Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that with the reforms and stability started by President Erdoğan, the private sector has undertaken new enterprises and have achieved success on a global scale in many sectors.

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that Turkey has become the strongest and most developed economy of its region, “Just last year, the private sector provided jobs to 760,000 new people. We invested 205 billion TL in hardware and equipment. Despite the global slump, our exports reached 145 billion USD. After the 2008 crisis, European Union countries failed to increase employment; on the contrary, 4 million people lost their jobs. With your support, we hope to achieve our goal of 1.5 million in yearly employment. We will make Turkey a 2 trillion USD economy; we will increase our exports to 500 billion USD. We will make Turkey one of the 10 largest economies in the world.”

Drawing attention to the fact that Turkey has provided jobs to 6 million citizens since the global economic crisis, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the private sector is not only growing the economy, but also keeping the akhism and lodge traditions alive.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the business community is on the side of peace and stability in the country, reiterating their request for obstacles to achieving new success stories to be abolished. Stating the need for reforms in justice, job market, education, taxation and public administration in order to ensure fair competition, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that these are the fields which they anticipate a focus on in the future.

Stressing that access to financial tools for the business community is problematic, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Our business is left without prosperity. Banks should act with restraint and conscience. Banks must abandon their ‘always me’ attitude.”

- “Let’s enact our new constitution together”

Pointing out that they were the first to express need for a new constitution, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that they’ve held meetings with nearly a total of 7,000 participants on this issue.

Stating that the necessity of a democratic constitution which conforms to universal standards and is in compliance with EU norms is accepted by everyone, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “[Citizens] are ready to embrace a new constitution which the National Assembly will put together. Then let’s enact a new constitution which preserves the democratic, secular and social structure of our state, under the rule of law which better suits our country, people and civilization.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu drew attention to the need to support entrepreneurs who have been affected by terrorism, “There are businesspeople in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia who are unable to open their stores for business. These people have cheques, credit and bonds due; they have taxes to pay. This is a major problem which they are facing. They’ve stood by the government to prop up the economy in their region and their problems should be solved.”

In regards to acts of terror taking place in the region, Hisarcıklıoğlu said:

“Your ancestors tried this 8 centuries ago with the crusades, trying 9 times and losing. Nearly a century ago, our grandfathers prevented another attempt, driving them into the sea. We will not allow it today either. We’ve made this region our home for a millennium. We have nowhere else we want to go and we have no intention of going either. Get smart; these efforts are in vain. You will not succeed in dividing our country and nation. You will not separate 78 million people; you will not cause brother to fight brother. Turkey belongs to us.”

- President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in his speech, “Thankfully we are not facing a crisis in regards to the economy right now. However we cannot adopt the mentality that making do or considering the current deficit a profit or being satisfied with what we have is suitable. This is the time to work towards greater goals in all fields from infrastructure to investment or to commerce.”

Stating that he believes the members of TOBB are doing their share in reaching the 2023 goals, President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “The current day representation of the akhism movement, TOBB is working to live up to its heritage.”

President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his pleasure in the fact that every time they meet with TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, businesspeople or representatives of tradesmen, they search for solutions together.

Stating that Turkey has chosen to courageously face the obstacles and the crises it has encountered in the last 13 years instead of drawing in on itself, Erdoğan went on:

“That is what we need to do today. Thankfully we are not facing a crisis in regards to the economy right now. However we cannot adopt the mentality that making do or considering the current deficit a profit or being satisfied with what we have is suitable. This is the time to work towards greater goals in all fields from infrastructure to investment or to commerce. Public spending will not decrease; on the contrary, it will increase. The private sector should not stop investing; it should roll up its sleeves for even more investment. It should scour the globe for virgin markets. The tourism sector will seek new ways to attract tourists. This is how we will fight to carry Turkey forward and to increase growth.”

- “I believe in TOBB’s power”

Stating that he views TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu’s promise to provide new jobs for 1.5 million people every year as a new leap forward, Erdoğan thanked TOBB. Underlining the importance of this, Erdoğan stated that with an increasing population, jobs for 1.5 million unemployed by TOBB with its 1.4 million members will provide a new boost for both employers and the country.

Stating that he believes TOBB has the power to bring this about, Erdoğan said, “Every member will on average employ one new person. That’s how simple it is. As a market man, that’s how I see it. You can achieve this. I believe that you have the power to achieve this. Every person who I’ve spoken personally to has given me their word to do it.”

Emphasizing the need for an economy bureaucracy to grant greater leeway to the business community, to provide it with support, Erdoğan went on:

“Especially in regards to finances, the problems which were encountered, I expect my insistence on lowering interest rates which I have voiced at every opportunity to be heeded more diligently. The banking sector’s approach to the real sector is at times reminiscent of killing a golden egg laying goose. This is not acceptable. The finance and banking sectors need to open the way for entrepreneurs. This will be done by lowering interest rates. Profit from quantity. If you kill all your chickens you’ll be left with none. This is a step which needs to be taken. Economy is a field in which all actors benefit together. If you try to be the only one who benefits, you’ll see all avenues of profit dry up.”

- Green passports

Touching on the issue of green passports Erdoğan stated that issue would be one for the new government to move on following May 22^nd.

- Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkci

Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkci stated in his speech that they’ve complete many structural reforms, “One of the most important will be completed in the coming term. Once we solve the system issue, we will move ahead with the presidential system and new constitution.

Tüfenkci stated that while commerce shrinks globally, Turkey continues to grow, stating that underlying this success is the understanding of economy and politics lead by President Edoğan’s.

Stating that they’ve facilitated trade and automated all customs gates, Tüfenkci said, “We’ve ensured that operations at customs gates will be completed faster. By increasing Turkey’s international competitive power, we will continue to grow our economy. We’ve accomplished things not even dreamed of by even AKP governments.”