Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Stating that it is his 14^th visit to Rize, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I visit every year because this is our home. Three members of the TOBB board are from Rize. Vice Chairs Ali Kopuz and Halim Mete are from Rize. Board Member Salih Zeki Murzioğlu is from Rize. My wife’s family is from Rize. We visit Rize every year.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that their love has never been unrequited, stating that Rize has done everything for the future. Talking about Rize’s important investments for the future, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the Sarp Border Gate is being modernized via public-private sector cooperation.

Hisarcıklığolu stated that the modernization has been completed diligently but is now unable to deal with the TIR traffic which increased by 5 times and will be renovated as per President Erdoğan’s order.

Touching on TOBB’s efforts in regards to education in Rize, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We’ve constructed a primary school. We’ve built a fully equipped science high school. As per President Erdoğan’s order, we’ve built a religious high school. We hope to conduct the opening of that as well.”

- Rize TSO and Rize TB provide important services

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Rize Commodity Exchange are providing their members with service on par with the best their counterparts all over the world have to offer; that they’ve established the Tea R&D Center and have lead the way for the establishment of the OIZ.

Hisarcıklıoğlu congratulated the Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Rize Commodity Exchange chairmen and board members as well as their councils for their selflessness for Rize.

Thanking the traders and industrialists of Rize present, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “They don’t profit solely for themselves, they contribute to their city. I congratulate the companies who receive awards today for their investments, production, job creation and exports.”

- “The face of Turkey has changed”

Stating that the Turkish economy and private sector have become a global brand, the TOBB President said, “We are doing business in one of the most difficult regions of the world and continuing to grow the economy. The private sector’s success owes greatly to by the reforms and stability moves made under the leadership of the President of the Republic. Thanks to this process, the face of Turkey has changed.

There is no reason to look far away. You can see how far Turkey has come by looking at Rize. I first visited here in 2001. I see it has progressed every time I visit. The Black Sea Coast Roadway has been completed. Sarp Border Gate has been modernized; it will be made even larger now. The Ovit Tunnel has been completed which connects the Black Sea to the south. The OIZ has been completed and has begun drawing in invetments. The Rize-Artvin Airport has been added to the investment program. The Logistics Center project has reached the tender stage. These investments will be completed within three to five years. Then, Rize, already famous for its people and tea, will be a global brand in tourism, industry and logistics.

You couldn’t even dream of this before. The visionary architect of all of this, the President of the Republic is here with us today. I thank him on behalf of the private sector and the people of Rize.”

- President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that they will reach ther their goal once all 81 provinces of Turkey progress, develop, grow in production, employment and exports, “If only one part of the country goes forward there will be no balance. Rize will overcome this.”

Reporting that the Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be handing out awards for highest institutional tax paid, 40 years of service, individuals and companies who entered into the 500 largest industry institutions of Turkey, Erdoğan congratulated everyone who has been deemed worthy of award for their services to Rize and Turkey.

After President Erdoğan’s speech award winners were presented with their awards.