27th January 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Talking to a highly-trained and brilliant audience is always a challenge. So I am not surprised when, after my talk about developments in Turkey and economic opportunities, a forest of hands goes up. Most of the questions demonstrate a strong grip of political and economic as well as military issues. Any inconsistencies within my presentation […]
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22nd January 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
The first click brings up a Turkish company seeking bids to repair a turbine generator system. Further down there is an analysis of recent economic developments in Turkey; and a question (and answer) about how to open a cupcake store with English recipes. Welcome to the Turkey page of the ‘Open to Export’ website. Open to […]
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14th January 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
I recently enjoyed the new Turkish film Kusursuzlar (“The Impeccable Ones”). The film shows how two adult sisters respond differently to a traumatic event, the details of which are revealed as the film progresses. It makes gruelling viewing, but has some fine comedy moments – especially featuring the male neighbour who may or may not be a […]
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10th January 2014
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Who is referring to Turkey as one of “The next economic giants”? The answer is Jim O’Neill, the British economist famous for inventing the term “BRIC” – for Brazil, Russia, India and China – in 2001 as the next big thing in the world economy. Since then, these economies have grown strongly. Now […]
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29th November 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
What is the best possible use of one of Istanbul’s most iconic buildings? How about this? We’re bringing together brilliant British brands and buyers on 5-7 December in the most beautiful rooms in Pera House, the historic British Consulate-General Building in the heart of Istanbul, for a “Winter Wonderland“. The aim of the Winter Wonderland is to […]
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27th November 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Here is my second video blog in Turkish. It’s about my favourite obsession (who can spot the film reference?): tiny, hidden Lundy Island, Atlantic Ocean. I would say – go and visit the island! But I’d rather it remained, as now, far off the beaten track… If you like the sound of Lundy you might […]
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4th November 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Serendipity, “The God Particle” and Turkish-British Collaboration in Science – a guest blog by Dr. Başak Candemir, Science and Innovation Officer, British Consulate-General Istanbul On 8 October, the Nobel Committee awarded the Physics Prize jointly to British scientist Peter Higgs and Belgian scientist Francois Englert. Professor Higgs gave his name to the the “Higgs Boson” or […]
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4th September 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
A blog co-authored with Nadia Hashmi, human rights lead at the British Embassy in Ankara Did you know that diamonds are the most tightly-regulated trade item in the world? The reason is to combat human rights violations which could potentially be involved in their acquisition. Human rights and trade can seem strange bedfellows. Sometimes people argue […]
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3rd September 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Often in this blog I write about Turkey and its terrific qualities. But today I’m going to write about the United Kingdom. The reason is that I recently saw a survey suggesting that people in Turkey did not rate the UK highly for “natural beauty” compared with other European countries. This surprised me, because I […]
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20th August 2013
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
I started work in Turkey in September 2012 as Consul-General responsible for Trade and Investment with Turkey, South Caucasus and Central Asia. Since then I’ve been regularly impressed by this wonderful, welcoming country. Turks are famed for their hospitality. But they should be famous too for their hard work; business acumen; passion; cuisine; and unparalleled […]
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