Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Speaking at the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) General Assembly, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that standards are necessary for trade, “Quality and standards must be of a strong nature in order to ensure the creation of a strong industry. A new global rule states that a strong country is one with standards and one which defines standards. Defining standards means setting the rules of trade. That is why the TSE must take on a vital role. TSE should be among the standard defining institutions in the world.”​

Speaking at the meeting held for the 50th anniversary of the Financial Development Foundation (İKV) and attended by the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We will continue to work for Turkey’s EU membership just as we have done so far,” expressing determination on the matter of the EU accession process. Hisarcıklıoğlu also urged the government which will be formed following the elections to focus on the EU accession process.​

In a release regarding Mothers’ Day, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Mothers contribute greatly to the creation of a healthy social structure through the preservation of the holy institution of family. We owe a debt of gratitude to mothers who undoubtedly contributed the lion’s share to enabling our country to exist.”​

In a press release regarding May 9th Europe Day, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that today is the anniversary of the founding of the most important peace project in the world, the European Union.​

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, in a press release regarding the passing of Zeki Alasya stated that Alasya was mainstay of Turkish theater and Turkish cinema with great contributions in each field, “His place will not be easily filled. He has a place in all of our memories. Allah’s grace upon him.”​

B20 Turkey Business Community Leaders Forum was held in İstanbul hosted by B20 Turkey and TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu. Attending the Forum were President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan and prominent members of the Turkish business community.​

TOBB President and EUROCHAMBRES Vice President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu met with the European Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn.​

German Marshall Fund (GMF) Chair Karen Donfried visited TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu. As a part of the visit, views were exchanged in regards to the Turkey – EU – US current relations as well regional issues directly effecting these relations.​

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu received an honorary doctorate from Bayburt University.​

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that there is a great potential in human resources in Bayburt and said, “Bayburt’s most important quality is its success outside its own borders. Would that all of Turkey could be like Bayburt. Our goal is to develop and to prosper. Bayburt is 65th in Turkey in terms of social progress while it is 31st in habitability.”​