Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Stars of Sakarya Award Ceremony took place at the Sakarya University Conference Hall with the attendances of TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Sakarya Governor Ahmet Hamdi Nayır, Sakarya Metropolitan Mayor Zeki Toçoğlu, Türk-İş President Ergün Atalay, Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ahmet Akgün Altuğ, Sakarya Commodity Exchange President Adem Sarı, Akyazı Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Şinasi Bayraktar, Akyazı Commodity Exchange President Erhan Yenice and the members of the chamber and commodity exchanges and council members from the region’s provinces.

TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that he follows closely how Sakarya has grown, “Among Turkey's 1000 largest industrial enterprises, the number located in Sakarya was 9 just 10 years ago; it has increased to 13. You, the Sakarya entrepreneurs, traders and industrialists accomplished this. I'm proud of you all.” Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that he is also proud of the fact that the award ceremony is hosted by the chambers and exchanges in unison, praising the unity and solidarity in Sakarya.

- Sakarya, the production base

Emphasizing that Sakarya is one of Turkey's most important production centers today, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “OIZs are working non-stop. It is contributing to Turkey’s production and exports. Sakarya exports more than the sum of 51 provinces. 4 out of every 5 vehicle produced in Sakarya are exported. This, with its high quality production, highlights Sakarya to the world. Sakarya is also a city of agriculture and tourism. You have a great geography and fertile soil. In order to capitalize on this, the establishment of Food Specialized Organized Industrial Zone has begun. The Sakarya Commodity Exchange is also establishing a licensed corn depot. It is also necessary to increase Sakarya’s share from tourism. Thanks to successful entrepreneurs like you, I believe that Sakarya will also make a breakthrough in tourism. We work together with the Chamber-Exchange Presidents in Sakarya and Ankara: President Akgün Altuğ on the Board of General Administration of TOBB; President Adem Sarı is Vice President of Commodity Exchanges Council. We determine agricultural policies together. President Şinasi Bayraktar is on the Social Policies Board. We work on issues related to work and employment. In other words, my Presidents serve both Sakarya and Ankara and work for our country.

I would like to thank the Presidents, their administrations, the councils, the secretaries-general and their employees for their sense of service.”

- Concrete steps with contributions of chambers and exchanges

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu also informed the participants about the concrete steps taken with the contributions of the chambers and exchanges; the problems and solution proposals they’ve gathered from the members of the chambers and exchanges which have been relayed to the government. M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they have taken concrete steps on various subjects and added, “Short Work Allowance Legislation has been changed, coming into effect. SSI Premium Debt: Eligible taxpayers were provided with a 60-month maturity period. Liquidation draft was prepared for those working with the public administration. Mediation in commercial disputes became mandatory. Loan restructuring: SMEs and agricultural loans were included. Technical Bankruptcy problem has been solved and revised. Support to the Internal Market: taxes were reduced in automotive, furniture, housing, house appliance sectors.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu also mentioned that there are problems, and mentioned the increase in interest rates, advance tax burden, VAT receivables, price difference decree requests and Marketplace Law.

Stating that this turbulent period will be overcome through cooperation, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Because the foundation of Turkey's economy is robust. Look, we've had dozens of crises in the last 25 years. We've overcome them all and we're on our way. Hopefully we will join together again and bring our country to the place it deserves. We will get over this hump as well. All we need to do is not alienate each other. Let's not forget that we are brothers.”