Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Diyarbakır is one of the most ancient cities of Turkey; he went on to say that they would be holding TOBB’s board meeting in Diyarbakır as well.

Touching on “GARAJ Diyarbakır Entrepreneur Training Workshop” established in Diyarbakır with its average age of 21 in order to increase the number of entrepreneurs, Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that the city would become a grain silo with the completion of the irrigation canals.

- The goal should be 1 billion USD in exports

Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that Turkey’s exports in the first 9 months had increased by 5% while Diyarbakır increased its exports by 38%.

“If there was peace in neighboring countries, Diyarbakır would have broken Turkey’s record,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu and went on:

“The provinces exports totaled 7 million USD in 2002; today that number has reached 237 million USD. If there was peace in Iraq and Syria this would have been 300 million USD. In this regard, industrialists of Diyarbakır should set themselves a goal. The goal should be 1 billion USD in exports per annum. Thanks to the modernization of customs gates in the region the average wait time has decreased to 15 minutes from 1 hour. These times have increased again with increased traffic; hopefully, the second bridge will alleviate this issue.”

- “The solution process has brought peace with it”

In regards to a survey they’ve held in 81 provinces, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “A question asking if the individuals think their city would surpass Turkey’s growth figure next year, in essence a question to gauge how hopeful people are in regards to the future, 82% of merchants in Diyarbakır expressed their belief that the city would prosper. This is thanks to the solution process; the solution process has brought peace with it.”

- “Tourist numbers have tripled”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that national income had increased three-fold in 12 years from 3,000 to reach 10,000 USD, “Our goal now should be to increase this figure to 25,000 USD.  We can do it; what we want is to make this country prosperous. Allah willing, we will achieve this as well.”

- “If we can make the solution a permanent one, we can bring peace to the Middle East”

Food, Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Kutbettin Arzu stated that increased income would aid in the establishment of a platform of peace and trust.

Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DTSO) President Ahmet Sayar and Diyarbakır Commodity Exchange President Ebubekir Bal also stressed the importance of the solution process.

Afterward, the TOBB delegation visited Diyarbakır Governor Hüseyin Aksoy at his office.