Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hosted by Niğde CCI Chair Şevket Katırcıoğlu and Niğde Commodity Exchange Chairman Zafer Uyanık and attended by Bor CCI Chairman Nurettin Eriç and representatives of chambers and exchanges of the region and the business world, the Niğde Economy Awards Meeting was held at the Niğde Grand Hotel. TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu was the guest of honor at the meeting.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated this is his 8^th visit to Niğde and that his morale is boosted each time. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This is my hometown, too, and the residents of Niğde are my brothers. I do not say this out of politeness. Three years ago, the Mayor and the Municipal Assembly decided to grant me Niğde citizenship. I also received an honorary doctorate from Niğde University. Our university bears the name of the hero of national resistance against the perfidious July 15^th FETO coup attempt, the martyred Ömer Halisdemir. I will carry both these titles with pride,” and went on to praise the unity and solidarity of the province.

- Niğde's successes

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Niğde's Parliamentary Representatives, Governor, Mayor, Undersecretary, Chamber-Commoidty Exchange Chairs all stand together. If there is a unity, your will never lose.” Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that he is proud of the chamber and commodity exchange in Niğde, “One of Niğde’s strengths is that diligent, ambitious people are the exemplars of our sector. Our Niğde chairs are very active. Niğde’s chamber and commodity exchange are also both 5-star accredited. Niğde CCI established a techno-park together with the university. It's an endeavor of great vision. Niğde Commodity Exchange, together with KOSGEB, are training new entrepreneurs in Niğde. Bor CCI has applied for a geographical marker for the Bor Eggplant Stew. These are all very important things. May the grace of Allah be upon you all.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Niğde is one of the most active provinces of Turkey in MEYBEM. “Up to now, 243 people have been qualified in Niğde. I especially congratulate Niğde Ditaş. An institutional and meticulous company which has been very helpful to us. I hope to visit in person soon. I would also like to congratulate its Deputy General Manager and the Niğde Women Entrepreneurs Board Chairwoman Goncagül Bilen.

There was an issue that Niğde has been long waiting a solution to. The chamber and exchange chairmen asked the President and the Prime Minister in Ankara during the TOBB Economy in February and they have received results. The Ankara-Niğde highway tender which has been dragged on for years has finally been finalized, to be completed in 3 years. Hopefully, we now hope to obtain an airport in Niğde with the support of our Parliamentary Representatives. Niğde deserves the Ömer Halisdemir Airport.

Exports in Niğde increased by 14%, while Turkey's average grew by 8%. The number of protested bonds increased by 16% in Turkey, while it decreased by 13% in Niğde. The total number of bounced cheques in Turkey is 35% lower, while this number decreased by 54% in Niğde.”

- Every company is a star

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu spoke about the reforms demanded by chambers and commodity exchanges which have been brought to life. Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating that important works have been completed in the field of finance, said that 27,900 have people benefited from Respite Credits with an interest rate of 9.9%. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that KOSGEB provided credits of zero-interest 3-year terms to 260,000 companies and reported that the Credit Guarantee Fund is acting as guarantor for 313,000 companies for a total of 207bn TRY of credit.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they provided historical support for employment mobilization and that they’ve provided jobs to 1.6 million people in 6 months.

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that each company is a star in Niğde, “Each deserves a medal. I do not say this out of politeness. When there are so many troubles in the world, it is not for everyone to stand up and excel to such a degree. I am proud of you who added value to Niğde.”

- Niğde CCI President Katırcıoğlu

Niğde Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Şevket Katırcıoğlu said that they offered a much better service as an accredited chamber. Katırcıoğlu stated that they have been following the city’s problems in trade and industry and are working towards a solution. He also reported that they’ve contributed 40 million TRY for the TOBB Respite Credit campaign.