Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated in his speech, Silifke Chamber of Commerce and Industry has put forth an important vision and said, “They accomplished a first in Turkey and is now doing it a second time. It brought together expert names and academics in many areas from entrepreneurship, trade and development to personal development. In addition, they managed to mobilize all of Mersin on this subject. Everyone did their part for this. It is admirable for the public and private sectors to come together in this hall. I would like to express my gratitude to our Chambers in Mersin, Mersin University and TOBB ETU, and also to the Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality and to the Governor.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the subject they always emphasize is the meeting of the business world and the universities, “Here we see a good implementation of this.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that it is very important for chambers / exchanges to be in close relationship with TOBB ETU and that TOBB ETU is the university of the Turkish business world, and he wanted them to make use of this opportunity.

Stating that the Silifke Chamber of Commerce and Industry has accomplished its job admirably Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “As you know, the Silifke strawberry is known throughout the world not just in Turkey. But that is not enough. You must claim it and turn it into more profit. This is why our Chamber began work to acquire geographical mark for the Silifke strawberries and has gotten results. Up next is the registration of Silifke yogurt, for which efforts are already underway.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the Silifke Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also an accredited chamber and confirmed international organizations to provide its members 5-star service quality at European level.

Touching on the importance of regional products, the TOBB President stated that the more the regional products are marked, the more they will win.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the way to prosperity is in geographically marked products and that the geographic mark means added value; selling products for 2 liras instead of 1.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stressed that only the products must be marked not only in Turkey but the European Union as well and marketed globally.

Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that currently 400 geographical marks are present for products in Turkey, “We have three registered products in Europe. We need to protect our products. The baklava was almost registered by the Greeks. Gaziantep registered it as a result of our efforts. We couldn't claim our yogurt, but we got the baklava, figs and apricots. This is the way to earn more. International supermarket chains want this from Turkey. But the geographical mark is a must. The more value we hold, the wealthier we will be. We must protect our products. We are following up on the registration process of 15 of our products at the EU as TOBB.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu touched on YÖREX local products fair in Antalya and said that they will be bringing retailers and producers together in these fairs in 7 regions.

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that each province and every region has various products and said that the chambers / exchanges started to claim the local products.

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “There reclaiming lost opportunities. We must stop complaining and move forward. This is our duty.”