Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Speaking to the press following the meeting, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they have visited Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım to congratulate him on his appointment as the TOBB Board of Directors as well as having the opportunity to exchange views and ideas with him.

Drawing attention to the fact that Turkey must prepare plans for all eventualities, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “In this regard, the steps taken by our government have been met with admiration. We’ve expressed our gratitude in this matter; especially the recent policy of increasing friends and decreasing enemies - the consequent normalization of relations with Russia and Israel. This new era will reflect positively on many sectors, especially the tourism sector.”

Emphasizing that TOBB has also increased its speed in regards to work on diplomatic economy endeavors, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that reforms are necessitated by increasing global competition, “The first great news in regards to the improvement of the investment environment was delivered to us by the Prime Minister last week. We view these reforms quiet favorably in regards to the interaction of our country with international corporations.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they’ve conveyed the problems of the economy and their suggestions of the Turkish business community, “We chiefly focused on incentivizing new investments into Turkey as well as exports. We’ve also provided suggestions on transitioning to high tech production, improving our international image, tourism and vocational training. Another important issue is ensuring that our Eastern and Southeastern provinces become centers of attraction. The Prime Minister listened to us with patience and stated that he would consider all the information we’ve relayed to him.”

- Private sector delegation to Egypt

In reply to press questions, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that a delegation would visit Egypt, “We’ve been there before and we hope to go there again soon as the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey as we’ve been invited back. The date has not been finalized.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the delegation would be comprised of private sector representatives.

Hisarcıklıoğlu, in reply to a question regarding which other countries they would focus on in regards to diplomatic economy endeavors, said that efforts would be focused on Russia, Israel, the EU, the USA and Palestine.

He went on to state that the necessary environment for a delegation does not yet exist in Syria.

President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that their suggestions regarding Eastern and Southeastern provinces would be announced by Prime Minister Yıldırım if approved.