Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated it is his thirty-ninth visit to Antalya during his time TOBB President and that Antalya fills him with enthusiasm and energy.

Emphasizing that the dynamism in Antalya should be an example to all of Turkey, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the number of newly opened companies, women’s employment, income taxpayers are ahead of the national average while unemployment is below national average, “Antalya is a step ahead of Turkey. Antalya is an exemplary city.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Antalya has become a great city of agriculture, industry and tourism; rising to fifth place in regards to socio-economic development and eighth in regards to habitability among cities in Turkey; it has become a center of attraction.

Stating that farming is done all over the world for profit, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Antalya produces 7% of all fruit and 14% of all vegetables in Turkey. Antalya produces 24 types of fruit. It produces 44% of all pomegranates, 27% of oranges, 29% of tomatoes, 28% of cucumbers, 24% of peppers. Antalya tops Turkey in agricultural product income. The ‘Product of Antalya’ brand and YÖREX Regional and Traditional Goods Fair ensured branding in agriculture and came to be an event to motivate other cities in Turkey. I would like to present my gratitude to the Chamber and Exchange in Antalya. They have brought this to Turkey.”

The TOBB President stated that Antalya has discovered its tourism potential, “Thirty years ago, how many tourists visited Antalya, do you know? Around 50,000. Today, Antalya receives 12 million foreign tourists annually. Can you appreciate this number? This is greater than the populations of many countries in Europe. Turkey is in third place only behind Spain and Greece in numbers of blue flags. Over half of Turkey’s 397 blue flagged beaches are in Antalya. Antalya is a tourism center for not just Turkey but the whole world. Our goal for the next 7 years is to increase the number of tourists to 50 million and 50 billion USD in tourism income. The driving force to achieving that goal will be Antalya.”

- “Antalya has a bright future”

Expressing his pride in Antalya’s success, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that he points to Antalya as an example wherever he goes; he congratulated the business community of Antalya who achieved this.

Pointing out that Antalya has a bright future ahead of it, the TOBB President went on, “Be sure that the potential to double or even triple the current figures in short order exists. There are concrete steps taken to this end. The Minister has opened the way for Antalya with his projects and the vision he has put forth. The third airport to be built between Kaş and Demre, the high velocity train lines and highways to be built connecting to Konya and Cappadocia will present a tremendous advantage for Antalya in both commerce and tourism. Antalya-Manavgat-Alanya-Gazipaşa railway will increase interactivity between Antalya and its counties. There is great potential to be tapped into in the field of cruiser tourism as well. However, this requires a seaport. The minister has given me glad tidings a few days earlier. Cruiser ports will be built in Demre and Lara. Does Antalya deserve all of these investments? It more than deserves them.”

Stating that there is prosperity and grace in unity and anguish in dissent, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We will all think differently but come together for common cause when the issue is Antalya. We will all work together for Antalya. This is how Antalya and Turkey will prosper. This is how we achieve wealth and prosperity.”

Reminding that there is an election in 15 days, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “After these elections, we will be entering a period free of elections for four years. Antalya must make the best use of these four years. The governor, mayor, representatives of various parties, chamber-exchange chairs, the minister and I will make Antalya leap forward. I wish success to the minister. Former TSO chairman and my colleague at TOBB, Çetin Osman Budak will also be entering the election; best of luck to him. I hope that the elections bring benefits to our country and Antalya.”

- Deputy Prime Minister Babacan

Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan gave his assessment of Turkey’s and the world’s economy. Stating that the effects of the 2008-2009 crises are still not completely eradicated, Babacan said that Turkey is feeling these effects as well.

Stating that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held in Antalya on the 15^th and 16^th of November, 2015, Deputy PM Babacan reported that in addition to the world’s leaders, approximately 10,000 guests would be coming to Antalya as well as 3,000 press. The international media will be covering Antalya, a net gain for the city.

- Former Minister Elvan

Former Minister of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communication Lütfi Elvan stated that the government’s policies, enacted by local organizations, will lead to success, pointing to the importance of civil society organization.

Elvan also spoke about the Golden Orange Yacht Port to be built, the second largest off-shore yacht port in the world after Dubai.

- Türel, Mayor of the Greater Municipality of Antalya

Mayor Menderes Türel reported that a general “call to arms” has been issued in Antalya to prepare for the G20 and B20 summits.

Türel stated that this was a historic opportunity for Antalya and said, “Forget the last 10 years, we are entering a new era. A new era of such investment and projects that even I can’t stand still for the excitement of it.”