Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In Hatay as Antakya Commodity Exchange President Mehmet Ali Kuseyri’s guest, Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin and the President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOOB), M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, paid a courtesy visit to the Hatay Governor, Mehmet Celalettin Lekesiz. The visit, which took place at the Governor’s offices, Justice Minister Ergin stated that TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu is the president of the largest real sector in Turkey and that TOBB contributes to society not just with economic endeavors but also social projects. Minister Ergin said that a fairer wind blows through Hatay with the presence of Hisarcıklıoğlu.

- Revolutionary changes

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the new Turkish Trade Law embodies the utmost revolutionary changes. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The new Turkish Trade Law will contribute greatly to trade. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to it.”

- Praise for Governor Lekesiz

Lavishing praise on the Hatay Governor Lekesiz, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the residents of Hatay are very lucky to have such a governor. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that there have been wonderful changes in Hatay thanks to Governor Lekesiz.

Presenting Hatay State Museum to his guests and providing information regarding the Historical Governorship Building, Governor Lekesiz presented TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu with a reed flute from the world’s bet flute reeds which grown in Samandağ. TOBB Board President Hisarcıklıoğlu presented him with a plaque.

During the visit, AK Party Hatay Representatives Mehmet Öntürk and Hacı Bayram Türkoğlu, Antakya Municipality Director Lütfü Savaş, Mustafa Kemal University (MKU) Rector Hüsnü Salih Güder, TOBB Board Members, ATSO President Hikmet Çinçin, HASİAD President Gülay Gül and department heads were also present.

- Antakya Commodity Exchange’s multipurpose hall opened to service

Ergin and Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the opening of the multipurpose hall for the Antakya Commodity Exchange (ATB) on the invitation of the President of ATB Mehmet Ali Kuseyri. In his speech, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We wanted to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our foundation in the city of many civilizations. This is a city where the members of many religions live in harmony. We are overjoyed to be here. We are here, as a community family, to celebrate this day with the members of our family. We are also presenting this multipurpose hall built by the Antakya Commodity Exchange to the residents of Antakya.”

- This is family solidarity

Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin expressed his pleasure in opening such a beautiful building and went on: “TOBB is the largest of NGOs. In this sense, it has the greatest responsibility in terms of social responsibility as an NGO. In this regard it holds a very important place in terms of both responsibility and joy. TOBB has come a long way, taken many important steps. This is family solidarity, a result of working shoulder to shoulder.”

After the visit to the governor’s office and the opening of the Antakya Commodity Exchange Multipurpose Meeting Hall, the opening of the Hatay ABİGEM was conducted.

- Gratitude for the mentality of the Turkish Trade Law

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin attended the dinner held by the Antakya Commodity Exchange (ATB) and Antakya Chamber of Commerce Industry (ATSO) in their honor and the Savon Hotel and the Antakya Civilizations Choir concert.

In his speech, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Minister Ergin has a very positive approach to solving the problems of the private sector in general, not just in Antakya –especially in regards to the amendments made to 1535 articles of the Turkish Trade Law, contributing greatly to participatory democracy.

- Every one of the 74 million are indispensable”

Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin said, “Turkey has, in the last 10 years, met with great opportunity in terms of social life, economy, future building, establishing infrastructure and competing regionally and globally.”

Stating that every member of the 74 million population is indispensable, Ergin went on to say that the private sector, public administration, central government, local administration and NGEs are undergoing a very important process and will continue to do so for the development of Turkey and Hatay.

- Civilizations Choir concert

ATB President Mehmet Ali Kuseyri and ATSO President Hikmet Çinçin gave speeches at the Antakya Civilizations Choir concert, which was met with great approval.

Mustafa Kemal University Rector Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Salih Güder related how the Antakya Civilizations Choir was nominated for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.

- Hisarcıklıoğlu signed the engagement letter for the school complex

After the speeches, Minister Ergin and Governor Lekesiz signed the engagement letter for the construction of a school complex in Antakya as promised by TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu. Afterwards, Minister Ergin, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu, Governor Celalettin Lekesiz and the National Assembly Representatives of the province cut the cake for the celebration of TOBB’s 60th anniversary.
​