Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu presented the awards to their winners. In his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Trabzon is the hometown of many businessmen, politicians and scientists. Trabzon grows 10% of hazelnut but 40% of hazelnut trade takes place here. This is a work of intelligence.”

Mentioning the city’s love for Trabzonspor, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “What’s important here is the promotion of Trabzon. I told you not to talk 7 days of the week about Trabzonspor because that doesn’t leave you time to work. Trabzonspor’s success gives us an opportunity. We must capitalize on this. If we wish to promote Trabzon to the world we should use the matches Trabzonspor will be playing in Europe as an opportunity. Trabzon has been voted the most peaceful, livable city in Turkey. Build your brand around this.”

- The importance of acting in unison

Stating that the secret behind success is acting in unison, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that a subject as important to Tranzonin besides its tourism is its transportation. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Transportation is a must if you are planning on developing the economy of a city. What’s missing is a railroad. The railroad is the gateway to the south and Central Anatolia. Atatürk said that Trabzon needs a railroad. If we respect Atatürk, we will bring the railroad here. I am ready to my part in this, whatever it may be. Trabzon has always been on trade routes throughout history.

There is prosperity and riches where there is trade. The Sarp Customs Gate which has been modernized has lowered the wait times by half. There is talk of reviving the ancient Silk Road. If we can accomplish this, Trabzon will be at the center of trade.”

- On the matter of incentives

Stating that the incentive zones will be determined again in the next term, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We can direct the Trabzon Assembly Representatives to defend the interests of the region to the best of their abilities.

Congratulating the Trabzon TSO and the Trabzon Commodity Exchange on their accreditation, Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded that there are branches of ABİGEM, Credit Guarantee Fund and similar organizations in Trabzon and urged businessmen to take advantage of these.

- Entrepreneur numbers indicative of prosperity

“We want to prosper,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu and went on, “Prosperity is measured in entrepreneur numbers. We are at a quarter of Japan’s figures. Turkey needs to find employment for 750,000 new people each year. That is why we need entrepreneurs.

Half the population of Turkey is women but the ratio of entrepreneurs is only 6.5%. We have the Women Entrepreneurs Council for this reason. There are women entrepreneur councils in 81 provinces. Our women entrepreneurs should have their success stories published in the press. Sometimes they ask me where I find these women. The person that Muslims emulate is the Revered Prophet. The wife of our Prophet, Revered Hatice was one of the biggest traders in Mecca. You can’t emulate the Prophet and expect to keep you daughters at home. This cannot be. The most beneficent of men is the one that is beneficent to others.”

- Other speakers

Trabzon Mayor Dr. Recep Kızılcık, TTSO Council President Ali Osman Ulusoy, TTSO Board President M. Suat Hacısalihoğlu, Trabzon Municipality President Gümrükçüoğlu and Trabzon Tax Office Director Zeki Yumbul were among the guests and dignitaries who also made speeches after TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu.
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