Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Starting his visits with the Akhisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATSO), Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and the members of the board were greeted by the Akhisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abdurrahman Yılmaz, Council President Şenol Ürküp and board members.

TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Our reasons for being at the Akhisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry today are three-fold. Firstly, to congratulate the newly elected council, board president and board members of the chamber. These elections were the longest in TOBB’s history, lasting 10 months. It has been a revolutionary change for TOBB. Approximately 49% of chamber presidents, the highest ratio to date, were replaced. There has never been such a large scale change in the administration of the chambers to date. 69% of TOBB delegates have changed. A change of personnel at a rate of 64% occurred in the Akhisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu went on: “Secondly, I have been honored to have been reelected as the President of TOBB as a result of the elections which took place on the 1st of August, by the joint signature of 364 Chambers and Exchanges, 1734 of 1740 delegates. This has increased our duties and responsibility even more. Our responsibility is, just as it is yours, to serve our members. There are no riches in these offices; there is only service. The only way to serve is through self sacrifice.

Thirdly, we are starting something new in Turkey which began with the Manisa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Bülent Koşmaz, followed by the support of TOBB and the chambers and exchanges as well as organized industry zones. The first privately funded freight train from Anatolia to Europe under the auspices of the Great Anatolian Logistics Organizations Inc. (BALO) has begun operations. I would like to thank Bülent Koşmaz for initiating this project. If we are able to set common goals we can solve all problems in unity and solidarity. If we can make it through these 2 years, nobody will be able to hold us back in 2015. You are the cement of the Turkish nation, great duties fall to you and us.”

TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu presented Akhisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abdurrahman Yılmaz and Council President Şenol Ürküp with chocolate and a book of poetry by Yunus Emre. Akhisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abdurrahman Yılmaz presented TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu with a basket of a variety of famous Akhisar olives.

Speaking at the meeting, ATSO Council President Şenol Ürküp stated their pleasure in hosting TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu at ATSO and provided information on their efforts in turning Akhisar into a brand city by promoting its famous olives.

ATSO President Abdurrahman Yılmaz stressed the importance of unity and solidarity and stated that their priority is to provide service to their members.

- Akhisar Commodity Exchange visit

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu’s second visit was to the Akhisar Commodity Exchange. The TOBB delegation was greeted by the Akhisar Commodity Exchange President Alper Ahlat, Council President Bahattin Alkın and members of the board.

Akhisar Commodity Exchange Council President Alper Ahlat spoke in regards to Akhisar’s place in the olive market and its marketshare as well as attempts to make it a brand city focused on the many local goods it possesses.

TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu presented Akhisar Commodity Exchange President Alper Ahlat, Council President Bahattin Alkın and AK Party Manisa Representative Uğur Aydemir with chocolates and a book of poetry by Yunus Emre. Akhisar Commodity Exchange President Alper Ahlat presented TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu with pin of an olive branch.