11.06.2014 Tekirdağ
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu visited the Tekirdağ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO). Stating that the greatest opportunity for the region is in the Balkans, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Right next to us is the great market of the Balkans. We must discover it.”
During TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu’s late night Tekirdağ TSO
visit, in attendance were, TOBB Board member and Tekirdağ TSO Chairman Cengiz
Günay, Tekirdağ TSO Council President Mustafa Özden, Tekirdağ TSO Board
Members, Council Members and the chamber and exchange presidents from
neighboring counties.
In his assessment during the visit, Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out the
importance of Tekirdağ as a center for agriculture and livestock farming.
During the first 4 months of this year, Turkey’s exports increased by 9% while
Tekirdağ saw an increase of 150% said Hisarcıklıoğlu and stressed the
importance of trade with neighboring countries.
- Cities are competing instead of
countries
Stating that the competition between cities is gaining prominence in the
place of countries, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Cities are determining their own
paths. Tekirdağ must also do the same.” Pointing out Gaziantep as an example,
Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized the trade Gaziantep has with its neighbors as a
significant factor in its success and stated that Tekirdağ has important
opportunities.
Emphasizing the importance of the insurance system in order to deal with
issues encountered in revenue collection, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We must reclaim
trading on credit from being an economic bog; we must focus on how to market
our goods cheaper and better.”
During the Tekirdağ TSO visit TOBB Board member and Tekirdağ TSO
Chairman Cengiz Günay, Tekirdağ TSO Council President Mustafa Özden also gave
speeches welcoming the various guests. Hisarcıklıoğlu listened to the problems
of the attending businessmen during the last portion of the meeting and
answered their questions.