WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just over one month since a series of earthquakes struck Türkiye (Turkey) and Syria, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Chamber Foundation convened a call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Acting Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources John R. Bass, and corporate executives to discuss the U.S.- Türkiye partnership and advance public-private recovery and reconstruction efforts.
“The American business community has acted quickly and efficiently during this critical time to facilitate the massive humanitarian response,” said Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Türkiye is both a NATO ally and a growing trade partner with a sophisticated private sector. These long-standing ties position U.S. businesses to work with partners in government and help accelerate Türkiye’s reconstruction and recovery.”
During the call, business leaders outlined how they are offering ongoing humanitarian assistance. They also discussed considerations for rebuilding with resilience in mind to strengthen communities and commerce in the future.
Secretary Blinken thanked the business community for its remarkable response to date and affirmed that the private sector will continue to play a critical role in long-term recovery and rebuilding as the region rebounds from this crisis.
Commitments of more than $106 million in corporate aid from at least 170 companies are part of the business community’s response efforts.
On the call today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce also announced a U.S.-Türkiye Business Forum: Prioritizing Resilient Partnerships on March 13. The Forum will include U.S. and Turkish cabinet ministers along with executives from major companies to help galvanize business community cooperation in the crucial next phases of recovery and reconstruction.
How to Support the Response:
- Please click here for the U.S. Chamber Foundation resources page.
- Click here to learn more about the UPS and U.S. Chamber Foundation’s “Resilience in a Box” program.
- Share how your company is contributing by clicking here.
