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Chairman’s message
Esteemed shareholders, business partners, and employees:
The global crisis which broke out in 2008 and which we felt to the very marrow of our bones in 2009 is in fact the herald of a new world order. It provided the world with the first signals that a new geopolitical order would dominate, that the barycenter of economic power had shifted eastwards, and that the world’s socioeconomic structure was about to be reshaped.
In this new world order, we are a country whose star is rising by virtue of its strategic position, its high growth potential, and its vigorous economy. We believe that Turkey will continue to further strengthen its position in the world in the years ahead.
Of course as the Zorlu Group we have been observing developments taking place both in our own country and around the world with careful attention. At the present time we are making preparations to assess risks and opportunities in the best way possible. Indeed we did not cease to do this even during the worst days of the recent crisis.
As the Zorlu Group our primary goal is always to be a trailblazing leader in every sector in which we are engaged while also working towards increasing our country’s competitive strength. It gives me pride to be able to say that we have succeeded in doing this no matter what we have set our minds to do. At Zorlu Textile we have transcended national boundaries with our high-quality products and services. At Zorlu Energy we have turned our attentions to diversifying energy resources through renewable energy investments that are environment-compatible. Through Vestel, which contends successfully with the world’s giant brown and white goods manufacturers and which exports goods to every part of the world, we have firmly planted the Zorlu Group’s banner in the international arena.
As an innovative and enterprising corporate group, venturing into different areas and new business lines is an important part of our corporate culture. In line with this, we have opened a new page in the property sector as well. We have marshaled all of our means to ensure that Zorlu Property’s most important project, Zorlu Center, is as colorful and unique as Ýstanbul itself. In keeping with our country’s position in the global arena, we will continue to build upon our successes with new undertakings and with a determination to do the very best in the years ahead as well.
In the business of mineral extraction we are continuing our research and exploration activities. The nickel deposits that we have discovered in Eskiþehir and Manisa will be making an important contribution to our country’s mining industry.
Recognizing its duty to create value for the country and the community of which it is a part in the social sphere as well as in the economic, the Zorlu Group continues to fulfill the requirements of the Global Compact, to which it became a signatory in 2007.
As the Zorlu Group, we believe that good corporate governance increases corporate value, reduces risks, and earns both trust and respect in capital markets. We regard ethical, transparent, and accountable management as an indispensable principle to which the Zorlu Group adheres. To that end, our actions are always guided by a management approach in which one is aware of one’s responsibilities.
Success in the 21st century will only be possible for companies which are capable of managing change and which keep their fingers on the pulse of their times. As a group that is advancing rapidly towards becoming a global player, we too are readying ourselves to take our place among the architects of the future.
We shall maintain our strong stance in every business line in which we are active as we continue to pursue growth, especially in energy and property.
Deriving its strength from Turkey, our group also invests in Turkey. Along with our shareholders, business partners, and employees, we will go on adding value to society in which we live.
In closing, I extend my thanks to all our shareholders, business partners, and employees for accompanying us on this journey.
Ahmet Zorlu
Chairman of the Board of Directors
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