Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the accreditation of 54 Chambers and Exchanges have also been renewed, “Additionally one of our Chambers has also raised its accreditation level. In fact, they’ve transformed and developed themselves.

They have become centers of production and service for the real sector. They produce projects; they are gateways abroad; they are sector opinion leaders through hard work. Here is the secret of the 5 stars. Today 5-star chambers and exchanges have reached the level of those in London, Paris and Berlin in terms of service quality. They serve their members at least on par with the standards of those chambers and exchanges. In other words, they are documenting that their standards are up to world standards.”

The certification ceremony for the “Accreditation System”, initiated in order to increase the institutional capacity of chambers and commodity exchanges and to improve the service quality offered to members, was held at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB).

In his speech, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that many of the issues raised with the government are being addressed with a view to improving the business and investment environment.

Expressing that all these developments are positive and promising for the future, Hisarcıklıoğlu went on:

“Hopefully in 2017, there will be hope instead of uncertainty for the real sector; we would like to thank our government for showing that it stands with the real sector in these difficult times. As the chamber and commodity exchange community, we strongly believe in the dynamism of our country and our private sector.

- Steps in employment

Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating that they have taken important steps in the field of employment, added, “In the last 10 years, our country has created 7 million additional jobs - so an average of 700,000 people are employed every year. Our aim is to increase this capacity to 2 times with employment mobilization. One of the major problems was the financial burden of taxation and SSI premium on employment.”

Emphasizing that the burden on employers for new employment has been alleviated by the regulations, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that this is a great advantage.

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that the troubles experienced in the economy can be overcome trough unity:

“Because, we stand with this nation; we stand with this country. I will call on private sector through you. Create -at least one new job for the future of Turkey. This is not just an economic or social event. It is the security and stability of our country.

After the attempted coup d'état of July 15^th, our country has engage in a national struggle, and the private sector must also be race to create jobs in 2017. At the moment, our governors in 81 provinces, our Chambers, Commodity Exchanges and Organized Industrial Zones are coordinating and information meetings in will start shortly.

- Customs and Trade Minister Bülent Tüfenkci

Customs and Trade Minister Bülent Tüfenkci stated that the real sector is represented by chambers and commodity exchanges.

Tüfenkci stated that the provision of certain standards in service and production has been practiced throughout history and that “Akhism system is one of the best examples of this. Every step of production in Akhism as been tied to certain standards and rules. It is important for us to have the service of our chambers for their members at certain standard. To this end, do not consider as just a good will gesture.”

Tüfenkci stated that chambers and commodity exchanges are especially trying to reduce red tape and bureaucracy, “We have to work more; we need to get rid of paperwork; we have to do what we can give more to the country.”

Following the speeches, chambers and commodity exchanges which have become accredited received their certificates.