09.08.2025 12:23
The seating arrangement at the 40th anniversary gala dinner of the Foreign Economic Relations Board disturbed the participating businessmen. In the hall divided by a tarpaulin, one section was reserved for guests carrying "protocol cards," while guests in the other section were not allowed to access this area.
The 38th Ordinary Financial General Assembly of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), the 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner, and the 4th Masters of Honor Award Ceremony were held at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus in Istanbul with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, DEIK President Nail Olpak, and leading industrialists and business representatives from Turkey.
Approximately 500 DEIK members, consisting of leading industrialists, business people, and executives from exporting companies in Turkey, attended the program. President Erdoğan's speech and the "Masters of Honor" award ceremony drew attention as the hall was divided by a curtain. One section was reserved for guests carrying "protocol cards," while guests in the other section were not allowed to enter this area.
"THERE ARE NO RANDOM PEOPLE IN THIS HALL" Businessmen expressed that this practice belittled both themselves and the institutions they represent. Some individuals who have been members of DEIK for over 20 years and have previously served as business council presidents conveyed their reactions with the following words:
"This seating arrangement has damaged the reputation of our institution and ourselves. What does it mean to separate the hall with a set? Those present here are not random people; they are distinguished and dedicated individuals who contribute to Turkey's production, exports, and employment, who support our President's economic policies, adhere strictly to his instructions, and step up during every crisis and disaster. There are no random people whose identities are unknown in this hall. This is disrespectful. It is a great shame."
"WE CANNOT MEET FACE TO FACE WITH MINISTERS" Participants criticized the DEIK management for "maintaining a rigid and hierarchical protocol understanding from 40 years ago." Some business people lamented, "Even in programs with a small number of guests, we cannot find the opportunity to meet face to face with ministers. In dinner events, ministers are hosted in separate halls from the guests. As soon as the speeches are over, they quickly move to VIP rooms and only meet with a limited number of people. However, in many countries, ministers mingle among business people, chat, listen to problems, and take notes. Here, as soon as ministers finish their speeches, they quickly move to VIP rooms," they complained.
Representatives of the business world emphasized that the success of DEIK's mission could be realized through organizations where equal opportunities are provided, and all participants can directly and comfortably interact with state officials. It was highlighted that such events should not only allow a specific group to voice their opinions but should also enable all stakeholders to be heard and contribute.