Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Ankara Chamber of Industry 54^th Year Award Ceremony held in Presidential Complex. The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, during the speech he gave therein, pointing out that having a President who came through from business world was a great fortune for them, reminded that only in 2017 3 major projects had been put into practice.

Stating that by the employment campaign initiated under the leadership of President Erdoğan, they increased the employment volume by 1.5 million people, Hisarcıklıoğlu also said the projects that they realised together with the government had been “life line support” to the SMEs.

Hisarcıklıoğlu, expressing that they agreed with the banks for annual 9.9 percent creit interests and enabled lowest interest rate ever, also told that government provided 3-year term interest-free 50 thousand lira - working capital loan through KOSGEB and 653 thousand firms throughout Turkey benefitted from the given projects.

Expressing that upon the call by President Erdoğan, they presented 5 brave fellows within TOBB who would be producing Turkey’s automobile, Hisarcıklıoğlu said followings:

"We are in the excitement of breaking new ground for the first time in our history. Allah willing first prototype will be coming to light in 2019 and accordingly in 2021 commercial sales shall begin. We do not consider this just as an automobile creating project. Turkey’s automobile project, at time same time will also enable transformation of our country’s industry. It shall contribute in great deal to Turkey’s economy and Turkish private sector becoming a worldwide brand. Thanks to reform and stability steps taken under the leadership of our President, Turkey’s appearance has virtually transformed. We believe in ourselves and easily commence with every major project. Here, the architect of this vision for our country and private sector is our Esteemed President."

Hisarcıklıoğlu also expressed his wishes for the soldiers who fight off in Afrin for nation’s peace and country’s safety, to return back with victory.

-President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

During his speech President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan "Some writers, editors sink themselves into effort of distorting especially our operations by announce those as ‘operations carried out against Kurds’. I am telling this loud and clear; we have no problem with our Kurd citizens and the matter has nothing to do with Kurd corridor. The issue is, us eliminating terrorist corridor."

President Erdoğan, expressing his appreciation for being together with the attendees of the ceremony which Ankara Chamber of Commerce has traditionalised, also congratulated 54 rewarded companies as well as the executives.

Erdoğan underlining Ankara’s position being not just an administrative capital but also became a city of industry and trade.

- "Ankara is an assertive city in trade and industry"

Reminding that cities which were after-announced as capital cities such as Ankara in the world are usually consist of only bureaucratic organisations and their supporting elements, Erdoğan stated that yet Ankara had proven itself as an assertive city in trade, industry, agriculture, education, culture and arts.

President Erdoğan, stating that 13 organised industry zones operating within Ankara province borders provide service to Turkey and to the world in every area of production, which 3 amongst those were founded by Ankara Chamber of Industry.

Stating that when prominent establishments of Ankara considered, defence industry as well as automotive and energy companies stand out, Erdoğan also said "Ankara has managed to grasp an artery in these areas which are the sectors of future. Most particularly at the point of defence industry. I believe that by improving this potential furthermore during the coming period, you shall be strengthen Ankara's position as being the capital of industrial and trade. I remember with respect all those who contributed with great effort for our Capital’s industry to come this further and remember those who passed away with Allah’s mercy and grace.”

- Minister of Custom and Trade Bülent Tüfenkci

Minister of Custom and Trade Bülent Tüfenkci, stating that Turkey’s exportation volume in manufacturing industry by increasing more than 4 times reached to 147.2 billion dollars whereas it was only 33.7 billion dollars in 2002, also said "Forthcoming period shall the period that we will be rapidly aiming for our 2023 objectives."

Congratulating businessmen and businesswomen who empowered Ankara, region and national economy by their business volumes, investments and R-D studies, Tüfenkci also said "Holding this award ceremony here in Presidential Complex with the attendance of our Esteemed President is the sign of support given to our business world is top-level."

Tüfenkci, indicating that Turkey's and Ankara's success in finance world is primarily the success of businessmen, also said especially in the recent period by pulling away its city identity of civil servant, Ankara started to take the form of industrial city.

Underlining that Ankara generating value, service and employment thanks to newly opened organised industrial zones, factories and business, Tüfenkci also stated that in the last 15 years Turkey had achieved a significant increase and momentum in exportation.

-Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ASO) President Nurettin Özdebir

ASO President Nurettin Özdebir, stating that Turkey, in order to achieve determined economic targets, should get free of medium technology trap and leap forward to high technology, also said "The most significant city in Turkey which shall be able to leading to such leap is Ankara. We think that Ankara should be announce as advance technology base and public policies should be put into effect accordingly."

Özdebir, in terms of enabling Turkey’s economic growth sustainable, underlined the importance of advanced technology.