostering unity and resilience through strategic economic partnerships.

Since its inception in 2018, HAKSIAD’s annual meeting has emphasized the value of unity and cross-cultural exchange. This year, participants included influential figures from Algeria, Syria, Ethiopia, Yemen, and other nations, who contributed valuable insights into their experiences and aspirations for future partnerships with Türkiye.

Mohammed Ibrir, President of the Algeria Turkish Business and Investment Forum, praised HAKSIAD's initiative for creating a platform that fosters mutual economic goals. "We had the opportunity to meet many business people with whom we share common thoughts and goals, and hopefully, partnerships will be established in the future," Ibrir remarked, reflecting a growing sentiment among many attendees. He noted that his participation in the event was part of a larger vision to enhance Algerian-Turkish cooperation, adding that an upcoming economic forum on November 23 will build on the alliances formed in Ankara. Ibrir’s efforts to further connect Turkish and Algerian business communities signal the strengthening economic ties between North Africa and Türkiye, particularly in areas of shared strategic interest.

Engineer Mohammad Tobalged, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Syrian Engineers Association, underscored the cultural and economic significance of HAKSIAD’s work, describing the event as a cornerstone for building "brotherly relations" between Arab and Turkish professionals. Representing a community of 1,050 engineers active in Türkiye and the Gulf region, Tobalged sees HAKSIAD as instrumental in opening doors for collaborative projects in construction, IT, and other industries. His aspirations for enhanced cooperation between Türkiye and Syria reflect the potential for Turkish expertise to play a role in rebuilding efforts in Syria and neighboring countries.

The HAKSIAD meeting also highlighted Türkiye’s increasing influence in Africa, particularly in sectors like health, trade, and infrastructure. Ahmed Sheikh Hassan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rays Microfinance from Ethiopia, commended Türkiye for its substantial investments on the continent, which have helped create a network of opportunities for African entrepreneurs and professionals. However, Hassan cautioned that restrictive visa policies could deter further growth, as African business leaders and patients face obstacles in traveling to Türkiye. "If the visa tightening policies do not change, it will be a big loss for the country," he warned, urging Turkish authorities to ease visa regulations to maintain Türkiye’s reputation as a key business and medical destination for African nations.

Hassan’s remarks spotlighted the importance of accessibility for sustaining economic partnerships. He noted that many African clients now turn to India or Thailand for medical treatment due to the difficulty of obtaining Turkish visas, which risks diminishing Türkiye’s influence in the region. His call for action emphasizes the need for policies that complement Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts in Africa, supporting both economic growth and people-to-people connections.

HAKSIAD’s commitment to unity resonated deeply with participants from the wider Muslim business community, many of whom stressed the role of economic cooperation in fostering shared cultural and religious values. Yemeni businessman Dr. Ali Humaikani, President of the Yemen Businessmen Association, highlighted the strong cultural ties between Türkiye and Yemen, referring to Türkiye as a “homeland” for Yemenis. A medical doctor and entrepreneur, Humaikani is investing in Türkiye’s manufacturing sector, where he has established a chemical production facility. He emphasized the need for “unity and solidarity” among Muslim nations, viewing economic partnerships as a foundation for a stable and prosperous Muslim world. “There is a great need for unity and solidarity in this period,” Humaikani stated, voicing his hopes for a future where Muslim nations are united in economic purpose and social responsibility.

The Jordanian delegate Dr. Isam Yusuf, President of the Emyal Minel Ibtisamat Association, expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the positive social impact of such gatherings. He encouraged greater participation in future events to support regional development and advance the Palestinian cause. Palestinian delegate Khaled Yusuf echoed this sentiment, inviting other entrepreneurs to take advantage of Türkiye’s opportunities for trade and collaboration with Arab businesses, seeing HAKSIAD as an exemplary model for cross-border unity.

The event also underscored HAKSIAD’s commitment to supporting Muslim entrepreneurs across regions. Nebyou Nesru, from Ethiopia’s Kebir Hijrah Bank, joined the conference with a vision to share knowledge and experiences with the HAKSIAD community, fostering a shared sense of purpose. Malian businessman Adama Berthe expressed excitement about future collaborations between Turkish and African businesses. As an economic operator in Mali, Berthe has diversified his investments across agriculture, technology, and gold mining, and he hopes to bring more Malian representation to future HAKSIAD meetings.

Iranian businessman Mohammad Shiravand, who oversees HAKSIAD’s operations in Iran, emphasized the organization’s role in fostering trust and cooperation between Turkish and Iranian business leaders. His remarks highlighted HAKSIAD’s unique ability to create an environment where Muslim entrepreneurs can work together for the betterment of their communities, benefiting both their families and the broader ummah. “Alhamdulillah, HAKSIAD creates the necessary space for believing and Muslim businessmen to do good business,” Shiravand stated, underscoring the association’s dedication to ethical business practices and mutual support.

The 2024 HAKSIAD Businessmen’s Meeting illustrated the profound potential for cross-sectoral partnerships within the international Muslim business community. As participants discussed the value of strengthened visa policies, sustainable investment practices, and deeper economic partnerships, it became evident that HAKSIAD is playing a transformative role in connecting Türkiye’s economy with the global business landscape.

The event concluded with renewed optimism for the future of Turkish business on the international stage. HAKSIAD’s meeting not only strengthened existing partnerships but also opened doors to new ventures poised to benefit Türkiye and its allies worldwide. The success of the 5th Businessmen’s Meeting exemplified the power of "strong ties" leading to "great achievements," with HAKSIAD at the forefront of this global movement toward inclusive growth, shared prosperity, and a united Muslim business community. (ILKHA)