Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Pointing out that the tax burden on employment is 74%, the TOBB President stated that the matter should be handled alongside the Job Market reform. Touching on the issues of seniority indemnity, tax burdens on employment and mandatory employment, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “When the minimum wage increases to 1,300TRY, the cost to the employer will increase by 440TRY. Total combined cost for companies will add up to 26 billion TRY. The profit of SMEs prior to taxes is 40 billion TRY. This will eliminate two thirds of SMEs’ profits and threaten employment-investment-entry into the global markets.”

- Thanks to investors

Stating that the appointment of Süleyman Soylu as Labor and Social Security Minister is a boon for Trabzon and all of the business community, Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out the fact that Minister Soylu has experience on both sides of the table, able to identify issues and problems effectively.

Congratulating everyone who would be receiving plaques at the event, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I congratulate the investors who have contributed the future of Turkey. I always say, they deserve medals. I congratulate every single one of you.”

Reporting that Trabzon has increased employment by 44% compared to the national average of 30% Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that Trabzon has drawn in more incentivized investments than all of its neighbors.

Stressing the importance of having 4 years with no elections ahead of Turkey, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized the need to refocus on structural reforms.

Following the speeches, Minister Soylu and protocol members presented record taxpayers their plaques.

Attending the event were Governor Abdil Celil Öz, Mayor Orhan Fevzi Gümrükçüoğlu, AK Party Trabzon PM Muhammet Balta, Ayşe Sula Köseoğlu, Adnan Günnar and Salih Cora, Trabzon Tax Office Director Ayhan Yaman, Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry Council Chair Şadan Eren and Board Chair Suat Hacısalihoğlu as well as various guests.

- Labor and Social Security Minister Soylu

Labor and Social Security Minister Süleyman Soylu stated that Turkey is a country of great reforms, a bright future and transformation.

During his speech at the 2014 Record Taxpayers Award Ceremony, Soylu stated that the greatest adversity for economic activity and politics is uncertainty.

Stressing that the greatest asset the country has is democracy, Soylu said, “It is of the utmost importance that we can understand each other, have common sense and empathize with the other.”

Stating that financial discipline has been instrumental in Turkey’s success in the last 13 years, Soylu said, “Keep up your morale up, the 64^th government will enact reforms to open the way for manufacturers, entrepreneurs and to stoke competition.”