Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

İzmir Chamber of Commerce has opened its new service building. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarciklioglu attended the council meeting hosted by the newly-elected İzmir Chamber of Commerce President Mahmut Özgener. Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that, as the Turkish business community has once again proved what they can do, how dynamic and productive they are with their growth figures. Stating that many troubles were overcome through private sector-government cooperation, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We are the fastest growing country in the G20, and we are in second place in the OECD. Of course our work is not over yet. We need to keep this tempo before succumbing to lethargy. At present, uncertainties and loss of direction is still ongoing in the global economy; balances are shifting. Countries which strengthen their institutional structure through reforms, will stand out and win the future. Of course, in the meantime, various actors are using terrorist organizations to destabilize Turkey’s economic situation. We have to tighten the ranks against them. Confidence and stability are at the foundation of Turkey’s gains in recent years. In the coming new era, we must maintain confidence and stability. Only by doing so can we continue the reform process. By doing so we also embarrass the rating companies who mock us and ignore our achievements. As Turkey's real sector, we will continue to produce and work to make our country and our nation more prosperous. We will elevate our country to the place it deserves, among the top 10 economies of the world.”

- Praise for Izmir Chamber of Commerce

Hisarcıklıoğlu thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım for standing beside İzmir Chamber of Commerce, on this happy day of İzmir business community; expressing pride in İzmir Chamber of Commerce, which gave this beautiful gift to İzmir. TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I congratulate Mr. Mahmut Özgener and the board of directors of İzmir Chamber of Commerce on this occasion as well. İzmir is one of the most important success stories of our economic history. Since the 18^th century, it has been one of the largest port cities in Europe, while it is a small port town in the Aegean. İzmir today, with its 8 universities, 13 OIZs, 2 free zones, 3 technology development zones and 4 international container ports, is the star city of both our country and the Mediterranean.

By itself, İzmir generates 6% of national income, 7% of industrial production and exports, 12% of total tax revenue. I am proud of all these accomplishments, my İzmir entrepreneur brothers and sisters. Of course, we know that have a prime minister from İzmir plays a big part here.

With Mr. Binali Yıldırım action-oriented vision, İzmir has accomplished a leap forward. As a part of the ‘35 İzmir - 35 Projects’ program huge investments in infrastructure, transportation and logistics have begun. Thus, İzmir becomes a more attractive business and life center.”

- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, “İzmir, and the Aegean region in general, proved its commitment to democracy with great support for the Democratic Party and the late Menderes, but if the city is unable to make the progress it desires, then there is a blockage somewhere.”

Erdoğan said that he was very happy to be the 3^rd president to participate in the İzmir Chamber of Commerce (İZTO) Council Assembly after the Veteran Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and 8^th President Turgut Özal.

Erdoğan congratulated İZTO Chairman Mahmoud Özgener for committing to lead a major move and that they support everyone who works, invests, produces, provides employment, exports for Turkey, and that they would continue to do so.

Erdoğan stressed that IZTO is a power unto itself of great potential with 80,000 members. Erdoğan said that he wanted such a force to contribute to the country and the economy much more.

- Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım

Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım also said that Turkey's entire zoning issue, “is a problem that exists throughout Turkey. Zoning is a problem with licensing, a wound in the side of all our citizens. In the next 10 days we will pass the legislation to address all the problems in this issue, it will put the zoning issue to rest.”

Yıldırım congratulated İZTO President Mahmut Özgener, İZTO Parliament Speaker Selami Özpoyraz and all the members of the board of directors elected to their duties at a special council meeting at İzmir Chamber of Commerce attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Emphasizing that İzmir is a city of firsts, Yıldırım said that the city met with many new services in AK Party government.

- İzmir Gulf Transit Project

İZTO Chairman Mahmut Özgener pointed out that one of the most important centers of Turkey is İzmir.

Emphasizing that President Erdogan's visits are very important, Özgener expressed that they are very happy Erdoğan's projects are well-received by İzmir.