Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Thanking everyone present in the hall, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “As TOBB President, this is my 53^rd visit to Kayseri. That does not include my personal visits. Every time I visit, I am greeted by a visage of unity and solidarity. Ministers, governor, parliamentary representatives, mayors and chamber and exchange presidents; everyone who shoulders responsibility for Kayseri is here, together. This is a boost of morale for the whole country. Sometimes you don’t know the value of what you have. You get a better view of things from the outside. I visit every one of the 81 provinces each year. I go to 30 countries on average annually. I see how everyone is doing. Be sure that there is no other city with a mindset like yours.

Stating that this meeting is different, the TOBB President said that Minister Özhaseki has been with them at every meeting ever since he was Melikgazi Mayor, Kayseri Greater Municipality Mayor, AK Party Vice Chairman and now as Minister and went on to congratulate him; extending his well wishes for both him and Kayseri.

“Minister Mehmet Özhaseki has contributed greatly to Turkey. He has caused a leap forward in urbanism. He has put forth great projects for Kayseri’s economy. If we are able to talk about Kayseri as a brand city, of its tourism and of Erciyes today, it is thanks to his contributions. Now, with his experience, he will serve all of Turkey. I wholeheartedly believe that a new urban vision will surface in Turkey as a result. On behalf of the Turkish private sector, I thank him and wish him success.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu also thanked former Economy Minister Mustafa Elitaş for his endeavors.

Expressing his pride in having Kayseri as his home province, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported the 40% of the global economy is centered in 600 cities, that these cities direct the economy; he stated that Kayseri will become one of these cities.

Reporting that Kayseri has increased its national income by 115% in the last 15 years, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that this stems from its enterprising spirit, unity and solidarity.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Kayseri needs to transition to advanced technology, improve its access to ports, improve e-commerce, adopt a country based incentive system and build a rapid train system between itself, Antalya and Cappadocia in order to become one of these 600 cities.

Stating that education is another vital component of success, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Kayseri is an exemplary city in this respect. 85% of its educational facilities have been built by Kayseri without taking any money from the government. The most preferred university following those in İstanbul and Ankara is here. We must continue investments and branding with all haste. If we achieve our goals, Kayseri will become one of the most important cities in the world.”