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2000
The Founding Story of the Switzerland-Turkey Business Council: More than a Trade Bridge
The establishment of the Switzerland-Turkey Business Council (STBC) was shaped by a significant initiative launched in 2000 under the leadership of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). At the dawn of the new century, Turkey’s major infrastructure projects, particularly in the field of hydroelectric energy, highlighted the potential for contributing to these projects through Switzerland’s extensive experience, expertise, products, and workforce.
During this period, Necdet Dirilgen, a businessman engaged in trade between Turkey and Switzerland, recognized the importance of building an effective bridge between the two countries. With this vision, he developed the idea of establishing an independent trade association. Dirilgen’s innovative thinking laid the foundations for the Switzerland-Turkey Business Council (STBC) and helped strengthen the trade bridge between the two countries.
STBC emerged as a platform aimed at further deepening the economic relations between Switzerland and Turkey. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have made significant contributions to the development of STBC up to this point.
Our sincere gratitude goes to the late founding president Necdet Dirilgen and the board members, as well as the subsequent presidents: Stephan Staub and the board, Zülfikar Güzelgün and the board, Pia Stebler and the board, and currently Philippe Graber and the board members, for their valuable contributions to the growth of STBC.