07.02.2015 Erzurum
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Erzurum could be Turkey’s data center.
Changing World and New Opportunities for Erzurum Economic Consultation
Forum took place with the attendances of TOBB President M. Rifat
Hisarcıklıoğlu, Internal Affairs Minister Efkan Ala, former Minister of Health
Recep Akdağ, Erzurum Governor Ahmet Altıparmak and Erzurum Municipality
Director Mehmet Sekmen.
TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that their goal in forming this
platform is growth and prosperity for Erzurum; that TOBB, TOBB ETU and TEPAV
are working to craft a roadmap for making Erzurum a brand name.
Thanking Internal Affairs Minister Ala for leading the way for the creation
of this forum, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that this is a convention of joint ideas
and pointed out that Minister Ala is a true lover of Erzurum.
Expressing his view that residents of Erzurum embody intelligence,
courage and heroism, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that cities are coming to the fore
in globalization, “As of 2014, 50% of the world’s economy is conducted in the
600 largest cities. In ten years, this will increase to 60%. Erzurum must
become one of these cities.”
Stating that Europe’s center for data storage is Ireland, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “The center of Turkey’s communications network, transit center of the
internet is Erzurum. The data storage is conducted via cloud technology. Europe
data is stored in Ireland as it is one of the coldest parts of the continent. Erzurum’s
climate is similar to that of Ireland. Internet infrastructure passes through
Erzurum, a bridge between East and West. The future promises many opportunities
for Erzurum besides winter sports.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Erzurum must be united in solidarity in order
to fulfill its role to make the region a center attraction.
- Internal Affairs Minister Efkan
Ala
Internal Affairs Minister Efkan Ala stated that competition between
world’s cities has begun and that careful consideration is necessary, otherwise
catching up to modern standards will be impossible.
Stressing the importance of considering the overall economic effects of
actions before their results on a local level, Ala pointed to the importance of
rational, economic thought.
- Erzurum TSO President Yücelik
Erzurum TSO President Lütfü Yücelik stated that Erzurum acted as the
trade center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years, stating that they feel their
responsibility to the people of the region heavily.
Stating they are working hard to actualize the potential of the city
with all of their faculties, Yücelik said, “The only way to ensure that our province
reaches its full potential will be through joint ideas and cooperation. As one
of the largest civil society organizations in the East, we are well aware of
the duty which falls on our shoulders as the Erzurum Chamber of Commerce and
Industry.”