Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that Hatay is a city of tolerance where people who think like Mevlana and are understanding like Yunus live in harmony. “It is one of the oldest settlements in the world with its 8,500 year history. Every century and every civilization have left their mark here. It has unique tastes, cultures, uniquely seen for the first time in Anatolia and the world. The first mosque in Anatolia, Habib-i Neccar Mosque is here. There are mosques, synagogues and churches on Kurtuluş Avenue. Hatay is an iconic city for fraternity among religions.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the Antiochian Civilizations Choir was established to show this through music.

Pointing out that the first cave museum is in Hatay, the TOBB President said, “The Hatay Archeology Museum has the world's 2^nd largest mosaic collection. In short, Hatay is a modern city full of history and natural treasures. It is a great chance for the region that EXPO will be held in Hatay in 2021 with the theme of ‘Garden of Civilizations Garden.’ I congratulate and thank you for winning the EXPO for Turkey a second time.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that Hatay has Turkish, Arab and French cuisines with over 600 kinds of dishes. He said that the second longest beach in the world is located in Samandağ and that Arsuz is an important tourism center.

Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that Hatay is also prominent in agriculture, industry, logistics and education, adding, “In fertile soil like Amik Ovası, a wide variety of products such as citrus fruits, olives, peanuts, cotton are growing. Iskenderun Port is the 4^th largest port in Turkey. It has an important position in trade with the Gulf countries and the Mediterranean, Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia. It connects the world with these regions. You are in the first place in Turkey in regards to iron-steel production capacity. The only integrated flat steel production in our country which produces flat and long products is here.

Hatay is Turkey's greatest logistics city with the second largest shipping fleet after Istanbul. A center of attraction for wind energy. We have 2 universities, well on its way to becoming an education city. As you can see, Hatay is a versatile and highly competitive city.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I would like to commemorate Tayfur Sökmen, the great statesman who contributed greatly to Hatay joining the motherland whose birthday it is.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu also thanked the Antakya Chamber and Exchange for hosting the event. “I congratulate the Chairmen Hikmet and Ali. The unity and solidarity of the Chamber and Commodity Exchange in Hatay is exemplary. Here is another point which you should be proud of: Antakya CCI and CE accredited. We are working closely with the Chamber and Commodity Exchange chairpersons of Hatay in Ankara and TOBB. We take advantage of their experience. They represent Hatay in the best way possible. Hatay's share is great in TOBB's success. The Chamber and Exchange in Hatay are doing their part for the development and prosperity of Hatay. I myself witnessed this in Ankara.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the Chambers and Commodity Exchanges serve their members in the best condition, identify their troubles and then seek solutions for them. “We want special incentives for Hatay as the biggest burden of our Syrian brothers and sisters is on your shoulders. We expect the Dörtyol-Hassa tunnel to be completed as soon as possible. With the tunnel completed Hatay will be Eastern Anatolia’s and Southeastern Anatolia’s gateway to the sea. Hatay deserves it because it is one of the locomotive cities of our country's economy.”

- Other Speakers

Antakya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman (ATSO) Hikmet Çinçin said that the city is the gateway between Turkey and the Middle East for the transition between global production and consumption bases.

Antakya Commodity Exchange Chairman Mehmet Ali Kuseyri stated that the city should be included for incentives, pointing out its potential.