Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The meeting, held with TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu presiding, a presentation detailing TOBB’s work was made as well as assessments on the economic developments in Turkey and the world.

Having a chance to exchange ideas with the TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu, Council presidents presented their views and suggestions regarding their regions as well as on a national and global scale.

Speaking at the beginning of the meeting, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they moved with “the most beneficent of men is the one who is beneficent to others” in mind and called for support for the aid campaign to address the famine disaster in Africa. Thanking the chambers and exchanges for their support, Hisarcıklıoğlu urged for their continuation and said that the promotion of the campaign in the regions was paramount. Referring to criticism in the vein of “Aren’t there hungry people in Turkey?” he said, “There are no people dying from hunger in Turkey like in Africa. It’s hard to relate if you haven’t seen it. It is impossible to describe.”

Pointing out that Somalia is 99% Muslim, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “They speak the same language, share the same religion. When the prosperous nation of Somalia was faced with civil war it came face to face with hunger and death. When you fight amongst yourselves Allah takes away prosperity and abundance. Let this be a reminder to you. We must, first and foremost, care for our unity and solidarity.”

- We are a part of Turkey’s most democratic institution

Relating that TOBB is Turkey’s most democratic institution, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We all come from trade. We are elected with the votes of those we compete against. Can there be a more democratic structure than this?” Pointing out the importance of women and young entrepreneurs, the TOBB President said, “Don’t we all take the Prophet as an example for ourselves? The Revered Wife of our Prophet, Hatice Valide, was a trader. Then why shouldn’t your daughter also trade? Why don’t we take our Prophet as a role model?”

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized the importance of ABİGEMs for businessmen to reach financial and consultation resources and gave detailed information about KOBİ Inc. and the Credit Guarantee Fund.
​