Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Pointing out the mission of the sector councils in his speech, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We value your opinions.” Stating that sector councils need to be determining agenda, not following it, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that sector councils play important roles in resolving conflict and thanked them for it. TOBB President said, “You have say in your sectors. When we bring up problems as sector councils, we also provide possible solutions. This is very important.”

Making a presentation detailing the structure and activities of TOBB, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that TOBB invests 120 billion dollars yearly and conducts 95% of Turkey’s exports. Stating that the most democratic institution in Turkey is the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that OECD has designated TOBB as an example of strengthening chamber systems to the world.

- Public – private sector cooperation mechanisms

Emphasizing the importance they put on women and young entrepreneurs, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “If Turkey is to prosper and solve the problem of unemployment, this will be through increasing the number entrepreneurs. For this reason we put great importance on our women and young entrepreneurs. Why would you not take the Prophet, whose wife was a merchant, as an example? Please support women and young entrepreneurs.”
Reporting that, barring a few countries, chamber membership is mandatory in continental Europe, Hisarcıklıoğlu explained public-private sector cooperation mechanisms.

Urging businessmen to take advantage of the UMEM Ability’10 project, Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded them that those hiring via this program would lower their employment costs by 20%. The TOBB President stated that establishments such as ABİGEM, Credit Guarantee Fund and KOBİ Inc. provide unbelievable opportunities for SMEs and invited entrepreneurs to make use of these opportunities.

TEPAV Director Prof. Dr. Güven Sak made a presentation regarding Turkey’s economy. Sak reported that Turkey has risen to 7th place among the countries displaying the best performance during the last 3 years and stated that sectors should produce strategies relevant to their target markets.

Sector council presidents took to the podium to share their opinions at the TOBB Sector Councils Consultation Meeting. TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu and TEPAV Director Prof. Dr. Güven Sak answered questions addressed to them.
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