Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Attending the conference were TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Prime Minister Deputy Bülent Arınç, Customs and Commerce Minister Hayati Yazıcı, TOBB Council Treasurer İlhan Parseker and TOBB Board Member Harun Karacan.

Speaking at the conference, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that he had first encountered search conferences in 2002 and that he had often questioned what the purpose of such a conference was until then.

Stating that with the search conference held in 2002 by TOBB, they took on a new vision and mission, Hisarcıklıoğlu told how the establishment of TOBB ETU and TEPAV, the increase in the quality of service provided by chambers, taking on significant roles in international institutions, the activation of the Credit Guarantee Fund and the foundation of VOB, KGK and GGK, the improvements to the industry database and the modernization of the customs gates had been a direct result of this conference.

Reporting that all of these decisions have been actualized by 2009, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that, in 2009 they decided to hold another search conference to designate a new vision and mission, which was consequently held in 2010.

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that the UMEM Ability’10 Project and the work on the new constitution had come as a result of this conference.

Stating that they train individuals without vocational training in accordance with the needs of sectors which are actively seeking to employ personnel, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the public and private sectors have cooperated to this end.

Hisarcıklıoğlu, emphasizing that the National Education Ministry had provided training at these vocational schools for three months, said, “During this time 20 TL daily spending money is provided following which the attendees receive onsite training followed by three months of employment at an establishment. This doesn’t cost me anything; a daily spending money of 25 TL and insurance. At the end of the six months, following a positive review, the individual is employed. Once you employ this person, the employment tax for that person is lowered by 18%. This is a project in which everyone wins.”

Stating that once the decisions in a conference are adopted by everyone a roadmap is drawn, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “What mission you need to take on to be what you want to be in the future is thusly researched. However, there is a point which saddens me; we would have preferred to have the media bosses to be here as well.”

- Prime Minister Deputy Arınç

Prime Minister Deputy Bülent Arınç stated that they have adopted a well meaning stance in order to avoid harming broadcasters and that in a sector with crushing competition; all present channels are a necessity for Turkey.

Among the topics touched on by Arınç were public tenders to be held within two years as per legislation as well as the RTÜK law regarding internet media which Arınç said would be passed once the new legislative year begins. Arınç also stated that they plan to take actions regarding issues affecting writers and press members on news sites.

Arınç concluded by touching on the subjects of internet slander and the freedom of press as well as the illegalities in this matter.

- Customs and Commerce Minister Yazıcı

The Customs and Commerce Minister Hayati Yazıcı stated that the matter of trust needs to be addressed while the future of media is being discussed. Reporting that according to a research conducted in 2007, the trust in media is only 25%, Yazıcı said, “We are living in a time when the verity of information and news is constantly in question.”

Yazıcı touched on the many complaints they have received regarding advertorials, advocating that adverts should not be based on lies. He went on:

“As the Ministry, we aim to form an honest and responsible marketing environment instead of fining companies and agencies in the sector. TO this end we must balance freedom and security in regards to the protection of the consumer.”
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