Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the ceremony had become a tradition, providing extraordinary amounts of positive energy.

The TOBB President reported that all 4 chambers in Kocaeli are accredited chambers as well as pointing out that Kocaeli is the most successful province in regards to the UMEM Ability’10. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Kocaeli is, in regards to the number of companies established in the first 10 months of 2014, 33% ahead of the national average; there are 34 Kocaeli companies registered with the İstanbul SO’s top 500 companies, while if those headquartered in İstanbul are also taken into account, this number would increase to 87.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the fluctuations in exchange rates during the last week have caused worry for industrialists working with foreign currency. Hisarcıklıoğlu provided information on the current status of the global economy and stressed the importance of maintaining stability in all regions as any negativity is reflected on all parts of the system.

“Let Russia be an example for us all,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu and went on, “Natural gas and petroleum are meaningless; petroleum has dropped to 60$ from 100$. Russia was a country of current surplus. It lost 500 billion $ of its reserves, exhausting them – dropping 2 places where once it aspired to become the strongest economy of the world.”

- Minister Işık

The Minister for Science, Industry and Technology, Fikri Işık drew attention to the speed at which everything is changing in the modern world, touching on new production models to alternative energy sources to business methods.

Stating that 2023 goals are their greatest source of motivation, Işık stressed the importance of maintaining political and economic stability; pointing out that there is still a long road to go.

Kocaeli governor Hasan Basri Güzeloğlu stated, that with each passing day, Kocaeli contributes a greater amount to Turkey’s prosperity and greatness.