Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

“During the March 30^th 2014 local elections, our nation has taken part in the elections in a mature manner with a high participation percentage and has once again stake its claim in democracy.

The reflection of the national will on the ballot has begun a new era in local administration.

It is my hope that, as our country moves towards its 2023 goals – having put forth its free will – the elections will be beneficent for our nation and hope for the success of the newly elected administrators.

As the election period comes to an end, we must refocus on economy and structural reforms. Focusing on the real sector, we must recognize production and exports as a national matter and increase them accordingly.

In a global environment of increasing competition, the lessening of the burdens of the real sector as well as lowering its costs should be one of our priorities.

I’ve always emphasized that the path to make our nation richer and more prosperous is through stability and peace. Peace brings trade; trade brings prosperity. That is why we must all rise above daily instabilities and focus on business.

Alternatively, today’s announcement of 4% growth in 2013 shows that Turkey’s mid-term growth trend goals are still in line with projections. Especially the hardware investments of the private sector during the last quarter of 2013 resulting in over a 1% contribution to this is a very positive development indeed. This is the most important indicator of the private sector’s confidence in our country and economy.

It is our greatest hope that, in order for the investments to increase in an environment of increasing global competition, the solutions to the problems of the investors will be prioritized.”