Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

During TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu’s late night Tekirdağ TSO visit, in attendance were, TOBB Board member and Tekirdağ TSO Chairman Cengiz Günay, Tekirdağ TSO Council President Mustafa Özden, Tekirdağ TSO Board Members, Council Members and the chamber and exchange presidents from neighboring counties.

In his assessment during the visit, Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out the importance of Tekirdağ as a center for agriculture and livestock farming. During the first 4 months of this year, Turkey’s exports increased by 9% while Tekirdağ saw an increase of 150% said Hisarcıklıoğlu and stressed the importance of trade with neighboring countries.

- Cities are competing instead of countries

Stating that the competition between cities is gaining prominence in the place of countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Cities are determining their own paths. Tekirdağ must also do the same.” Pointing out Gaziantep as an example, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized the trade Gaziantep has with its neighbors as a significant factor in its success and stated that Tekirdağ has important opportunities.

Emphasizing the importance of the insurance system in order to deal with issues encountered in revenue collection, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We must reclaim trading on credit from being an economic bog; we must focus on how to market our goods cheaper and better.”

During the Tekirdağ TSO visit TOBB Board member and Tekirdağ TSO Chairman Cengiz Günay, Tekirdağ TSO Council President Mustafa Özden also gave speeches welcoming the various guests. Hisarcıklıoğlu listened to the problems of the attending businessmen during the last portion of the meeting and answered their questions.