Zagreb, Croatia, October 10th, 2024 – At a ceremony held at the International Hotel in Zagreb on Thursday, Stjepan Orešković, the founder and majority owner of BOSQAR d.d., the holding company of the BOSQAR INVEST group, was honored with the Great Charter of Croatian-Turkish Friendship.
Stjepan Orešković, BOSQAR d.d., and Goran Beus Richembergh, President of Croatian-Turkish Friendship Association
Photo: Niko Goga / BOSQAR INVEST
This award is one of the highest recognitions conferred in 2024, marking the 30th anniversary of the Croatian-Turkish Friendship Association, held under the high patronage of the City of Zagreb.
Several dignitaries, including the Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs, Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Frano Matošić, State Secretary in Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Velimir Mačkić, Special Advisor for Economics to the President of the Republic of Croatia, attended the event.
Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs, Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay
Photo: Niko Goga / BOSQAR INVEST
Alongside Orešković, multiple other individuals and organizations were also recognized for their contributions to fostering relations between Croatia and Turkiye.
The recipients of the Great Charter included Ivan Horvatić, Franka Miriam Brückler, Marko Šapina, Ismeta Sedlovski, and Mehmet Kasim Gülpinar.
At the same time, the Croatian Directorate of Civil Protection, the Turkish construction company Cengiz İnşaat, Croatia Musicales Jeunesses, the LÖSEV Health and Education Foundation, and the City of Izmir were awarded the Charter of Croatian-Turkish Friendship.
Enduring bonds between the two countries
In his acceptance speech, Stjepan Orešković expressed deep gratitude for receiving the award, highlighting both his own journey but also the contributions of thousands of Turkish employees within the BOSQAR INVEST group.
Stjepan Orešković and Manica Pirc Orešković, founders and majority shareholders of BOSQAR d.d., with Goran Beus Richembergh, President of Croatian-Turkish Friendship Association
Photo: Niko Goga / BOSQAR INVEST
"This award symbolizes not just my personal journey but also the enduring and evolving bonds between Croatia and Turkiye – ties rooted in a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and business connections that have steadily flourished over the centuries," Orešković said.
Reflecting on the shared history between the two nations, he emphasized the transformation of Croatia and Turkiye from historical adversaries to modern allies, drawing a symbolic parallel to the Bosphorus Bridge, stating, "Bridges are beautiful, but mental, cultural, emotional, and economic bridges are more important when built within the intricate web of Central Asian and European politics and culture."
Photo: Niko Goga / BOSQAR INVEST
A strong commitment to the Turkish market
Orešković also underlined the importance of inclusivity in driving innovation, referencing renowned Turkish-American economist Daron Acemoglu's work, particularly his book "Why Nations Fail," which underscores how inclusivity fosters creativity and competitiveness.
Photo: Niko Goga / BOSQAR INVEST
BOSQAR's founder also noted the success of the group's initiatives in Turkiye and the substantial investments that demonstrate trust and commitment to the Turkish market.
"Globally, BOSQAR INVEST operates in 59 locations across 19 countries, with over 13,800 employees serving over 1300 clients in 32 languages," he shared.
Focusing on the Turkish BPTO segment of the operation, Mplus, Orešković emphasized that the company employs over 8,000 people across multiple Turkish cities, including Istanbul, Bayburt, Izmir, Malatya, Rize, Şanlıurfa, and Van.
"Mplus Turkiye has become a cornerstone of economic cooperation, enhancing technology transfer and fostering innovation that benefits both Croatia and Turkiye," he added, noting that Mplus Turkiye is the largest member of the group and a key player in the Turkish BPO sector.
In his closing remarks, Orešković highlighted the broader significance of business ties between nations, asserting that entrepreneurship is a powerful instrument for peace.
"By cultivating business ties, we nurture understanding and respect across borders, which is essential for the peaceful coexistence of nations," he said.
Photo: Niko Goga / BOSQAR INVEST
About BOSQAR INVEST:
BOSQAR INVEST (BOSQAR d.d., together with its subsidiaries) is a European leader that operates in the industries of business process and technology outsourcing, information technology, employment services (HR), eCommerce, and food.
With an innovative business model, BOSQAR INVEST accelerated its expansion on the market with intensive organic growth and an M&A platform. Through its buy-and-build strategy, it has acquired 57 companies since 2016. BOSQAR INVEST is focused on improving the profitability and operations of each of its acquired companies through its standardized operational models that result in significant organic growth of all companies inside the Group and the Group itself.
Today, BOSQAR INVEST operates through four business verticals: the BPTO business vertical (brand: Mplus), the HR business vertical (brands: Manpower and Workplace), the eCommerce business vertical (brand: Eplus ventures), and the food business vertical. All business verticals are focused on shareholder value creation through a commitment to best practices in digitalization, structured key accounts management programs, rigorous financial stability and cash management, strong and dedicated management teams, and a focus on results.
In its ownership structure, BOSQAR INVEST brings together pension funds, institutional investors, international private equity funds, development institutions, and private investors. The BOSQAR INVEST business community consists of over 13,800 employees, and the group provides its services to clients who, in addition to Croatia, do business in 57 countries around the world.
