Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The award ceremony held by the Tokat Chamber of Industry and Commerce was conducted in the Tokat Atatürk Culture Palace. Giving a speech at the ceremony, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the way to prosperity was through increasing the number of entrepreneurs said, “We must rouse women and young entrepreneurs.” Drawing attention to the lack of establishments of 100-150 years, TOBB president requested that there be no discrimination and spoke; “Do not leave a legacy of inequality and unfairness. A fortune built on inequality and unfairness will not last. If you want peace in the afterlife your inheritance must be shared out in equality and fairness.”

- “Growth came with the private sector”

Reporting that Turkey has achieved a world record in growth in the first quarter, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The real heroes behind this growth are you. It wouldn’t be out of place if we were to give you all medals and carry you on our shoulders.”
Stating that the disparity between imports and exports must be addressed with all haste, Hisarcıklıoğlu touched on the issue of unemployment. Saying that unemployment figures have regressed to 9.9, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the main reason behind unemployment was a lack of vocation.

- “Vocational high schools were sacrificed for preacher high schools”

On the subject of vocational high schools, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that vocational high schools were sacrificed for preacher high schools. Reporting that vocational high school graduates were unhappy, M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “They feel like second rate citizens. We have blocked them off.”

Giving information on the Ability’10 vocational training and employment project, Hisarcıklıoğlu issued a call to employers and the unemployed to take advantage of this chance. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that employers have a chance to lower their employment costs by 20% and the unemployed have a chance to receive vocational training and finding employment.

- Current deficit issue

Hisarcıklıoğlu, on the current deficit issue, said that industry products have increased by 13% but the import of intermediary goods have risen by 33%. He asked exporters to focus on product entry and not the levels of foreign currency.
Talking on the methods of earning wealth, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that partnership culture, institutionalization, becoming a brand and innovation are important factors for acquiring wealth. “You must be a big producer or a big buyer or a big seller. You cannot break a glass with sand but if you put the sand in a bag and throw it at the window it will break.”

On the Political Parties and Election Law, the TOBB President stated the need to strengthen the bonds between voters and electives, “Delayed justice is injustice. Today the most straightforward court case takes 2 years to reach a conclusion.” He went on.

- Tokat economy

Assessing the economy data from Tokat, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Tokat needs to focus on connecting the railways between Turhal and the province center as well as between Tokat and the Black Sea.

Stating that Tokat has great potential for livestock, agriculture and tourism as well as saying that Tokat’s access to 6% of the world’s marble reserves was an important asset. The TOBB President pointed out the lack of infrastructure in Tokat, saying, “If there is no grass there is no milk, if there is no milk there is no meat. Don’t forget that.” Remind that Tokat has 1.2 billion Turkish Liras in the bank Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Tokat had a bright future.

Tokat Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ahmet Arat also made a speech touching on several issues. Ahmet Arat also requested from Hisarcıklıoğlu that a Credit Guarantee Fund office be opened in Tokat.
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