19.09.2013, Ankara, Turkey – At a special ceremony on 19 September, Turkish President Dr. Abdullah Gul joined Deputy Prime Ministers Ali Babacan and Beşir Atalay, IDB Group Chairman Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali and SESRIC Director General Dr. Savaş Alpay in marking the inauguration of a Country Gateway Office of the IDB Group in Ankara.

In his opening address, President Abdullah Gül welcomed IDB Group’s decision to establish the gateway office and emphasized the importance of Turkey as an ideal country for investment stating that “We are not only a leading subscriber to the capital of IDB and also a beneficiary from the opportunities it offers…”.

Citing his past experience as an analyst with the IDB in the early eighties, President Gül said it was a unique experience that gave him the opportunity to familiarize with the advantages and problems – “they were, maybe the calmest days for my family”. He urged the Bank to open another office in Istanbul which is Turkey’s financial center so as to help other member countries benefit from its vibrancy
IDB Group Chairman, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali in his speech conveyed his gratitude to the Turkish President and the Government and stated that the decision to start a gateway office in Turkey was a conscious choice taking into account Turkey's growing importance in the world.
The Country Gateway Office is expected to assist in streamlining IDB priorities in the country and effectively implementing active operations. It will help better portfolio management, brand enhancement, as well as supporting IDB Group affiliate institutions in identification, appraisal and implementation of projects.