Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The Nevşehir Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nevşehir Commodity Exchange Joint Award Ceremony took place at Nevsehir Haji Bektaş Veli University with the participation of TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and Minister of Environment and Urbanism Mehmet Özhaseki.

Hisarcıklıoğlu started his speech by thanking Mehmet Özhaseki, Minister of Environment and Urbanism. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Minister Özhaseki is a child of this land, “Before he was a minister, the whole country knew him. He was the most successful Mayor of Turkey. If Kayseri is a brand city today, if it is a brand in industry, tourism, education, it is due to a great deal of effort on his part. May Allah bless him. Now he has brought that experience with him to the Ministry. He's doing great work. He has been with us since holding office as mayor. He is with us today on this joyous occasion as well. On behalf of the Turkish business community, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the minister.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu, noting the palpable unity and solidarity at the ceremony, thanked the governor, the PMs, the mayor and the rector present at the meeting, “A great unity. Prosperity and grace in unity; anguish in dissent. The way to become a brand city is also through unity and solidarity. I heartily thank all the administrators of the city for this understanding.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu also thanked Nevşehir CCI and CE chairpersons. Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that the Nevsehir Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nevsehir Commodity Exchange are accredited, “They provide the same quality of service to their members as any chamber or exchange you would find in Paris, Berlin or London. I claim that they do even better. They are achieving a first in the world. They are allowing their members to use all their resources as credit. Our President referred to it as ‘innovation in finance.’ Our members have access to loans with an annual interest rate of 9.90% -lower than central bank interest.”

Stating that they are addressing the burdens on employment, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “One of the biggest problems of the business world is the myriad of burdens on employment. the government is providing salary, insurance premiums and tax exemption of new employees for three months. After three months you only pay the net salary, tax and insurance premium are still subsidized. If you are satisfied, keep them on; if not, you can let them go after a year. Everyone should provide at least one additional job. We should all support this.”

Thanking companies in the hall which have qualified for awards and the Nevsehir business community, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “You did a great job. Since the global crisis the number of businesses in Turkey has increased by 49%. It increased by 65% ​​in Nevşehir. Exports in Turkey increased by 8%; 186% in Nevşehir. The number of tourists doubled to 3 million. A great achievement. Who did this? Those of you in this hall.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that their issues were conveyed to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and 11 ministers in attendance in Ankara during the Economy Summit.

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that terrorist organizations like PKK, DAEŞ and FETÖ have become increasingly active recently, “We experienced a treacherous coup attempt on July 15^th. It has not been easy. If the things Turkey experienced happened to another country, it could hardly survive. But we are standing strong. They couldn’t bring us down even if they all united. We earned this country and prosperity. We won’t easily let it go.”

- Minister Özhaseki

Environment and Urban Development Minister Mehmet Özhaseki said, “Just like the president said a little while ago, that is exactly what we are doing. Turkey will grow if you grow. The time when the state is rich have passed. The state will inspect if necessary. Sometimes they will be in charge if necessary but they will not interfere with business -