Opening Ceremony Speech

Mr Prime Minister, Mr Finance Minister, Mr Foreign Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, distinguished members of the speaking faculty this afternoon, fellow professional accountants, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen; good afternoon and welcome. It is a privilege to be hosted here in Turkey and to speak to you at this 17th World Congress of Accountants, an event that symbolizes, the world over, the vibrancy of our profession.

I thank especially our hosts: Mr Mehmet Timur President of Turmob, Dr Masum Turker President of EAAT, and Prof. Dr. Recep Pendemir, Chairman of Congress and of the organising committee, for your wonderful hospitality and organisation. I thank also other government leaders from around the world, those of you who represent regulators and standard setters, the members of the Turkish profession and of our profession throughout the world, indeed from 120 countries, for making the commitment to attend this Congress and to participate in these important discussions that will shape our future. Today, our profession is 2.5 million members strong, with close to 160 accountancy bodies in 120 countries and we are continuing to grow and thrive, along with growing and thriving economies.

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