Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech at the opening of the meeting, Hisarcıklıoğlu recalled that the chamber/exchange elections have been completed and expressed his well wishes regarding the results, stating that the positions are positions to serve and that they are working to help Turkey prosper.

Giving a presentation to the chamber and exchange presidents regarding TOBB’s works, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that TOBB is Turkey’s most democratic institution and stated, “Our chamber system was copied by Europe, not the other way around. We are the promoters of the chamber system worldwide. It all begins with the Ahi order in the 12th century whereas guilds surfaced around the 15th century.”

Stating that he saw great physical deficiencies in the infrastructure when he first came into office, the TOBB President said, “233 chambers/exchanges have constructed new service buildings. 132 chambers/exchanges have renovated their buildings.”

Emphasizing that physical infrastructure is necessary for prestige but not sufficient, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that they also saw deficiencies in regards to the level of service and that, to this end, they implemented the Accreditation system to increase the quality of service in chambers and exchanges. Reporting that 131 chambers and exchanges have won their 5 stars to date, the TOBB President stated that the services provided at these accredited chambers/exchanges is, in regards to quality, on par with any you would find in London, Paris or Madrid.

Drawing attention to the fact that the number of entrepreneurs need to be increased in order to prosper, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, enterprise is a necessity for prosperity and finding employment for 750,000 new people who join the work force each year.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stressed the importance of women and young entrepreneurs. He requested of the guest presidents that they closely care for the young and women entrepreneurs in their provinces and counties, to motivate them and to take affirmative action to increase their numbers.