31.03.2014 Ankara
In his statement following the March 30th, 2014, local elections, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said:
“During the March 30th 2014 local elections, our nation has
taken part in the elections in a mature manner with a high participation
percentage and has once again stake its claim in democracy.
The reflection of the national will on the ballot has begun a new era in
local administration.
It is my hope that, as our country moves towards its 2023 goals – having
put forth its free will – the elections will be beneficent for our nation and
hope for the success of the newly elected administrators.
As the election period comes to an end, we must refocus on economy and
structural reforms. Focusing on the real sector, we must recognize production
and exports as a national matter and increase them accordingly.
In a global environment of increasing competition, the lessening of the
burdens of the real sector as well as lowering its costs should be one of our
priorities.
I’ve always emphasized that the path to make our nation richer and more
prosperous is through stability and peace. Peace brings trade; trade brings
prosperity. That is why we must all rise above daily instabilities and focus on
business.
Alternatively, today’s announcement of 4% growth in 2013 shows that
Turkey’s mid-term growth trend goals are still in line with projections.
Especially the hardware investments of the private sector during the last
quarter of 2013 resulting in over a 1% contribution to this is a very positive
development indeed. This is the most important indicator of the private
sector’s confidence in our country and economy.
It is our greatest hope that, in order for the investments to increase
in an environment of increasing global competition, the solutions to the
problems of the investors will be prioritized.”