09.02.2016 Ankara
Speaking at the TOBB Industry Chambers Council Meeting, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that a busy work schedule awaits them in 2016 and drew attention to the fact that the global markets are in a constant state of upheaval.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the uncertainty of the world’s economies is
still ongoing, “Economic growth in Europe is unable to remain constant.
Developing countries’ economies are unable to recover. Chinese economy is
slowly winding down and encountering problems. In just the last 2 days, China’s
foreign currency reserves have decreased by 200 billion USD. The only positive
signals are coming in from the USA but the more US economy recovers, the more it
becomes likely that it will increase interest rates. This causes global markets
to gravitate towards US markets.”
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Industry
Chambers Council Meeting was held at the TOBB Twin Towers with the attendances
of Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkci and Science, Industry and
Technology Minister Fikri Işık.
Hisarcıklıoğlu that goods prices have suffered a surprising reduction,
“Drops in petroleum and natural gas prices are to our benefit. This decreases
our exporting costs but a third of our exports, 85% of our construction work,
half of the tourists we receive are from oil and gas exporting countries. While
our energy costs are decreased, the sectors which bring in foreign currency
suffer.”
Drawing attention to the increase in terror attacks in recent days,
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the business community in the region is suffering
greatly as a result.
Expressing their conviction that Turkey will overcome these issues,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We must preserve our unity and solidarity. The latest
statistics underline the robust nature of the Turkish economy despite the
upheaval in the world. Turkey’s industry is still undergoing positive
diversification.”
Stating that the public and private sector cooperation will reattain rapid
growth rates for Turkey, Hisarcıklıoğlu touched on the fact that they are
cooperating with the ministry on many projects.
- Customs and Commerce Minister
Bülent Tüfenkci
Customs and Commerce Minister Bülent Tüfenkci stated that the chaotic
situation in Syria is still present, “Countries which are urging us to open our
borders have shut their doors tight themselves. You can appreciate the
civilized stance of Turkey in such a world.”
Minister Tüfenkci stated that the government has a solution-oriented approach
and that they will continue to support the private sector.
Minister Tüfenkci reported that they are working to provide the private
sector with savings in regards to time and costs, “Hopefully, with each day
that passes, we will advance towards this goal. Those who conduct business
honestly and safely will have all doors opened to them.”
- Science, Industry and
Technology Minister Fikri Işık
Science, Industry and Technology Minister Fikri Işık reported that they
will be making great leaps in commercializing patents with the opening of the
Intellectual Property Exchange under Exchange İstanbul.
Işık reported that the number of representative offices in South America
have increased from 6 to 13 and that exports have increased from 1.5 billion
USD to 9 billion USD and that additional enterprises and visits will cause
these figures to increase.
Drawing attention to the fact that Turkey has transitioned to medium
technology goods from low technology goods, Işık reported that the share of
high technology goods ratio in exports amounts to 4% at present.
Işık stressed the need to increase this to at least 15% providing
statistics from Japan’s exports in high technology production to illustrate its
importance.