Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu, in his speech at the Accreditation Certificate Ceremony held at the TOBB Twin Towers, stated that it is very important that the business world continues to improve itself in the rapidly developing and transforming world, and that the accreditation system has transformed the chambers and exchanges themselves.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that chambers and exchanges have been transformed from working with typewriters to digital systems, and today they can provide service in 17 languages.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the chambers and exchanges have so far provided over 800 million TRY in project support and said, “Our accredited chambers and exchanges carry out projects with 28 countries' chambers. In fact, with the projects they undertake, they receive awards in the competitions in which all the world's chambers and commodity exchanges take part. Chambers and exchanges have become centers which produce and offer services to our entrepreneurs in the best possible way. They have become opinion leaders for the real sector.”

- “No favoritism, no nepotism”

Stating that the chambers and commodity exchanges have been raised to world standards with the accreditation practice, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We do not provide this document. If we were to do so, we would just provide accreditation certificate to all 365 chambers and the commodity exchanges and guarantee ourselves a reelection. This is conducted by and independent, impartial institution. This means there is no favoritism, no nepotism. We have come to a point where we are exporting our system to the whole world. For example, there are requests from the Turkic Republics and the 57 Islamic countries. They want to learn our chamber/commodity exchange system. We have begun to share our information and experience with them. There are countries which have put our system into practice.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that last year, 115 chambers and commodity exchanges were accredited with 103 of them renewing their qualification. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “It is not just about attaining the qualification; they must also renew themselves.”

Stating that it is necessary to compile the demands of their members and companies in order to raise the level of quality, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We must what more they expect from us. We must be an active institution which provides quality as befits our community. Serving this community is in actuality a matter of national duty. I hope that we can carry our community and country to greater heights.”

- Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan

Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan stated in her speech that, throughout the policy-making process, the ministry attaches great importance to civil society's views and suggestions, and that they are working with the chambers and commodity exchanges for a stronger future for Turkey.

Minister Pekcan stated that they are aware of the importance of accreditation in the global economy of the 21^st century and said, “Accreditation means trust and quality; quality means brand. Today, trustworthy and high quality brands always stand out in competition.”

Pekcan said that today the concept of quality is not determined by just brand or country of origin but also standardization and accreditation. Pekcan said, “At a time when the service trade is rapidly developing, accreditation in the service field becomes even more important than the trade in goods. Therefore, I find this initiative by TOBB extremely important. In such a competitive order, accreditation of our chambers and exchanges is extremely important. Accreditation is an important indicator that our chambers and exchanges offer reliable and quality service. In the future, strengthening our chambers and exchanges, which are very important for our country's economy, is one of our main objectives. We need strong chambers and exchanges that provide quality services for a stronger economy, comply with the European and world chamber and commodity exchange system; offer reliable fast solutions to the demands and needs of its members, ensure its reliability in the eyes of the business world and always improve itself. A stronger Turkey means a strong economy, strong chamber exchange, strong traders and industrialists. With this in mind, we must ensure that all of our chambers and exchanges are accredited by fulfilling the necessary conditions.”

- “Our goal is first class service”

TOBB Accreditation Board Chairman Faik Yavuz stated that they brought the accreditation system to Turkey by examining the chamber structures throughout the world and that their goal is to provide a first class service to their members.

Stating that the accreditation is one of the most important steps in this endeavor, Yavuz said that the connection between members and chambers are strengthening day by day.

Yavuz reported that a total of 269 chambers and the commodity exchanges have been accredited and that their goal is to attain accreditation of all 365 chambers and commodity exchanges.

During accreditation inspections, Konya Chamber of Industry, Çorlu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Kızıltepe Commodity Exchange ranked first in their respective categories.