Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Meeting with 365 chamber/exchange presidents, Hisarcıklıoğlu started his speech by saying that they are aiming for a world where right makes might, not the other way around.

Emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity in all fields, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said that Turkey is an island of stability in its region. “While fire rages all around, there are those who would have Turkey not be the island of stability that it is.” Hisarcıklıoğlu said that if they are able to attain grace and prosperity, Turkey will succeed.

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “In our darkest days, it is our character to be one and together. However, we must do so in our good days as well.”

Assessing the recent developments in neighboring countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “They wish to lure us into this trap,” and went on, “There can be no trade without peace and no prosperity without trade. If we wish to spread the wealth to all parts of society, we cannot permit our peace to be disturbed.”

- Economic growth

Assessing the developments in 2012, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said that as of the first quarter of 2012, the growth rate is 3.2% and that foreign trade has a part in it.

Stating that it is likely that growth will remain below 4% this year, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The underlying reason for this is the attempt to cool off the economy to avoid the reflection of the Western European economic crisis on Turkey. If Turkey manages 5% growth there won’t be any reduction in unemployment. In order to decrease unemployment we must achieve a growth of over 5%. Last year, we broke a record with a 8.5% growth. 1.7 million people found employment. We achieved a first in the history of the Republic. 1.1 million of this has been reflected on official records. This is the indication that the Turkish private sector has come to hold better records and has grown.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu directed critique at the banking sector.

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they have taken on many great projects as TOBB with the changes to the Turkish Trade Law, Constitution Platform meetings, UMEM Ability’10 project and the TOBB University of Economy and Technology being just a few of them.
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