Welcome to the latest edition of our Newsletter. The Turkish American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TACCI) takes immense pride in its mission and its pivotal role in facilitating support for business delegates from Türkiye, as well as aiding American companies in uncovering the myriad opportunities that Türkiye has offered since its establishment in 2002. Our effectiveness and resilience are significantly enhanced by our strategic alliances with leading institutions, including the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, and various chambers across both the US and Türkiye.
The significance of your participation in our events and activities cannot be overstated. It is your support that fuels our determination to continually enhance our organization's impact and reach.
We strongly encourage you to subscribe to our mailing list to ensure you are informed of all the latest updates regarding our forthcoming networking events and seminars.
We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support and look forward to welcoming you at our future events.
Sincerely,
Ali Kocak
President
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TACCI Hosts Tri-National Gathering to Strengthen Trade Ties Among Türkiye, Korea, and the U.S. | |
A landmark event at Türkevi in New York has significantly advanced trade and economic relations between Türkiye, South Korea, and the United States. The Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI) organized this event in collaboration with the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, the Korean American Chamber of Commerce, the Korean American Association of Greater New York, and the Korean American Business Council of Greater New York.
The gathering was attended by numerous esteemed individuals, including Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız; TACCI President Ali Koçak; Anthony Russo, President of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey; officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection; representatives from the New York Turkish Consulate; Turkish trade and education attachés; military and security attachés; Gülay Aydemir, President of the Federation of Turkish American Associations; members of the Turkish American Steering Committee (TASC); Behram Turan, President of the Turken Foundation; and TACCI board members John Driscoll, Memis Yetim, Ziya Erdemir, and Siir Gözde Hobstetter. Special thanks were also given to Carmela Mammas, Director of the New York U.S. Export Assistance Center; Ms. Man-Li Lin, Economic Development Specialist at the Metro New York District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration; and Peter Fehnel, Deputy Director at the New York District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration for their support.
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Mark Jaffe, President of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, acted as a witness during the signing of a memorandum of understanding among the participating chambers of commerce. This agreement emphasized a unified commitment to collaboration and mutual benefits. In his speech, Jaffe stressed the importance of business relationships in fostering democracy and strengthening international ties, also discussing the historical relationship between the U.S., Turkey, and Korea.
During the event, President Koçak highlighted Türkiye’s strategic role as a bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and its significance as a stabilizing force in the region. He stressed the importance of Türkiye’s relationships with the U.S. and other nations in maintaining global peace and stability, which in turn enhances business transactions. President Koçak also acknowledged the deep, historical ties between Türkiye and Korea, initially based on their common linguistic heritage from the Ural-Altaic language family. This connection was significantly reinforced as the two nations stood together during the Korean War in the 1950s. Following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye last year, the quick response and support from Korean businesspeople were profoundly appreciated, further strengthening the bonds between the two countries. President Koçak extended gratitude to those Korean businesspeople who provided invaluable aid.
The event concluded with a plaque award ceremony and a networking event where attendees enjoyed Turkish cuisine catered by Turkuaz Restaurant. Attended by approximately 300 individuals, this event marks a significant step in promoting international cooperation and economic growth among these nations. With a shared history that spans over 2,000 years influencing regional dynamics, the relationships fostered at this event promise continued collaboration and success in future endeavors
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World Trade Week NYC 2024 Ignites Collaboration and Innovation in International Commerce | |
New York, NY – The World Trade Week NYC Kick-Off, a cornerstone event for the regional business community, took place on May 9, 2024, at the William and Anita Newman Conference Center, Baruch College. This event featured the convergence of over 70 organizations, business leaders, and policymakers, all gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of international trade and its impact on the regional economy.
Ali Kocak, President of the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was notably active at the event. He engaged in meaningful conversations with other business leaders, exploring collaborative opportunities and trade expansion between the U.S. and Turkey.
Hosted by Andrea Ratay, Chair of the New York District Export Council, the lineup of speakers included Arun Venkataraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets; Peter Swartz, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Altana AI; and Christine Pomeranz, Chairperson at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Discussions were centered around the use of artificial intelligence in global supply chains and strategic approaches to international markets.
Highlighting the essential role of chambers of commerce in international trade, Mr. Kocak emphasized, "Chambers are critical in providing businesses with the necessary tools for successful exporting."
Despite the in-person event being sold out, organizers provided a free virtual option, allowing global attendees to participate and benefit from the discussions.
World Trade Week NYC serves not only as a platform for promoting international trade but also highlights the significant contributions of trade to the local and national economy. As global markets continue to evolve, events like these are key in fostering cooperation and innovation across borders.
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NYC Recruiting Battalion's Spring Cocktail Party hosted byLTC John R. Rhodes and CSM Scott Laczynski | |
Cultural Bridges Strengthened at the 2nd Hellenic Rembetika and Turkish Music Concert | |
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New York, NY – On April 9, 2024, over 200 people gathered at St. Peter's Church in Manhattan to celebrate the 2nd Hellenic Rembetika and Turkish Music Concert, an event that exemplified the unity and shared cultural heritage between Greek and Turkish communities. The evening was a collaborative effort led by Ali Kocak, President of the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Lou Katsos, President of EMBCA.
The concert showcased the talents of Julie Ziavras and Cengiz Onural, who led their ensembles through a series of performances that were not only musical but also cultural bridges connecting the hearts and traditions of the two communities. Their graceful and talented renditions of Hellenic Rembetika and Turkish music captivated the audience, reinforcing the powerful role of music in uniting people across cultural divides.
Reflecting on the event, Ali Kocak expressed profound gratitude: "This evening was more than just a concert; it was a vibrant reminder of how music can transcend boundaries and foster deep connections among us. I am deeply thankful to everyone from the musicians to the attendees for embracing this journey of cultural unity and peace."
The success of the concert promises more opportunities for friendship and collaboration, aiming to continue fostering #CulturalUnity, #MusicForPeace, and #GreekTurkishFriendship.
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Prominent Leaders Gather for Iftar Dinner at Turkish House in New York | |
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New York, NY – In a significant gathering highlighting cultural unity and dialogue, Ali Kocak, President of the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and his son, Alparslan Kocak, attended an iftar dinner at the Turkish House in New York. The event, organized by the UN mission of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Turkish American Sterring Committee (TASC), brought together a distinguished lineup of guests, including Ersin Tatar, President of the TRNC; Sedat Önal, Ambassador of Türkiye to the US; Reyhan Özgür, Consul General of Turkey in New York; and Councilman Alfred Muhammad of Linden, NJ.
The iftar dinner was not only a moment of cultural celebration but also an opportunity for meaningful discussions on unity and dialogue among communities. "It was an honor to meet with such notable figures and participate in discussions that underscore the importance of coming together across different cultures," said Ali Kocak.
The event was praised for its warm atmosphere and the richness of the discussions it fostered. A big thank you was extended to both TASC and the UN mission of TRNC for hosting such a memorable and impactful evening. The gathering highlighted the ongoing commitment of these organizations to foster peace and understanding through community engagement and cultural exchanges.
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Enhanced Collaboration at Hudson Chamber Event with Key Contributions from TACCI Members | |
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New York, NY – The Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI) not only collaborated with the Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce (HCLACC) at the recent networking event on May 28 but also saw active participation from its members, enhancing the event's dynamics and reach. Held at the Courtyard by Marriott Edgewater NYC Area, this gathering marked World Trade Month and focused on the theme of expanding international trade opportunities.
TACCI members, including Emine Sahin Karakaslioglu, Dilif Beyazit, and Begum Abak, took part in the event, contributing to the discussions and networking sessions that aimed at fostering deeper international trade connections. Their involvement exemplified TACCI’s commitment to supporting its members in engaging with global trade issues and potential business collaborations.
President Ali Kocak of TACCI delivered a compelling keynote on Turkey’s strategic role as a hub linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He highlighted Turkey’s position as a significant player in international trade and how TACCI can facilitate businesses looking to invest and thrive in these regions.
The event was attended by distinguished guests and speakers such as Heidi Castrillon, Violeta Echevarría, Melanie Willoughby, and Abby Martinez, who emphasized the importance of global trade networks. Diplomatic officials from Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador were also present, underscoring the event's international significance.
With ongoing networking breakfasts scheduled throughout 2024, TACCI and HCLACC continue to encourage companies to start or expand their export efforts, leveraging the extensive network and expertise of their members to foster economic growth and development across borders.
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Federation of Turkish American Associations Hosts Yacht Tour Around Statue of Liberty | |
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On May 26th, 2024, the Federation of Turkish American Associations (FTAA) organized a yacht tour around the Statue of Liberty, bringing together members of the Turkish-American Network Group for an unforgettable evening. The event took place aboard the Sundancer Yacht in New Jersey. Among the distinguished guests were Gulay Aydemir, the President of FTAA; Ahmet Yildiz, the Ambassador of Turkey to the United Nations; Reyhan Özgür, the Turkish Consul General; and many others. Ali Kocak, the President of the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI), also participated, underscoring the strong community ties within the Turkish-American business and cultural sectors. The event fostered an environment of networking and unity, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing the cultural and business relations between the Turkish community and the broader American society. | | | | |