Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu, pointing out that there are approximately 5 million establishments in Turkey, said, “If a certain clause had passed in the Turkish Trade Law, there would have been a need for every guard for every company sign in Turkey as there was a heavy fine for fallen store signs.”

The 2012 Gaziantep Stars Award Ceremony hosted by Gaziantep Industry Chamber President Adil Konukoğlu was held at the Martyr Kamil Culture Center and attended by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, PM Deputy Ali Babacan, Family and Social Policy Minister Fatma Şahin, Gaziantep Municipality Director Asım Güzelbey, National Assembly Representatives, National Education former Minister Hüseyin Çelik, Chamber and Exchange presidents and businessmen.

- In defiance of school arsonists, TOBB will build a new school in Van

In his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu touched on the matter of school burning in Van. Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Thirteen years ago, TOBB constructed a much needed school in Van. Afterwards it was fortified against earthquakes. Last week, sadly, our school was set on fire. I condemn anyone rabid enough to set a school on fire. Furthermore I condemn anyone who vehemently defends these people.

As TOBB, we believe that Turkey’s future depends on its youth. We have no petroleum and no gas. That is why we must educate our young well. Our school investments have reached 70 million TL. We will keep on doing it, too. We will repair the school in Van and just to spite them, we will build another school there.”

- Debt Law

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu drew attention to the fact that the Debt Law has many problematic clauses for the business world and said, “We expect the burdensome clauses to be changed.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “When we go to a bank they are able to see our complete record and credit history. Do I have bounced checks or protested bonds? They see everything. They see us as selling money; we sell the sweat of our brows. Why shouldn’t we see it? At the end of this year we will be able to make decisions when selling on credit, dependent on the permission of the customer. We will first make sure that transactions on credit are insured and we will relay the claim insurance matter to the government.

- UMEM Ability’10 Project

There were complaints that you were unable to find adequate personnel. The UMEM Project exists for this reason. We find employment for those who need it while we provide employers with trained personnel. During this training period we provide 20TL per day as well as insurance. We also lessen the employment burden of the employer.

We are a world leader in terms of burdens heaped on employment. This project will lower the tax burdens on employment by 18% for 4.5 years. This is why it is so important.

- Turkey’s future lies in entrepreneurism

Turkey’s future lies in entrepreneurism. The path to prosperity is through enterprise. You are as rich as the amount of entrepreneurs you have. That is the prescription for this. Women are just over 50% of the population. However the ratio of women entrepreneurs is only 6%. We disregard half of our population. Our girls should be given a good education, should find a good husband and then stay at home. This is wrong.”

- Gaziantep star city

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “They ask me what Gaziantep’s secret is. You say ‘Us’, not ‘I’. This is what makes Gaziantep, Gaziantep. I speak of Gaziantep everywhere I go. Gaziantep is a city which all of Turkey is proud of.”

Stating that Gaziantep is a star city, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This award ceremony is our most joyous day. I would like to thank our Ministers who have supported us. Gaziantep is the second city after İstanbul to have increased its exports to such extent. It is a champion in terms of employment. Liverpool was the world’s premier city for football and industry. Now, its name is almost unspoken. Why? Because it was unable keep up with developments in the world.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu spoke of his meeting with New York Times columnist Tom Friedman, “Friedman said that if he were to be a governor in the USA he would either increase the number of universities or increase the quality of universities, followed by internet infrastructure. The quality of the university in Gaziantep must be increased because the future is within youth. This is the vision which is fitting of Gaziantep. I am hopeful for the future of my country. I believe that we will achieve our 2023 goals.”

- The people will demand answers if the new constitution is not formed

Touching on the work done on the new constitution, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The system is full of flaws. It can be patched up no further. You don’t start a construction from the second floor; you start from the foundation. The foundation is the constitution. It belongs to everyone. Unless a new constitution is made in the next 2.5 years, whoever prevents it, the people will call to account. Our 2023 goals will suffer.”

- Other speakers

Prime Minister Deputy Ali Babacan said in his speech, “As Turkey becomes stronger, those who envy her also increase. Both in the region and further away. Countries you wouldn’t imagine doing so start comparing themselves to Turkey because they see us as future competitors.”

Family and Social Policy Minister Fatma Şahin said, “Just like our ancestors were an example to the world during our struggle for independence, our economic struggle has been just as successful, honoring their spirits in success.”

Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) President Adil Konukoğlu said, “Turkey is preparing to enter 2023 with great goals. We are aiming to be one of the top ten economies of the world. In order to reach our goal, our growth needs to exceed 8% from now on.”

Gaziantep Municipality Director Asıl Güzelbey stated that, today, it is cities and not countries competing in the world. Güzelbey said that cities which have their local administration and NGOs work together are a step ahead of the competition.

Atending the meeting were Gaziantep Governor Erdal Ata, AK Party Vice Director Hüseyin Çelik, AK Party Gaziantep National Assembly Representatives Şamil Tayyar, Nejat Koçer, Mehmet Sarı, Mehmet Erdoğan, Halil Mazıcıoğlu, Derya Bakbak and Ali Şahin, MHP Vice Director and Gaziantep National Assembly Representative Edip Semih Yalçın and various guests.
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