Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Conducting the opening of the new Uşak CCI service building with Minister Tüfenkci, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu later spoke at a ceremony where city tax record holders were awarded in the hall of the new building. In his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu urged that the airport serve Uşak at least 3 days a week, “Why? Because there is a trade-industry culture in Uşak. We need to reach out to the world as soon as possible.” Hisarcıklıoğlu gave good news in a “respite credit” for the business community who are experiencing difficulty in accessing finance, especially SMEs. He stated that the loan will be a 1 year postponed payment credit with 9.9% interest rate and guaranteed by Credit Guarantee Fund. Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the CGF is cooperating 21 banks and provides surety for support provided by Eximbank and KOSGEB. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, "As announced by the government recently, it also provides financial support for domestic and new machinery purchases under appropriate conditions for SMEs. We also received 2bn TRY in support from the Government for use by SMEs. Half of that is still to be used. Now, there are branches everywhere. Please refer to them when using credit. We'll vouch for you.”

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu expressed his well wishes in regards to the TOBB Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School which received 7mn TRY in support for the construction of the 24 classroom school.

Congratulating Uşak CCI for receiving 5-star chamber accreditation, Hisarcıklıoğlu also thanked Minister Tüfenkci for standing by the business world. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We were at the Antalya YÖREX a month ago with the Minister, the most important expo which promotes regional products. Uşak was represented with its tarhana, noodles, sesame and halvah. You’ve moved get a geographical sign for the Uşak Tarhana. It's the right thing to do; that is where the money is at.

We visited the President of the Republic with the Minister. We presented him with the July 15^th Martyrs Solidarity Campaign contributions. As the TOBB and Chamber-Exchange community we broke the record. We collected 54mn TRY in 81 provinces. Both the chamber and the exchange contributed in Uşak. It was our community that contributed quarter of all aid. That's why I am proud of you. We once again showed the importance of unity and solidarity.

We have also organized the 9^th Turkish Commerce and Industry Expo. Chairman Suat presented the most important economic issues of Uşak on your behalf to the Prime Minister and the Ministers. As TOBB, we classified all the issues presented by you on the basis of institutions and communicated them to the ministries. The Minister will be following up on these problems.”

- Customs and Commerce Minister Tüfenkci

Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkci also spoke at the Uşak Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (UTSO) Economy Value Contributors Award Ceremony, stating that Turkey has come a long way in the past 14 years.

Stating that the nation stood up for its will following the July 15^th coup attempt, the minister said, “The nation stood for up for its democracy, the elected will, and the President as well as its economy from the 16^th of July.”