Everyone struggled during the pandemic. Turkey had an especially difficult time but is expected to not only bounce back in 2022 but become a major economic powerhouse. Behind the scenes is Uğur Akkuş, the Founder and CEO of A&S Investment Holding Company, leader of a company whose multimillion-dollar portfolio includes assets in manufacturing, export, finance, construction, and communications.
As of May 2022 Akkuş has been named the top businessman and CEO in Turkey, and while he is happy with the win, he is pragmatic and modest: “I can’t tell you how happy I am about this. These are public awards and I had tough competition. Just being nominated was a tremendous honor.”
He intends to utilize this recent recognition to continue to drive his company forward, demonstrating his dedication to A&F Investment Holding Company and to his beloved Turkey.
Turkey At the Center of an Investment Boom
Akkuş says 2022 will be a huge year for Turkey, with foreign companies flocking to the area and recognizing the advantages of the region. As China’s dominance in manufacturing fades due to the economic embargo and the huge spike in shipping prices, businesses look elsewhere.
“China closing its borders due to the COVID-19 was hugely detrimental for shipping costs,” says Akkuş. “A container that used to ship for $2,500 now ships for $12,500. Really, Turkey is the perfect solution. Our location means we are right at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and even Africa, if you think about it. Whichever direction you go, you will find an important market within only hours.”
Akkuş says that A&S Investment Holding Company has been working hard even during the pandemic to continue the efforts to develop Turkey. “We didn’t stop just because the coronavirus arrived. Instead, we looked down the road and envisioned where we wanted Turkey to be when the pandemic ended: strong and able to capitalize on an educated, cultured workforce. I met with my own employees and cast a vision for 2022 and the coming years: to use A&S Investment Holding Company to help Turkey to become the economic powerhouse I believe it is destined to become.”
The world is changing, Akkuş explains; due to the political and economic turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa, he predicts an inevitable transfer of wealth to Turkey over the next decade. “As that happens, Turkey will see more businesses grow across industries, and I am guiding A&S Investment Holding Company to be there when that happens.”
He’s also monitoring the Ukraine/Russia conflict: its effect on the region, its possible implications for Turkey, and how he and his company – and his country – can help war-torn Ukraine. “Many Ukrainian refugees are fleeing to Turkey,” he says. “We’re doing all we can to help them. We want to be ready to step in and help with the reconstruction of Ukraine when the war stops, so we are developing projects that will support the rebuilding of its food, textiles, and construction industries.”
A&S Investment Holding Company Ushers In Golden Age of Technology
Turkey continues to grow in prominence in the region, and the world’s eye is fixed on the region. Akkuş says that Turkey’s contributions to the digital revolution are key to it leading economically. “Digitalization is inevitable and will bring exciting developments to the country and the world. This is why A&S Investment Holding Company plans to activate our digital money stock exchange, Bitmoneycoin.com. We plan to launch this in the United States and around the world at the beginning of June.”
He explains that it will be Turkey’s first local and national blockchain cryptocurrency. “It will lead to commission discounts, airdrop campaigns, new ICO processes, and trading competitions.”
Akkuş reveals that Bitmoneycoin.com, through the company’s Ascoin Invest Program, will also be used to sponsor relevant departments that are working on blockchain technology. “We are very happy about this because it will have the potential to provide financing for the projects of young entrepreneurs. I am pleased that Bitmoneycoin.com will contribute to Turkey being able to provide unprecedented opportunities for more people.”
About Uğur Akkuş and A&S Investment Holding Company
Award-winning third-generation businessman Akkuş started A&S Investment Holding Company after an already illustrious career serving as Vice-Chairman of Kuwait Business Council and the Foreign Economic Relations Board and as Vice-President of Saudi Arabia Business Council. He was also a High Advisory Board Member for the Turkish American Business Association and was the founding member and board member of KUVİD Association.
He was educated at Bilkent University and Essen-Duisburg University in Germany before going into business and is fluent in English, German, French, and Arabic. He founded A&S with the aims of investing in commercial sectors with high-profit potential and of achieving sustainable and stable growth within targeted periods.
Akkuş sees business as his way to give back to his country and the world: “Business is in my family’s blood. In forming my company, I used everything I learned from my father and grandfather about domestic and international trade as well as my own experiences and capital. The result is A&S Investment Holding Company, which supports all of its subsidiaries in terms of operations management, corporate governance, and finances. We continue to bring more businesses into our portfolio based on the principles of quality, value, service, and excellence, and it is my goal that A&S Investment Holding Company will make Turkey even stronger for generations to come.”
A&S Investment Holding Company and Turkey’s New Normal
Akkuş humbling reflects upon the honor of the two awards he just received, but he is not satisfied and will never slow down. “The pandemic didn’t slow us down,” he says. “Regional conflict will not slow us down. COVID is mostly behind us and a new normal has been revealed. With China’s role changing and war in Eastern Europe having global repercussions, A&S Investment Holding Company will work hard to continue to be at the forefront of important solutions and innovations through 2022 and beyond.”
For more information on Uğur Akkuş, A&S Investment Holding Company, and their work to help develop Turkey into a global economic leader, please visit the company’s website or contact:
A&S Investment Holding Company
Email: info@asinvestmentholding.com
Phone: 0212 801 48 64
