Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded that TOBB, with its 1.5 million members, is that umbrella organization of the Turkish business world and described the chambers system as a reflection of the Akhism system of 900 years. Stating that they put great importance on increasing the human capital, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that they take on projects to this end.

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that they have focused on opportunities, reconciliation, and the greater good since they’ve taken office and said, “Let us not forget how far we’ve come, the difficulties we’ve had to overcome and know that we have the potential, conviction and determination to do so much more. We have a long way to go yet.”

Stating that they aim to surpass the target of modern civilization as set forth by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Hisarcıklıoğlu stressed the fact that, in order to achieve this, 700,000 new jobs need to be created each year and an average growth rate of at least 7% is necessary.

- “We must continue with the reforms”

Stating that Turkey’s greatest asset is not petroleum but an entrepreneurial spirit, Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that upheaval and chaos in the Middle East persists and it is necessary to continue enacting reforms for a richer, happier and more free country, “In order to reach these goals we must ensure peace and prosperity without excluding a single person.”

- Presidential Candidate Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu

Presidential Candidate Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu said, “I know that this Sunday, the ballot will present us with a great surprise, just as it did in 1950 and 1983. This will be the vote of the silent masses.”

Being the joint candidate of two parties in the parliament, İhsanoğlu stated that he himself is not a member of any parties and went on to address rumors that he was “on Israel’s side.” Stating that he has not received a medal from Israel but, quite the contrary, he has received one from Palestine.

- Business life requires peace

İhsanoğlu stated that peace and the rule of law are essential to the development of business life, economy and commerce in a country.

Stating that tension and fear permeate Turkey, İhsanoğlu stated that this is caused by internal as well external factors.

İhsanoğlu stated that the unfair distribution of wealth in Turkey is caused by greed, positing that the monopolistic economic trend is being reflected in politics.