Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Changing World and New Opportunities for Erzurum Economic Consultation Forum took place with the attendances of TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Internal Affairs Minister Efkan Ala, former Minister of Health Recep Akdağ, Erzurum Governor Ahmet Altıparmak and Erzurum Municipality Director Mehmet Sekmen.

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that their goal in forming this platform is growth and prosperity for Erzurum; that TOBB, TOBB ETU and TEPAV are working to craft a roadmap for making Erzurum a brand name.

Thanking Internal Affairs Minister Ala for leading the way for the creation of this forum, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that this is a convention of joint ideas and pointed out that Minister Ala is a true lover of Erzurum.

Expressing his view that residents of Erzurum embody intelligence, courage and heroism, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that cities are coming to the fore in globalization, “As of 2014, 50% of the world’s economy is conducted in the 600 largest cities. In ten years, this will increase to 60%. Erzurum must become one of these cities.”

Stating that Europe’s center for data storage is Ireland, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The center of Turkey’s communications network, transit center of the internet is Erzurum. The data storage is conducted via cloud technology. Europe data is stored in Ireland as it is one of the coldest parts of the continent. Erzurum’s climate is similar to that of Ireland. Internet infrastructure passes through Erzurum, a bridge between East and West. The future promises many opportunities for Erzurum besides winter sports.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Erzurum must be united in solidarity in order to fulfill its role to make the region a center attraction.

- Internal Affairs Minister Efkan Ala

Internal Affairs Minister Efkan Ala stated that competition between world’s cities has begun and that careful consideration is necessary, otherwise catching up to modern standards will be impossible.

Stressing the importance of considering the overall economic effects of actions before their results on a local level, Ala pointed to the importance of rational, economic thought.

- Erzurum TSO President Yücelik

Erzurum TSO President Lütfü Yücelik stated that Erzurum acted as the trade center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years, stating that they feel their responsibility to the people of the region heavily.

Stating they are working hard to actualize the potential of the city with all of their faculties, Yücelik said, “The only way to ensure that our province reaches its full potential will be through joint ideas and cooperation. As one of the largest civil society organizations in the East, we are well aware of the duty which falls on our shoulders as the Erzurum Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”