Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği

Making sure to attend the event every year conditions permitting, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I see so many success stories here. This gives me a different kind of morale and energy. I'm talk about you and your accomplishments in 80 provinces. I want them to emulate you. I’m giving you publicity, just so you know.”

Emphasizing that thinking together and acting together brings success, the TOBB President said, “This is one of the main reasons for the success in Kocaeli. In Kocaeli, all the companies work together towards a common goal, so they always achieve good results. You are the pride of Turkey in industry. Industry share of Kocaeli’s economy is 51%, contributing 13% of the national industry sector volume. Kocaeli conducts 17% of Turkey's foreign trade by itself. Kocaeli is competing with whole countries in international trade. Kocaeli ranks 58^th worldwide with its trade volume. Kocaeli is 2^nd in taxes paid and 1^st in tax collection in Turkey.”

You are among Turkey's most successful provinces with all the employment, port capacity, OIZs, R&D capacity, high-tech production, patent numbers and your vocational training capacity you provide. We are proud of Kocaeli's achievements. Kocaeli is the pride of Turkey.”

Stating that they are going through a turbulent period as the Turkish business community, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that they’ve been to nearly 30 cities in Anatolia and they’re keeping an eye on their members and their problems. Stating that they are conducting their visits along with the Turkey Banks Union, the TOBB President reported that they’ve held the tenth meeting in Kocaeli, noting all the problems one by one and conveying them to the relevant ministers, and demanding address.

Stressing that they are in constant consultation with the government and the economy management, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Tax deductions requested by our chambers in 4 sectors have been realized. Short working allowance was activated. SSI premiums debts received a maturity date of 60 months for eligible taxpayers of good standing. The liquidation and transfer contracts bill regarding our companies which enter public tenders and caused increased costs was sent to the National Assembly. All these measures stimulate the market and boost trade. We believe that this turbulent period is temporary. Because the foundations of Turkey's economy are robust. We also saw the concrete evidence of this last month.”

Also attending the Award Ceremony were Istanbul Governor Hüseyin Aksoy, TOBB Vice President Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, Turkey Banks Union President Hüseyin Aydın and many chamber/exchange presidents.