Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech here, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they came to Afyonkarahisar for good deeds and said, “First of all, we will open the new representative office of our Chamber here. Afterwards, we will activate the Mediation Center established within our Chamber.”

Emphasizing that Afyonkarahisar and İscehisar are the capital cities of marble, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Türkiye's largest Marble Specialized OIZ is here. Our Chamber has also registered Afyon Marble as a geomarker. You have a brand that is known worldwide. Even in St. Peter's Basilica, the most important church in the Vatican, the marbles of İscehisar were used.”

Pointing out that Türkiye has a great wealth and advantage in this field with 300 kinds of marble and 200 kinds of travertine, the TOBB President continued: “We are the world leader in block marble. Our exports exceeded 2 billion dollars, 60 percent of which were in stratified processed form. Although Italy and China are ahead of us in processed marble, we are also in development in this area. On the other hand, we are facing a slowdown in China, our largest market, and a global recession. In the domestic market, our construction sector has not yet fully recovered.

In addition to these, we are also under the influence of the increase in electricity and fuel prices in the recent period. We have problems that increase costs such as licensing, fees and government rights. In addition, when issuing a license in a province or region, local governments and the sector here, in other words, you, should have a say through our Chamber. Because you know the field best. Both supply planning is done and negative impressions are not caused in the public opinion.

On the other hand, there are things we need to do in terms of added value in our sector. We sell block marble for 20 cents, layer marble for around 40 cents, while Italy sends processed marble for $2. Despite all the troubles, product processing and quality in the sector are increasing, the number of countries to which exports are made is growing. We have a long way to go in this sector. We will continue to work together both for the development of this region and for the meeting of our country's foreign exchange needs.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they conveyed all the troubles and problems to the relevant Ministries together with Afyon CCI and that they followed up, “At this point, let's never forget this. We are the voice of our members and become their interpreters. This is the duty given to us by law. The executive authority and responsibility belongs to our government. When they are one and together, Allah gives mercy and blessings. Let's not marginalize each other. Let's not exclude anyone because of their beliefs or their opinions.”