Investing in Turkey Forum: Opportunities in Infrastructure and Private Equity

The Investing in Turkey Forum took place at our Official Host Hogan Lovells’ Auditorium in London with over 150 registered delegates, the majority of them UK based investors.

The forum was opened by conference chair Oliver Cornock (Oxford Business Group, UAE) followed by Colin Graham’s (Hogan Lovells, UK) welcoming speech. Our honorary guest HE Ahmet Ünal Çeviköz (Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) gave a brief speech on current challenges and opportunities from the Government’s perspective. The final presentation in the opening session was provided by Jessica Hand (UKTI, UK).

The Market Overview session was opened by Ahmet Iplikci (Republic of Turkey Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT), UK) who outlined the investment climate incentives and future outlook, including a review of the 2023 goals. Umut Demirkan (Kolcuoglu Demirkan, Turkey) then discussed state of play in Turkey’s various investment sectors. These opening speeches provided an excellent opportunity for delegates to learn about current and future opportunities and detailed knowledge of the market situation in Turkey.

Following these opening speeches, Cenk Utkan (Connexion Capital, Turkey) introduced the Investment and Private Equity session, discussed key deals and future opportunities from the perspective of an active investment fund in the market. Willem Bongaerts (LOYENS & LOEFF N.V., The Netherlands) swiftly followed with a great presentation about perspective of international investors and review of legislatory and tax regimes. The Private Equity panel, chaired by Umut Demirkan, discussed further opportunities in Turkey, and allowed the audience to question and probe panellists (Ahmet Iplikci, Jessica Hand, Willem Bongaerts, and Cenk Utkan).

After a well-deserved coffee and a chance to network with each other, participants once again took their seats for the next session dedicated to PPP Infrastructure and Energy. Joint presentation by Andrew Briggs (Hogan Lovells, UK) and Okan Demirkan (Kolcuoglu  Demirkan, Turkey) highlighted recent changes within the PPP and infrastructure market, including insightful analysis and comprehensive figures. Especially focusing on new legislation for the Ministry of Health which potentially could solve current issues regarding health sector PPP’s.

The last presentation of the day was by Lemi Leba (Dia Holding, Turkey) who provided a case study on Europe’s largest hospital project (Ankara Bilkent Saglik). Mr Briggs chaired the proceeding panel discussion with panellists including Lemi Leba, Okan Demirkan, Darryl Murphy (KPMG, UK) and Ilkay Demirdag (Akfen Holding, Turkey), who all contributed in sharing their opinions and perspectives.

The day closed with a Cocktail Reception hosted in Hogan Lovells’ networking area offering fantastic views across the city of London. Guests had the perfect opportunity to speak with each other further and discuss the days’ ideas whilst enjoying Turkish Canapés and a selection of traditional beverages.

If you are interested in accessing the conference materials (presentations, videos and delegate list), then please complete and return the necessary order form. E.E.L. Events Limited will be providing a series of Infrastructure and Energy forums in 2013. If you would like to be involved as a sponsor, speaker, panellist or delegate please contact one of our representatives.

3rd Southeast Europe PPP Infrastructure Forum: Building for future growth

12-13 June, DoubleTree by Hilton, Zagreb

E.E.L Events' 3^rd Annual Southeast Europe PPP Infrastructure Forum took place in the DoubleTree By Hilton on 12-13 June in Zagreb, Croatia. Attracting over 70 attendees. this year's event provided unique opportunities for industry key players to share their expertise and experiences in the region during feature presentations, dynamic panel discussions and extensive networking sessions.

We would like to give great thanks to our sponsor, speakers, delegates and partners. Most especially, Associate Sponsor RB Consult along with our partners IPFA, United Kingdom Trade and Investment in Croatia, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, SEETO, Croatian Agency for PPP and PPP Institute Poland.

The forum was opened by the Chairman, Mr Branko Bajatovic (Avistum, United Kingdom), who provided a detailed overview of topics to be covered throughout the day and the current market challenges experienced by the region .

First feature speaker was Mr. Edin Hadzavdic, presenting on behalf of The Economist Intelligence Unit on Southeast Europe readiness for PPPs, measured  through the Infrascope index, assessing the planning and implementation of PPPs in each country across three specific sectors of water and sanitation, transportation and energy.

Dr. Danijel Kusljic (CEI, Croatia) offered an insight into the Croatian PPP situation, providing a detailed overview of the analysis of legal frameworks and assessment of upcoming tenders.

Ms. Nurhan Karaca from the General Directorate of Foreign Economic Relations in Turkey, followed with a presentation on PPP Model in Turkey, giving the audience a detailed insight into the Turkish PPP perspective, discussing financing models and legal frameworks. Attendees then retired for the first extended networking coffee break of the day.

After a chance for participants to make introductions and establish connections, the second session of the morning commenced, focusing on PPP Development Challenges. Mr. Stevan Dimitrijevic (Karanovic & Nikolic, Bosnia & Herzegovina) discussed the Legal Frameworks of PPPs, highlighting the challenges of the enacted laws on PPP on the different administrative levels within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mr. Apostolos Papadopoulos (Grant Thornton, Greece) swiftly followed, outlining the missed opportunities in SEE, identifying the issues and how we can learn from these, for future directions.

The session closed with a diverse panel of experts who each shared their own experiences on overcoming and sharing risks in SEE. Panel Chair, Mr Branko Bajatovic, guided the discussion. Participants included: Mr. Toshiaki Sakatsume (EBRD, UK) Mr. Stevan Dimitrijevic (Karanovic & Nikolic, BiH) Mr. Apostolos Papadopoulos (Grant Thornton, Greece) Mr. Bernard Snoy (IFI Coordination Office, Belgium) and Mr. Rodolofo E. Echeverria (ACI World Economics Standing Committee, Jordan)

 The final session of the day focused on Financing and investing in SEE. Mr. Marcel Babczynski from Erste Group Bank (Czech Republic) provided a presentation on Financing PPPs from a banks perspective. Afterwards, Mr. Krzystof Siwek from Poland provided a comprehensive case study based on the  PPP Poznan WtE experience, outlining combining EU funds under a PPP approach. The  session was rounded by a panel discussion, which was moderated by Mr. Nigel Davies (Wyn River Limited, UK). Panellists included: Mr. Filipe Dias Rodrigues (TIIC, Portugal), Mr. Krzystof Siwek (Poland), Mr. Libor Krkoska (EBRD, Bosnia & Herzegovina).

The close of the conference for day 1, was followed by a cocktail reception in the networking area of the hotel.

The second day of the conference focused on specific sectors within social and transport infrastructure. The chairman Prof.dr. Sasa Marenjak (PPP Centar Croatia),  presented the first session of the day on delivering social infrastructure opportunities in the region, which was followed by a detailed overview of education infrastructure, presented by Ms. Jelena Jockovic (EC Harris).

After the networking coffee break, the conference resumed with the final session of the conference, focusing on delivering PPPs within transport infrastructure, which is an extremely important and current topic within the region.

The session started with Ms. Ana Simecki (SEETO, Serbia) delivering an update on the SEETO Comprehensive Network Investments, outlining PPP transport projects and investments within the entire SEE region.

Mr. Rodolfo E. Echeverria (ACI World Economics Standing Committee, Jordan) followed with an international case study on airport development through PPPs in Jordan, reflecting details on the successful Queen Alia Airport.

The last and final panel discussion, discussing delivering transport projects in SEE, moderated by Mr. Branko Bajatovic, started with a brief presentation on the ongoing Zagreb Airport PPP project, delivered by Mr. Victor Stefanescu (Bouygues, France). Panellists included: Mr. Tony Stratford (Intertoll, UK) Mr. Krunoslav Sams (Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport & Infrastructure, Croatia) and Mr. Dusan Topic (JP Autoputevi RS, Bosnia & Herzegovina).

EEL Events would like to thank the sponsor, partners, and attendees of our successful SEE PPP Infrastructure Forum 2013, and we look forward to welcoming you back to one of our future events. If you would like to be involved as a sponsor, speaker, panellist or delegate please contact us directly Aga.Pawlowska@eelevents.co.uk and Merima.Dzanic@eelevents.co.uk.

3rd Central and Eastern Europe PPP Infrastructure Forum

Investing in future partnerships

Our 2013 forum will address these obstacles and offer an in-depth analysis of CEE infrastructure development plans. Speakers and participants will include National and Local government, infrastructure funds, financiers and sponsors, construction firms and concessionaires, regional advisors and legal firms.

2nd Annual PPP in Turkey Forum

Meeting future demands today

Following on from the success of our 2012 PPP in Turkey Forum, our 2013 event will provide an update on the market and its current challenges and opportunities. Government representatives will outline existing and future projects, international experts will provide best practice advice and industry stakeholders will review the feasibility of Turkey’s ambitious plans. Our 2013 forum will provide a platform for debate and discussion with more interactive panel sessions and Q&As.