Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Global markets are unable to regain their former vigor. Decreasing goods prices are negatively impacting developing country economies. Drops in petroleum and natural gas prices are beneficial in that they lower our costs. However, we are conducting a third of our exports, 85% of our construction work, and half of our tourism with oil/gas exporting countries.”

The 11^th Term Accreditation Certificate Ceremony was hosted by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu at the TOBB Twin Towers with the attendance of Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkci.

Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that while energy costs are decreasing, foreign currency attracting businesses are experiencing difficulties and emphasized the need for a technological renovation in Turkey, “We need a new growth story. We need a new industrial policy. We see that the government sees eye to eye with us in this matter. To this end, we put great importance on the 25 Prioritized Transformation Program and the 2016 Action Plan.”

Stating that Turkey finds itself in a very tumultuous region, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the developments in Syria and Iraq are affecting the whole region’s balance.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the effects of these developments are felt keenly by the business community, stressing the fact that this is not just an economy issue.

“We held a consultation meeting with the Prime Minister with the chamber and exchange presidents from the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions. It is very gratifying to see the Prime Minister’s honest approach in that the issue would be resolved through sensibility and determination.”

- “Immensely proud”

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the number of certified chambers and exchanges has increased to 224 and that he is immensely proud of this, “Our 5-star chambers and exchanges have reached service quality on par with any you might find in London, Paris or Berlin. That is the minimum quality of service they provide to their members. This is the most concrete proof that 224 of TOBB’s 365 chambers and exchanges provide above standard service.”

- Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkci

At the 11^th Term Accreditation Certificate Ceremony held at the TOBB Twin Towers, Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkci stated that the Akhism system required production to be at certain level or be barred from trade.

Emphasizing that the Ministry is hard at work to reduce bureaucracy, Tüfenkci stated that this is done in order to facilitate exports by and the development of the business community.

TOBB Board Vice President and Accreditation Council Chair Halim Mete stated that the accreditation system is enabling chambers and exchanges to elevate the quality of their services. Reporting that 61% of chambers and exchanges have become 5-star, Mete stated that the goal is to reach 100%.

Following the speeches, Minister Tüfenkci and Hisarcıklıoğlu presented presidents of chambers and exchanges with their certificates.