Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said at the ceremony held in front of IZTO that as TOBB community, they attach great importance to the concept of entrepreneurship.

Pointing out that TOBB has an important role to play in the discussion of the concept of entrepreneurship in Turkey, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Entrepreneurship is now on the agenda of Turkey. You are the umbrella organization of entrepreneurship. There are 1.5 million companies, entrepreneurs, in Turkey. With their partners, that number is coming to 5-6 million. We have 15 million brothers and sisters working alongside 1.5 million entrepreneurs. Each entrepreneur employs an average of 10 people. Every year, 1 million young people in Turkey join the workforce.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that the employment capacity of the public and private sectors is limited, and that the way to reduce unemployment is to support new employment routes.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the number of entrepreneurs should be increased and women and young people should be encouraged towards entrepreneurship, and that they carry out different projects with national and international companies in order to achieve these goals.

- New focus digitalization

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that their new focus is “digitalization”, adding that the digital world has gained importance with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the world is undergoing digital transformation very quickly, that they should not be excluded from this process, that they are working to adapt to the process, and that as TOBB, they have moved the documents to digital media.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the members have taken the necessary steps to benefit from digital developments.

“We told our members not to be afraid of digitalization, artificial intelligence, but rather to integrate them into their business. The companies that are limited to the pandemic are the companies that carry out digital transformation and actively use e-commerce. We have done a lot of activities to raise awareness about this issue. We have cooperated with many national and international companies.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that with the Mobile Digital Caravan Project, the service now goes to the door of the chamber and commodity exchange members. “‎It used to be important to own a shop on the street, around the corner, on the main street, now it's important to have an online presence.‎ So don't forget, my entrepreneurial brothers and sisters, go digital. I have one more request from you, get out of your comfort zone.”

- IZTO President Özgener: “Purchasing habits are transforming”

IZTO President Mahmut Özgener said that companies and institutions should pay attention to digitalization in order to take the lead in competition.

Özgener emphasized that İZTO puts digitalization at the forefront and stated that the Mobile Digital Caravan Project is a complement to the innovation and entrepreneurship project they have been carrying out for 2 years and will be implemented in 2022.

Pointing out that digital technologies are mostly the focus of the new generation of entrepreneurship and R&D projects, Özgener said, “Business processes and purchasing habits are transforming with digitalized business models. Consumers are also keeping up with the pace of the age. e-Commerce has taken on a whole new dimension thanks to platform business models such as Yemeksepeti, Gittigidiyor, AirBnB, UBER and other business models based on the sharing economy. Almost every sector has changed direction.”

- After the speeches

After the speeches, IZTO President Mahmut Özgener and Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) President Ender Yorgancı presented M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu with a bust of Atatürk prepared with a 3D printer.

The delegation then examined the Mobile Digital Caravan.

- Mobile Digital Caravan

Mobile Digital Caravan, implemented by IZTO with the support of Ministry of Industry and Technology, TOBB, İzmir Development Agency, consists of a trailer equipped with technology and software.

It aims to provide digital solutions to IZTO member companies with caravans to visit different regions of İzmir.