Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the Contributors to Sinop’s Economy Awards Ceremony held by the Sinop Chamber of Commerce and Industry (STSO) at the Sinop Public Education Center and Event Art School (ASO) multipurpose hall. Attending the ceremony were Mayor Dr. Ahmet Cengiz, CHP Sinop Representative Engin Altay, Sinop Municipality Director Baki Ergül, Sinop Chamber of Commerce and Industry President (STSO) Erol Derici, STSO board and many businessmen and industrialists.

- “Sinop’s way is clear”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stating that Sinop, which is located in the class 5 incentive zone, has a clear way ahead of it. However he stated that Sinop must explain its advantages to Turkey very clearly. Pointing out the importance of unity and solidarity in the success of cities, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We see brand cities which aren’t half as beautiful as Sinop and which have maybe half the opportunities as Sinop does have left Sİnop behind. When we look for the reason, it is evident that the leaders, administrators, chamber and commerce exchange presidents of those cities came together which resulted in prosperity for all. In other words they are enjoying grace and prosperity together. Today, I am proud of Sinop. This is that kind of picture we see before us today. The way is clear for Sinop from here on end. If Sinop is able to sustain this mentality the way will be clear. Allah has created us all differently, so that we would think differently. Couldn’t He have created us all the same? If there are many different ideas and good ideas from among those, and you can group them together, then you’ll have grace and prosperity.”

- “We must establish the enterprising spirit”

Stating in his speech that the number of women entrepreneurs must be increased M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We must establish the enterprising spirit. Sinop used to be described as a trading city. My fervent request of you is to encourage our women and youth to entrepreneurship. Especially young women need to be encouraged to this end. If we want to prosper, we have to do this. Not just Sinop, all of Turkey has to do this. Turkey has to find employment for 750,000 new people every year. Every year 750,000 new people join the workforce each year. This number will reach 1 million in 8 years. Can you imagine it, having to find employment for as many people as some of the populations to our west? Who will employ these people? The private sector. And what is the source of the private sector? It is entrepreneurship and development of the private sector.

We need to produce 100,000 entrepreneurs from the new additions to the workforce each year. We need 100,000 new entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, we said, ‘waste is sin’ but we waste half of our population, pretend it doesn’t exist. I look at the figures of women entrepreneurship and see that the ratio against the working population is one of the lowest in the world. We stand at 26% at the moment. The world average ratio is 47%. The contribution of women to employment in the European Union is 60%. I beseech the fathers to treat their children equally, encourage your daughters to be entrepreneurial as well. This is the path to prosperity. You take the Prophet as a guiding example to yourselves. His wife was one of the largest traders, logisticians in Mecca. If you take the Prophet as an example why won’t you encourage your daughters to be entrepreneurial? In this regard, we’ve established the women entrepreneurs’ council in Sinop. We want to bring women entrepreneurs in Sinop together.”

- The pride of growth belongs to the private sector

Reminding that Turkey was among the three fastest growing countries in the world last year, the President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu went on, “Last year we were among the three fastest growing countries in the world. We are proud of this fact. Who should be proud of this? The Turkish private sector.

Last year the Turkish private sector invested a record amount in this country, 155 billion Dollars. I am talking about the investments made from 1.53 million establishments. For the first time, we found employment for 300,000 people in Turkey. This was achieved by you in this hall. Be proud if it. This is your success story.”

After the speeches, the award ceremony took place. The highest tax payers of 2012, the largest exporters of 2011, youth and women entrepreneurs and STSO members for 30 years or more were awarded with plaques.

Hisarcıklıoğlu also visited the Sinop Governor Dr. Ahmet Cengiz in his office as part of his Sinop visit.
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