Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu welcomed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Environment and Natural Resources Minister Dr. Hakan and his delegation at the Union Center.​

Visiting the Mersin Commodity Exchange, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Anatolia is the birth place of the stock exchange and that they will not be satisfied with what has been achieved, but instead, aim higher and better.​

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the opening ceremonies of the Tarsus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tarsus Commodity Exchange, visiting the chamber and exchange as well as attending their tax award ceremonies.​

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu visited the Mersin Governor Özdemir Çakacak and Mayor Burhanettin Kocamaz at their offices.​

Mersin Chamber of Maritime Commerce, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that in regards to maritime freight, there is a lot of ground to cover as the maritime sector, “Especially, the 8 billion USD we annually pay overseas for freight could be conducted by us domestically. This is a great opportunity. We only carry 13% of our goods with the Turkish fleet. Starting from Central Anatolia, Mersin has a chance to become the next Marmara basin.”​

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu visited the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTSO). Stating that the Marmara Region has become overcrowded, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The sun rises from Mersin, Adana. We must think of a new Marmara Region which encompasses Çukurova, Kayseri and Konya. In order to bring this about, the first thing we need is transportation. Anatolia and Antalya requires transportation. This should be your priority. In order to become one of the capitals of tourism and industry, it is imperative to have an airport.”​

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu visited the Mersin University (MEÜ) Healthcare Research and Practice Hospital which TOBB helped with its foundation.​

Visiting Erdemli Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Orhan Sarı, Board Members and Council Members, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “It is very fitting to call Erdemli the capital for lemons. Don’t forget that agriculture is not just for subsistence any more, it is a significant tool for profit. That is why it has been scaled and conducted in an informed manner.”​

Visiting the Silifke Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO), TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the opening of the new service building. Pointing out the importance of branding, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Residents of Silifke should brand their famous yogurt or both Silifke and Turkey will be at a loss.”​

Attending the Contributors to Anamur Award Ceremony held by the Anamur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO), TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that, especially due to the conjecturally risky state of markets for agricultural goods, “You may have difficulty receiving payment for your goods. There is a solution to that. You can insure for this possibility via Eximbank. Insure yourselves in the domestic market as well. Do not fall into deficit. Your markets are risky. Take steps to protect your business.”​