Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that Samsun is the city where the salvation of Turkey is heralded. “If we are living in this land, it is due to the torch which burns in Samsun and the spirit of independence it represents. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk said in regards to Samsun, 'When I saw the patriotism and sacrifice in the eyes of Samsun, my hope for the future of the country was transformed into a faith in it.' Samsun is where hope turns into faith and faith into success. May Allah grant us the power, the strength to protect this land, this homeland, the inheritance of our ancestors.

Referring to the importance of unity and cooperation, TOBB President emphasized that this unity and solidarity is clearly present in Samsun.

Hisarcıklıoğlu, stated that following the coup attempt of July 15^th, the government has been of immense help in revitalizing the economy and that any other nation would have suffered greatly were it to be subjected to the adversity overcome by Turkey last year.

Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that the number of companies opened in Turkey in the last 6 months increased by 3% compared to the first 6 months of the previous year.

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Bank profits increased by 50%. This is unscrupulous. If you kill me off, who will give you money? Who are you going to loan the money out to? This is unscrupulous; we’ve said this on every platform.”

After the award ceremony, the opening ceremony for the Samsun İlkadım TOBB İlyas Kılıç Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School built by TOBB was held.