09.01.2015 Ankara

TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu spoke at the Council Members Seminar taking place between the 9th and 11th of January, drawing attention to the competition between cities, stated that development starts on the local level.

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that chambers and exchanges had developed projects with a sum value of 410 billion USD, stated that cities must be united and act in solidarity – the key to progress. Stressing the need to cooperate, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “There is nobody without fault. We can attain prosperity and grace if we stop looking to place blame and cooperate. Otherwise we will become polarized. There can be no benefit to polarization. We must all love each other. We all need each other. We will think differently but act with common sense.”

Providing information in regards to the goals of the Council Member Seminars, Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that council members are the opinion leaders of their cities, “You must know best. You must be a step ahead in your provinces. TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that information in regards to services and opportunities offered by TOBB its chambers and exchanges, as well as meetings for personal development.

Stating that 191 chambers and exchanges have become credited, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Our goals is to have all 365 chambers and exchanges become accredited.”