Business Diplomat: Respect for Heritage

Investors often prepare for markets and regulations. Prof. Dr. Birol Mercan reminds them that they must prepare for pride as well. In this part of its interview series, Business Diplomat presents his observation about developing countries and the respect they expect.

First observation: the pride of heritage
“Especially developing countries emphasise their own value judgments and their old cultural superiority, for example historical heritage in the case of the Uzbeks, ancient civilisation in the case of Egypt, and they want respect to be shown.”
The two examples show that this is not abstract. Uzbekistan’s historical heritage and Egypt’s ancient civilisation are real sources of national self-understanding. The phrase “old cultural superiority” is Mercan’s own wording. It describes how these countries see their past and how they expect others to regard it.

Second observation: the consequence of ignoring it
“If these and similar concerns are ignored, there is no possibility of the venture succeeding.”
The statement is stark. He does not say that the venture will be harder; he says there is no chance. A lack of respect for heritage is therefore not a minor lapse but a decisive failure.

Third observation: a contrast
Mercan adds that he does not think such matters receive as much attention “in a developed country.” The remark is limited and presented as his own impression: in developed settings these sensitivities may be less visible. For the entrepreneur, this means that habits formed in one kind of market cannot be carried unchanged into another.

The logic of the assessment
Developing countries emphasise their values and heritage and want respect. Ignoring this makes success impossible. And the entrepreneur should not assume that the habits of developed markets apply.

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. A diplomatic order includes the ability to recognise what a host country holds dear. Business Diplomat can teach young professionals to approach each country’s history with knowledge and respect.

Conclusion
Respect for a country’s heritage and values is a condition of business success, especially in developing countries that take pride in their history. Business Diplomat aims to help young professionals learn that lesson before they enter the market.