Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu described Artvin in the words of Evliya Çelebi. Evliya Çelebi “I went to Artvin, a world of green; They offered coffee, but I could not find a flat surface to put the cup.” Hisarcıklıoğlu expressed his happiness to be in Artvin.

Expressing his appreciation of the entrepreneurs who contribute to Artvin’s economy, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I congratulate them. Because, we all know, we are in a troubled period. Despite all this, you survive in business and even reach this level. It's not everyone's cup of tea. For this reason, I take pride in all my entrepreneur friends. May Allah bless you for your work, effort, and value you add to Artvin.”

Pointing out that the Artvin Governor has been chosen Turkey's most successful governor, Hisarcıklıoğlu congratulated Governor Ömer Doğanay and also the Şavşat for its 'District of the Year' award.

Hisarcıklıoğlu also thanked the Mayor as well as the old and new chambers chairmen for their successful endeavors.

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “As you know, five months ago, chamber/exchange elections were held. Seçkin Kurt was elected as the chairman of the chamber. In addition, 80% of the chamber council changed. Two women members joined the council. Birsen Gültekin was also elected to the board. Keziban Küçük is the deputy chairman of the assembly. I congratulate them especially and wish them success. The chamber community is a relay race. We know that these duties are entrusted to us, we will not hold these offices permanently. The previous President, Mr. Kurtul Özel, carried out good works and carried the flag forward by taking it forward. I would like to thank him for his service to his community and Artvin. Now the task and responsibility is with Seçkin Kurt. I also believe that he will put great effort into the development and enrichment of Artvin. We decided to work with him in Ankara. Chairman Seçkin has taken on workload in one of the busiest units in TOBB, the Legislation Commission.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that elections are behind them and it is time to provide new services to Artvin and our country. “I believe that Artvin's future is bright. The Cankurtaran Tunnel, under construction for many years, has been opened. It is the road between Rize-Artvin-Ardahan; the second longest twin-tube tunnel in Turkey. With the Cankurtaran Tunnel, Artvin will be a logistics transit center and will enable the development of tourism. Rize-Artvin Airport has also opened. As TOBB, we are modernizing the Sarp Border Gate. Our work is almost complete. We hope to double its operation capacity upon completion.

- New phase in Respite Credits

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that a new step has been taken last week, saying, “We started a new phase in the TOBB Respite Credit. With all the chambers and exchanges in 81 provinces, TOBB has brought together all the resources we have. 22% of the interest rate, maximum 200,000 TRY, a period of 18 months including 6 months grace and the KGF guarantor for the loan. We made it easier to find collateral. Another important problem is the employment costs. We started the employment mobilization with our government to this end and it is still ongoing.

- Troubles are overcome through cooperation

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that incentives and supports are now more important than ever.

Currency, Interest, Inflation; Stating that all three are rising, TOBB President said, “There is a slowdown in the market. You're watching the press. Politicians and economists have been discussing this for a long time. Some of the reasons are from domestic sources, some from abroad. It's not our job to be involved in these discussions. We work not with the theoretical, but with the practical. We like to make concrete moves. That is why we have been in constant consultation with the government for the last month. Since we are constantly in touch with you, we are also communicating your troubles and suggestions directly. They will make the decisions that they deem appropriate, and they will implement them.”

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu underlined the necessity of unity and solidarity as a nation throughout this process. “Let’s not alienate each other. We have experienced dozens of crises and turmoil in the last 25 years, both internally and externally. We've overcome them all; we went on. I hope we will join together again and bring our country to the place it deserves. We will be among the largest economies in the world. May Allah bless you and may your successes be steadfast.”