Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, touching on the importance of agriculture stated that in order to make profits in agriculture one must perform careful calculations. Emphasizing the importance of running an inventory in agriculture, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that in terms of arable land, Turkey is the 9th country in the world.

Making an assessment of the value of brand names, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We need to make Nizip a brand. We can’t earn money without becoming a brand. We must be unique. The difference being a brand will bring is going to be tenfold.”

Stating that throughout its history, Nizip has been a center of trade, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that the most important properties of the region are unity and solidarity.

Hisarcıklıoğlu, also talking about women entrepreneurs, said “We have a culture that views waste as shameful. Of the 1,100 members in Nizip, 20 are women. Isn’t this shameful? The person that a Muslim must take as an example first and foremost is Our Prophet. The wife of Our Prophet, Revered Lady Hatice was one of the most prosperous merchants of Mecca. Why won’t you use this as an example? Get our young women involved in your business. If we wish to reach the level of Japan we need 4 times the number of entrepreneurs we currently have. We must encourage our youth and women to entrepreneurship.”

The TOBB President urged the business world to take advantage of opportunities like the Credit Guarantee Fund, KOBİ Inc. and ABİGEM.

- “The Syria issue isn’t permanent”

Stating that the people of Turkey and Syria are friends and brothers, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We are related. Our friendship with Syria is recorded in history. These problems will be solved. None of them are permanent. We are saddened by the state of our siblings there.”

- A new constitution is crucial

Stating that if Turkey is to attain its 2023 goal and be among the top 10 economies of the world, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We are now the 17th largest economy of the work but also the 65th country on the ease-of-business index. We have broken records despite being the 65th on the ease-of-business index. All we want is a chance to compete on equal footing with our competitors. The only way to enable this is by re-examining the system. The system is decrepit. The only way to rebuild is through a new constitution.”

Urging everyone to support the new constitution process, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Afterwards, with the political parties’ law first, we must enact the rest of the reforms. I am hopeful for our country’s future. We have turned this structural change into an extraordinary success story. Today, one of three home appliances used in European homes are made in Turkey. One of every four TVs are made in Turkey. Our people lack nothing. Neither employers nor employees. We have set ourselves a goal. We will be among the top 10 economies of the world in 2023.”

- “Turkey is an admired country”

In his speech, the Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan stated that Turkey is a country to be admired, saying, “Whether it is budget discipline or public treasury or unemployment, Turkey is in a better position than Europe.”

Minister of Family and Social Policies Fatma Şahin said that there is a new world and Turkey order today, “We are the world leader for public debt stock. We have managed our economy the best in comparison.”

- “Green passport for exporters who pay the most taxes”

Nizip Chamber of Commerce President Mehmet Özyurt thanked TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu for his contribution to the economy and went on, “As Atatürk said, complete independence is possible through economic development.” Özyurt also stated, “We should award those who pay the most tax and export with green passport to boost motivation and incentivize similar behavior.”

- “Keep going together”

Gaziantep Chamber of Industry President Adil Konukoğlu said in his speech, “The foundation of Gaziantep’s industrial progress is built on Nizip. I would like to congratulate everyone who was awarded today. Gaziantep’s exports as a province have exceeded 4.5 billion dollars. Nizip has a big share in this. We will also keep going together from here on end.”

Also making speeches during the awards ceremony were Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce President Mehmet Aslan and AK Party Gaziantep Representative Hüseyin Çelik.
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