IHT SPORTS BUSSINESS SUMMIT HELD IN ISTANBUL FOR THE SECOND TIME

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis participated in the premier dinner given at the Topkapı Palace garden on the occasion of the International Herald Tribune Sports Business Summit and the opening ceremony of the Summit at Istanbul’s Conrad Hotel.

In the opening speech, Bagis emphasized that opening of the third Bosphorus and the Marmaray as well as the world’s largest airport and the ports would change the face of Turkey and stated that Turkey would have been a much more developed country when the Olympics was held in Istanbul in 2020.

Bagis followed his words as follows:

“On condition that Turkey revives spirit of the Olympics in the process of preparing youth for 2020, I hope this will make important contributions in terms of our self-confidence. Turkey is one of a few countries that could increase its per capita income by three times only in 10 years. Furthermore, Turkey is one of a few countries that increased the number of highways, roads, airports, schools and hospitals by three times in the last 10 years. Turkey is in fact an important example of success which could raise its worldwide prestige in a consistent way. By achieving these and making Turkey in 2001 one the most powerful, dynamic and inspiring country of the region, we actually put forward something: If resolved, these people can achieve anything as long as they believe. Turkish people have believed in the organization of the 2020 Olympic Games in Istanbul. We achieve what we believe in.

The organization which started through the support of the Ministry for EU Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, attracted many participants abroad and which was held in Turkey for the second time will be ending tomorrow after the sessions.

Source: AA