Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Stating that TOBB’s 2023 goal for off-the-record economy is to bring the ratio below 20%, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “You can pass all the laws you want, recognize whatever rights you want but you can’t talk about democracy where off-the-record economy exists.  Democracy means accountability, it is citizens holding the administration accountable; people in error can’t hold other to account.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the most important factor of off-the-record economy is democracy and that in order to reach an accountable democracy, off-the-record economy must be brought to account.

Drawing attention to the fact that tax and premiums rise parallel to off-the-record economy, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that while 1.3 million people found employment last year, 1.123 million of them are registered with the SGK. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We couldn’t talk about this ten years ago. Why did this happen? When the load is lightened, employers thought, ‘I can’t bother with SGK inspectors.’”

Hisarcıklıoğlu, touching on the new Turkish Trade Law, said that if the law is passed as it now stands, accountants won’t be able to find any clients to work for and urged those attending to read up on the new law.

- SGK President Acar

The President of Social Securities Institution Fatih Acar stated that 74 million citizens living in Turkey are covered by the general health insurance, 11.402 million classified 4/A – a significant rise from 9.5 million in 2008-2009, following the reforms.

Stating that there are 3.312 million classified 4/B and that the number of public servants classified is 4/C 2.576 million, Acar said that the total active is 17.291 million people, passive being 10 million.

Stating that there are over 10 million retirees in Turkey, which shouldn’t be happening, Acar said, “Normally for the sustainability of social security systems, 4 active workers take care of 1 passive, however, in Turkey this ratio is at 1.85, not even 2. We need to work more and go further.”

Acar stated that in 2009 they collected 7.5 billion TL in cash and over 9 billion TL as part of the Law#6110.

- TÜRMOB President Sanlı

Turkey Independent Accountants Public Accountants and Certified Public Accountants Union (TÜRMOB) Preisdent Nail Sanlı stated that TÜRMOB is a professional organization akin to a public institution with 87,000 members and has been bridging the gap between the business world and the government for years.

Stating that they are continuing educational projects in parallel with the new Turkish Trade Law process, Sanlı said, “We wish to state that we are for the implementation of the new Turkish Trade Law without changing the spirit of the law making adjustments so that Turkish trade may become modernized.”

Sanlı stated that the social security applications cover a large part of the populace and shared his views on the subject.

Stating once more that the new Turkish Trade Law is in need of finishing touches, Sanlı stated that the application of the law should stay firmly within the responsibility of the Ministry.

- İSMMMO President Arıkan

İSMMMO President Yahya Arıkan stated that they act as a bridge between the government and the business world.

Stating that they deserve recognition, respect and appropriate pay, Arıkan said, “We want such irregularity penalties removed. We want our clients’ businesses to grow. We want an end to off-the-record economy. We want an accountable Turkey. Can there be a country without its economy, its entrepreneurs? Can there be investments without accountants? They can’t ignore you or us. An update on obligant information is needed. We want to serve as accountants but we also want our dues. We want to carry the business world to the giants’ league, not just keep its ledgers.”
​