Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Contributors to the Giresun Economy Awards Ceremony held by the Giresun Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Giresun Commodity Exchange and the Bulancak Chamber of Commerce and Industry was attended by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu as well as TOBB Board Vice President Halim Mete, Giresun Governor Dursun Ali Şahin, AK Party Group President Representative Nurettin Canikli, parliament representatives, Giresun and neighboring province chamber and exchange presidents and businessmen.

In his speech at the ceremony, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out the importance of the constitution. Expressing that they are aware that the responsibility for making a new constitution is significant, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that in the event that this opens the way for the Turkish private sector, the endeavors would rocket Turkey forward. Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that the only thing they want as the private sector is to have the same conditions as their competitors. Despite all problems, Turkey is growing rapidly. However we change the system from the ground up,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu and drew attention to the need to increase the number of entrepreneurs in Turkey in order to prosper further.

- Promise of a school for Giresun

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu made the promise for the vocational high school requested for Giresun and emphasized the importance of education. Recalling to mind the sabotage the school built by TOBB in Van, Hisarcıklıoğlu condemned those who perpetrated this attack on education and those who condone such behavior.

Stating that he has been impressed with the air of unity and solidarity in Giresun, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the way to becoming a brand city is through unity. Hisarcıklıoğlu responding to questions asking what the chambers do, provided information in this regard. “Chambers will not put money in your wallet but they will work to lighten your load. They open the way for you,” said TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu.

- Forward sales will know the risks

Stating that they are working to solve the problems in checks, Hisarcıklıoğlu, “Just as banks are able to see our complete credit history when giving us credit, you will also be able to see the financial record of the person we are selling on credit to and decide accordingly. Hopefully this application will enter into effect soon.”

- Modernization of customs gates

Talking about the Sarp Customs Gate modernization project they’ve undertaken, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that 210 million TL has been spent in the modernization of 6 customs gates. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The government did not spend 210 million TL in giving us this project. Not only that but they received 150 million USD in tax income. If you were to ask how this benefited our members is that the wait times at the customs gates were halved. This way, a yearly savings of 410 million TL was made by the private sector.”

- Giresun should utilize its advantage from incentives

Stating that Giresun has a great advantage as a 5th Zone for incentives, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This is a great opportunity, make good use of it. Everyone should see this in a positive light.”

Stating that a quarter of the world’s nut stock is produced in Giresun, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This is a great potential. Licensed warehousing needs to become widespread. Turkey Nut Products Specialized Exchange should be established and, hopefully, the price of nuts will be determined in our country.”

- Giresun port should be connected to the railroad

Pointing out the importance of the Ordu-Giresun airport project, Hisarcıklıoğlu touched on its importance for tourism and that the project would benefit both provinces. Requesting the construction of a railroad for Giresun and the region from the AK Party Group Deputy President Nurettin Canikli, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Giresun needs a railroad to connect it with the port. If it is constructed Giresun will have been properly crowned.”

Also making speeches following TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu were Giresun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO) President Hasan Çakırmelikoğlu, Giresun Trade Exchange Council President Mustafa Demirci, AK Party Group Deputy President Nurettin Canikli and Giresun Governor Dursun Ali Şahin.