Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The “Samsun’s Production Stars” awards ceremony was held with the attendances of Youth and Sports Minister Akif Çağatay Kılıç and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu.

Held by Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO) and Samsun Commodity Exchange at the Samsun Greater Municipality Art Center, highest taxpayers of 2012-2013, highest institutional taxpayers, highest volume exports of 2012-2013 and the companies which placed among the first 500 and second 500 largest companies of Turkey in regards to product sales in 2012 and 2013 according to ISO received awards.

- “Dropping petroleum prices have benefited Turkey the most”

Following Samsun Commodity Exchange and TOBB Board Member and Samsun TSO Board President Salih Zeki’s speech prior to ceremony, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that one of the most positively impacted countries by the dropping petroleum prices is Turkey, “Today, barrel price has fallen below 60 USD. Our greatest import contributor to current deficit is energy. This means almost 50% reduction to it. This is a great opportunity for us, as well as having its own peculiar downsides. The reason for that is we export to Russia whose buying power is now that much smaller. The ruble has lost 50% value in the last 6 months. Now we have less buyers for our goods as the Russians have diminished buying power. They are 50% poorer despite having 500 billion USD in their safe. That is why our market is suffering, especially fresh fruit and vegetables which we were the sole supplier for Russia. We are feeling the pressure in exporting as well as being unable to receive payment for what we’ve sold. Another negative impact the dropping of oil prices has had on us is the projected drop in Russian tourists. However, I am optimistic for the future.”

- Minister Kılıç

Speaking following the Samsun Greater Municipality Director Yusuf Ziya Yılmaz, Youth and Sports Minister Akif Çağatay Kılıç said, “If Turkey is to win, to move forward, we are prepared to do our part as AK Party.” Stating that they are moving steadily towards their goals, Minister Kılıç said, “One of the issues which most closely concerns the business world is political stability,” going on to provide examples of the Party’s services even during the years of crises.

- Signatures given for the İlyas Kılıç Industry Vocatioanl High School

After the speeches, the protocol for the İlyas Kılıç Industry Vocatioanl High School which will be built in Samsun by TOBB was signed.

Afterwards, highest taxpayers of 2012-2013, highest institutional taxpayers, highest volume exports of 2012-2013 and the companies which placed among the first 500 and second 500 largest companies of Turkey in regards to product sales in 2012 and 2013 according to ISO, TSO members of 50 years and companies which provided the most employment via UMEM Specialized Vocational Centers received awards.