24.11.2014 Manisa
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the foundation laying ceremony for the TOBB Manisa Bülent Koşmaz Science High School held at the Manisa Anemon Hotel. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated in his speech that the fire of reform must be rekindled.
- Hisarcıklıoğlu urges employers
and job seekers towards UMEM
Underlining the fact that Turkey’s most important problem is employment
and qualified workforce, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the
perfect project to deal with this problem has been developed and urged employer
and job seekers towards UMEM.
Pointing out the benefits of the project for employers and job seekers
alike, Hisarcıklıoğlu invited the Turkish business community to take advantage
of the opportunities provided by the UMEM Ability’10 Project.
- No loss in education
“We are here together to lay the foundations of a very important
education institution,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu and went on, “You can make a loss
in any enterprise with the exception of education. First of all, it is a gain
for people. Your city benefits from it; your country benefits from it. We are
overjoyed to be undertaking this endeavor in Manisa as a part of our 81 schools
in 81 provinces initiative. I present my thanks to the MTSO and its board of
directors.”
Touching on the events of Soma, Hisarcıklıoğlu thanked the 365 chambers
and exchanges for their support during that unfortunate event.
- Manisa’s economy
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “When you take into account where the economy is
generated within Turkey; 28% of Turkey’s economy is generated through industry
while this ratio is 32% in Manisa. Agriculture forms 9% of national income
while it is 19% in Manisa. It is a city with a tradition for industry.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu illustrated the industrious and productive nature of
Manisa through further statistical examples.
- Manisa’s 5-star chamber
Reporting that the Manisa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the
Commodity exchanges are 5-star chambers/exchanges, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This
means that they are providing you with the same quality of service as any
chamber in Paris, London or Berlin.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that chamber presidents sacrifice much during
their service for the sake of their country and business community, “We believe
that the salvation of one is the salvation of all. We work to make our cities,
country more prosperous.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu drew attention to the need for an international fair
ground in Manisa as well as pointing to the importance of geographical markers
and the branding of local goods, with the Sultani grape of Manisa as an
example.
- High seniority indemnity
Hisarcıklıoğlu assessed the developments in Turkey’s economy and
stressed the burden placed on the developing economy and the private sector’s
viability through the high costs of employment. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated, “If we
mean to achieve our 2023 goals we must reacquire the growth figures of
2002-2009. The service sector holds 65% of the economy while industry stands at
25%. We must ensure that industry makes up more of Turkey’s economy.
We must match and overcome our competitor. We must rekindle the fires of
reform. I don’t want money from the government. Only that they let us work under
the same conditions as our competitors. Give us the same conditions as those
marketing their goods to Germany, to France.”
Following the speeches, the foundation laying ceremony for the TOBB
Manisa Bülent Koşmaz Science High School to be built in the Güzelyurt
neighborhood of Yunusemre County was symbolically conducted at the Manisa
Anemon Hotel.