Business Diplomat: Interests and Values

How does a country gain from its business diplomats? And which unwritten rules govern them? Prof. Dr. Mehmet Evkuran answers both questions from the standpoint of national interest. In this part of its interview series, Business Diplomat presents his view.

First observation: the first duty
“A well-trained business diplomat first of all protects the interests and values of his country.”
Before anything else, the business diplomat represents his country. The sentence puts national interests and values ahead of commercial success.

Second observation: three tasks
Evkuran lists what the business diplomat does. He “analyses the capacity of the counterpart country or firm to do business and to represent.” And he “manages the processes of establishing commercial relations at the right time, with the right people, by the appropriate method.” The repeated word “right” shows a concern with judgment: who, when and how.

Third observation: rules that concern security
Asked about unwritten “diplomatic rules” in business, Evkuran gives a specific answer: they are “rules that must be observed on matters closely concerning the security of the country.” They determine “the critical decisions on matters critical to the country’s future: with which country or firm, when, how and in what manner a relationship or communication will or will not be established.” Notice the phrase “or will not”. The rules also decide when to refrain from relations altogether.

The logic of the assessment
The business diplomat protects national interests and values. He analyses the counterpart and manages timing, people and method. And certain unwritten rules, those touching on security, decide whether and how a relationship is formed at all.

The role of Business Diplomat
The platform’s mission is to give young people experience, bring a diplomatic order to the business world, and benefit states by revitalising the economy. Evkuran’s answer reminds young professionals that business abroad carries national responsibility. Business Diplomat can help them develop the judgment that responsibility requires.

Conclusion
Business diplomats serve their country by protecting its interests and values and by choosing carefully with whom to engage. Business Diplomat aims to help young professionals develop that discipline.