Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu, at the Gaziantep Province and Counties Chambers / Exchanges Joint Meeting at the Şehitkamil Culture and Congress Center, said that they were visiting the chambers and exchanges in Gaziantep following their elections to convey their well wishes.

Congratulating the industrial and commerce chambers and exchange presidents who came to office as a result of the recent elections, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “In the coming term, Anatolia must leap ahead.”

Expressing admiration for the fact that, for the first time in its history, the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) has elected 3 council members as well as Feriha Sağım as the first woman on the board of directors, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that he would like this example to encourage women in Turkey.

Reminding that the Prophet Mohammed’s wife was one of the most prominent traders of the era, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Waste is wrong.  We are educating our daughters with the resources of our nation and then tell them to ‘go sit at home’. Is this right? It is a sin. If we are Muslims, if we elect our Prophet as a role model, then we must follow his example.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu congratulated Cahit Nakıboğlu for his election to the chairmanship of the high council governing the 272 organized industry zones in Turkey and reporting that the fourth university to be established in Gaziantep by Sanko Holding has been passed in the Council of Ministers, extended his well wishes for it.

- “Gaziantep chambers and exchanges provide 5 star service”

Hisarcıklıoğlu claimed that TOBB is the most democratic institution in the country. Stating that, according to the most basic tenets of democracy, elections are held from the bottom up, Hisarcıklıoğlu drew attention to the fact that the highest number of votes cast following local and general elections are at the chamber and exchange elections.

Explaining that they are experiencing the most intense competition with the highest number of candidates in the history of TOBB, Hisarcıklıoğlu addressed the presidents present at the meeting hall and said, “The responsibility for the economy of Gaziantep now falls on your shoulders. It is your duty to carry the flag of success forward. You are a brand city of Turkey. You are representatives of a city held up as an example the most throughout Turkey. The architects of Gaziantep’s success are you and the masses you represent.”

Expressing his wishes that the solidarity of Gaziantep remains unbroken, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Your goals are greater. Everywhere I go, I point to you as an example and say ‘Masha’Allah!’ What underlies your success is the solidarity in Gaziantep.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the chambers and exchanges in Gaziantep are providing 5 star services. Providing information regarding TOBB’s activities as well, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the largest women and young entrepreneurs’ council have been established and went on, “We can see the results of that today. There is great experience in this hall, there is youth and women. If we can harness this well, no one can defeat us. That is what Gaziantep has accomplished. TOBB was the first to announce Turkey’s goal to become one of the top 10 economies of the world. Now, we want to increase the per capita income to 2.5 times what it is now; to make Turkey an industrial giant between Europe and Asia. We have been everywhere in Anatolia to rouse the people. Is it enough? It is not enough. Now, in the coming term, Anatolia needs to leap forward. You and the masses you represent will leap forward. Especially in Anatolia, you are the backbone of this movement. We must act with all due haste towards the country’s goal of prosperity. Antep is a role model in this aspect.”

Emphasizing that Gaziantep, which had an export volume of 620 million USD in 2002, achieved an export volume of 6 billion USD last year, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This is an extraordinary tale of success, but it’s still not enough. Antep must add more to its goals; it should aim to be a global city. I believe it will be a global city in 10 years. Investors will come here to form partnerships with you.”

- “An academic advisor in every city”

Hisarcıklıoğlu, providing information regarding TOBB’s ongoing activities as well as its new projects in the coming term, said that they are working to lower the interest rates of banks for SMEs to single digits.

Reporting that they have actualized the system to put sales on credit under a 0.4% insurance guarantee, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they will instate free legal counseling as well as incentives centers; move to further develop chambers and appoint an academic advisor to each city.

Stating that chambers and exchanges will be responsible for vocational training in all cities; that they will establish innovation centers; and that they will become gateways to the whole world, Hisarcıklıoğlu was presented with an embossed copper beaker by the presidents of the provincial and county chambers’ and exchanges’ presidents.

Speaking during the presentation of the gift, Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) Board President Adil Konukoğlu stated that all chambers and exchanges in Gaziantep and all of its counties will support Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu in the TOBB elections which will be held in August.

Also attending the meeting were GSO Council President Mustafa Topçuoğlu and members of the Board as well as the presidents and members of other chambers and exchanges.