08.08.2014 Ankara
Presidential Candidate Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu visited TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and the Board of Directors. TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated in his speech that Turkey needs to come together around joint goals of a richer and a more free country, “In order to reach these goals we must ensure peace and prosperity without excluding a single person.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded that TOBB, with its 1.5 million members, is that
umbrella organization of the Turkish business world and described the chambers
system as a reflection of the Akhism system of 900 years. Stating that they put
great importance on increasing the human capital, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that they
take on projects to this end.
Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that they have focused on opportunities,
reconciliation, and the greater good since they’ve taken office and said, “Let
us not forget how far we’ve come, the difficulties we’ve had to overcome and
know that we have the potential, conviction and determination to do so much
more. We have a long way to go yet.”
Stating that they aim to surpass the target of modern civilization as
set forth by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Hisarcıklıoğlu stressed the fact that, in
order to achieve this, 700,000 new jobs need to be created each year and an
average growth rate of at least 7% is necessary.
- “We must continue with the
reforms”
Stating that Turkey’s greatest asset is not petroleum but an
entrepreneurial spirit, Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that upheaval and chaos in
the Middle East persists and it is necessary to continue enacting reforms for a
richer, happier and more free country, “In order to reach these goals we must
ensure peace and prosperity without excluding a single person.”
- Presidential Candidate
Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu
Presidential Candidate Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu said, “I know that this
Sunday, the ballot will present us with a great surprise, just as it did in
1950 and 1983. This will be the vote of the silent masses.”
Being the joint candidate of two parties in the parliament, İhsanoğlu
stated that he himself is not a member of any parties and went on to address rumors
that he was “on Israel’s side.” Stating that he has not received a medal from
Israel but, quite the contrary, he has received one from Palestine.
- Business life requires peace
İhsanoğlu stated that peace and the rule of law are essential to the
development of business life, economy and commerce in a country.
Stating that tension and fear permeate Turkey, İhsanoğlu stated that
this is caused by internal as well external factors.
İhsanoğlu stated that the unfair distribution of wealth in Turkey is
caused by greed, positing that the monopolistic economic trend is being
reflected in politics.