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A year has passed full
of events, developments and challenges. The last
period has been characterized by the pressure and
recession spread throughout Europe, South
Mediterranean and Black Sea countries. Major
evolutions, such as the Arab Spring which reflected
major socio-economic transformations or the
catastrophes which hit Japan revealed the necessity
to address the needs of societies and citizens.
Crisis in many countries has brought forward
long-standing problems and unaddressed shortcomings.
Companies are suffering from lower demand, from
credit drying up and from an unstable environment.
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Many countries, especially in the south of Europe,
are forced to re-engineer their economy to be able
to keep up with international competition. Greece
has been in the epicentre of the European crisis and
has caused euro-scepticism, sometimes with
exaggeration. Greek economy is an example of the
need to change course, to take drastic measures and
to implement structural reforms in order to find a
way to recovery. We shall not forget, though, that
Europe faces its own critical challenge to defend
euro against the markets and to foster its unity and
solidarity.
Despite recession and turmoil, Black Sea and Caspian
remain a vital part of the world at the crossroads
of East and West. From economic perspective, the
region presents high potentials for growth with
unsaturated markets of more than 450 million
consumers. Our region is not only rich in energy
resources, it provides trade and investment
opportunities in many other sectors as well.
However, most of our companies have not fully
explored the potential of the region, either because
of lack of business intelligence or because of
various obstacles they face when trying to access
markets, or because they cannot identify proper
partners. The same applies for our countries,
although they have complementary economies they do
not perform to full potential, they can reach higher
trade and investment volumes among them or with the
Europe Union. Economic nationalism is outdated,
partnerships based on common interests and
principles, open and liberalized markets are the
key.
I believe creating UBCCE has been a wise initiative,
it was necessary to unite representative Federations
of the private sector from Black Sea and the
Caspian. It is a challenge to gather under one
umbrella with a united voice the real economic
players of all Black Sea and Caspian countries.
Throughout these years we have organized several
Business Forums in different countries, we have
lobbied in Brussels, we have concluded a pilot
project for climate change with considerable success
and we have created a platform which may facilitate
lobbying and networking between businesses. Given
the difficulties and shortcomings I think UBCCE has
met our expectations in general, has delivered some
tangible results. Thanks to GIZ support we managed
to implement an important and interesting project
which allowed many business representatives in some
countries to become aware of climate change
challenges and requirements, as well as of business
opportunities. It was a demanding project which
allowed UBCCE to upgrade its profile vis-à-vis its
members, local communities and international
organizations. We expect and hope that it will be
followed by a second phase which will capitalize on
achievements and will offer training and knowledge
to many more beneficiaries.
But UBCCE’s future is even more challenging. We need
to have a concrete strategy, a clear roadmap, a
meaningful work program which offers real-value
services to those concerned. The way will not be
full of roses. We must stay united, committed to our
goals and focused to our activities. It is
unfortunate that some member federations seem to
have lost interest in our activities or to be
somehow distant. Mobilising the less participative
members to engage in our meetings and projects is
not easy. I sincerely hope that they will become
more sensible on UBCCE and will engage in our
collective work to bear fruits on their behalf as
organizations and for the benefits of their member
companies. The Presidency is ready to discuss any
constructive suggestions which may provide added
value and may direct our efforts to meet the
requirements and desires of all.
Finally, among other challenges ahead of us, New
Year started with a significant internal development
which is the resignation of the Secretary General,
Mr. Murat Zöngür, to follow a new career in the
front line of a private sector. Murat has been with
UBCCE since day one of its establishment and has
been the driving force of the Union. He was worked
with particular devotion and put all his efforts to
build UBCCE profile and capacity. We are all
grateful to him for his valuable services and on
behalf of all I wish him every success in his new
endeavours. I entrust his successor, Ms. Seda Köknel
Çatalkaya, will continue in the same track and with
fresh and innovative ideas and actions will take our
Union further to reach a new era.
Dr. Athanase Lavidas
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