Attorney Vahdet Talha Bicak, director of Bicak Law Firm’s İstanbul Office, represented Bicak Law Firm at a landmark business gathering at the Türkevi in New York, which 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 Mark Jaffe, President of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce; James Kim, Chairman of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce; Kwang S. Kim, President of the Korean American Association of Greater New York; and Dong Hyun Cho, Chairman of 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 New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Industry; officials from United States 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 Gozde 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.

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 US 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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