Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The second “TOBB-IDB/ITFC-ICCIA Chamber Academy” was held between the 8th and 12th of October in Ankara, as per the protocol signed by TOBB and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in February 2009. Certificates of the commerce and industry chamber directors who attended the program were presented by Hisarcıklıoğlu.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that attendees receive information regarding chambers systems throughout the world and in OIC countries; financial management of commerce and industry chambers; SWOT Analysis for chambers; Turkish chambers system; IT applications in chambers; commerce and industry chambers and export incentives; commerce and industry chambers and support for SMEs; the ABİGEM model; chambers and media relations; commerce and industry chamber fair management; chamber quality systems; and the TOBB Chamber Accreditation System. He stated that despite the program being very strenuous, they will benefit greatly from it.

Emphasizing that they will turn their chambers into centers of attraction upon returning to their countries with the experience they’ve gained here, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Whenever we, as Islamic countries, deviate from our essence we have suffered. 22 of the world’s 48 poorest countries are Islamic countries. Have we ever been able to question the reason behind this? Islamic countries hold 90% of the world’s energy resources but have failed to prosper.57 Islamic countries fail to add up to the German economy. This is a deficiency on our part.”

Stating that the way to prosperity is though trade, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The only way for our countries and people to prosper is through trade. In this regard, chambers of commerce are very important.”

Reporting that there are efforts to establish a strong chambers system akin to the one in Turkey are underway in Kazakhstan, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “You should be showing the way to entrepreneurs. The training you receive here should be relayed to your board of directors, president and members, to your chamber personnel. By sharing this information you will ensure a strong chambers system and the prosperity our countries.”

Following his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu presented the mid and high level directors from the commerce and industry chambers of Bangladesh, Djibouti, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tunisia and Yemen with their certificates and took part in a commemorative picture.