Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In response to Birand’s questions regarding what has been done following the Van earthquake, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that as soon as the earthquake occurred they traveled to Van as 78 civil society organizations. TOBB President said, “We personally visited the quake zone, Van and Erciş, and made assessments on site. We assessed what was happening, what could be done and what needs to be done.”

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu spoke: “There is an important issue here; I want to point this out. You could see license plates from all 81 provinces in Van. It was extraordinary, an extraordinary spirit of solidarity. Everyone had come together and flocked to Van’s aid. When seen in this light, I look to the country’s future with great hope.”

- Work done under 5 categories

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that after their visit they decided to work under 5 main categories and expanded on the subject:

“First of all: medical necessities, we identified what they are. Secondly, the 25 million TL budget zero-interest credit campaign initiated by the Chambers Union in order to restart the gears of economy in the region with a regard for the future. Third, the shared campaign of the 147 civil society organizations and professional organizations to meet the needs of Van in the midterm. Fourth; as a social responsibility, the construction of a sports hall to facilitate the acclimatization of the citizens to social life. Fifth, the Holiday of Sacrifice is approaching; we will support the aid campaign of the Directorate of Religious Affairs.”

- Zero-interest credit opportunity to get the economy working again in the quake zone

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu went on; “There are so many aid materials sent to the region. Blankets, heaters, jackets, boots, diapers, baby food, water and heated tents. The emergency aid campaign has started in this regard and it gets faster as we find out more of what is needed from the Mayor’s office and the Red Crescent.

To revitalize the economy and business we have, as the Chambers Union, allocated a resource of 25 million TL credit budget with zero interest payable within 1 year. A sum of at least 10,000 TL and at most 75,000 TL for each company that applies for it. This is very important for revitalizing the economy and business life there.

Civil society and institutions have all started their own aid campaigns and we as TOBB have donated 1 million TL as a first step. Until now, our chambers and exchanges have donated 1.5 million TL. In the Prime Ministry accounts and our accounts a total of 2.5 million TL has accumulated.

On another note, the construction of the sports hall in Erciş will aid in the reintegration of the children to social life.”

Emphasizing the most important issue is to move together, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said “People of differing ideas came together in this campaign. Those whose interests conflict came together as one heart for Van.”
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