Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech, M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), said that a historic opportunity had been seized to solve one of Türkiye’s most chronic problems.

Noting that the Commission and the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye were involved in the process with the widest possible participation, Hisarcıklıoğlu expressed his hope that this constructive atmosphere would be maintained.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that dialogue and consultation are in everyone’s best interest, saying, “Of course, we don’t have to agree on everything, but we are all responsible for making a Terrorism-free Türkiye a reality. We should view contributing to this auspicious process, which will be an important turning point in Türkiye’s march toward the future, as a national stance. We must not allow this opportunity to be wasted.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that terrorism disrupts the investment environment, hinders production, increases unemployment, and damages the country’s reputation. He noted that where there is terrorism, there is no trust, and the economy does not grow. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that terrorism threatens both the peace of the nation and the future of the country, saying, “That is why we say that the fight against terrorism is not only the duty of the security forces but also our common duty. The duty of the business world is to produce, create employment, and invest. However, these are only possible in a country where there is peace, security, and democracy. Where there is no peace, there is no trade, and where there is no trade, there is definitely no wealth. So, if we want to be rich, we will pave the way for trade.”

Listing the negative effects of terrorism, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We absolutely do not want the continuation and recurrence of the significant economic, social, and psychological losses that have resulted. We have no doubt that our nation’s representatives in Parliament are aware of the responsibility they have taken on with great sensitivity.”

Pointing out the importance of reconciliation, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Achieving the goal of a Terrorism-free Türkiye within this vision will significantly reduce risk factors, revitalize the trade and investment climate, and bring many new positive gains. Strengthening peace, stability, and trust in our country will open new opportunities in the economy. It will create new job opportunities, particularly in agriculture, tourism, border trade, and exports in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia. For example, the stone houses in Mardin, the walls of Diyarbakır, Van Castle, Göbeklitepe in Şanlıurfa, and many others will be tremendous attractions for tourists. The resumption of agricultural and livestock activities in rural areas will increase the income of the local population and slow down migration. At the same time, the Development Road Project, one of Türkiye’s strategic goals, will gain significant momentum.

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out the importance of strengthening peace and security, stating, “The growth of trade with Iraq, Iran, and Syria will increase our commercial integration with these countries and make Türkiye a regional economic leader. The region’s young population will be the driving force behind the transformation that will begin here. Young people supported by vocational training programs can also contribute to economic revitalization by being employed in the industrial and service sectors.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that there is no problem that cannot be solved on the basis of democracy and the rule of law, adding, “Therefore, Türkiye must also have a well-functioning, accountable, transparent, first-class democracy, and its unitary structure must be preserved.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the goal of a Terrorism-free Türkiye has created a positive atmosphere and excitement among the majority of citizens, but that certain developments abroad, particularly in Syria, have caused “uncertainty.” Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “There is a need for all of this to be clarified and for the process to proceed transparently. Progress will be achieved and uncertainties reduced in the National Assembly, where the will of the nation is represented, through compromise and finding common ground. The important thing is to seek ways to reach agreement and maintain consultation until the end of the process. Democracy is the solution to all problems. The solution lies with the Grand National Assembly.”

(A.A.)