20.05.2016 Rize
In his speech at the Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tax Awards Ceremony, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has always stood by the private sector, putting great importance on consultation, “We’ve always felt your support closely. You were with us just last week for our Honorable Service Ceremony at our General Assembly. Today, you are hosting us at your home province of Rize and sharing the happiness of our community. I thank you on behalf of the Turkish business community and the Chambers-Exchanges community for your understanding and support.”
Stating that it is his 14th visit to Rize, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “I visit every year because this is our home. Three members of the TOBB
board are from Rize. Vice Chairs Ali Kopuz and Halim Mete are from Rize. Board
Member Salih Zeki Murzioğlu is from Rize. My wife’s family is from Rize. We
visit Rize every year.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu said that their love has never been unrequited, stating
that Rize has done everything for the future. Talking about Rize’s important
investments for the future, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the Sarp Border Gate
is being modernized via public-private sector cooperation.
Hisarcıklığolu stated that the modernization has been completed
diligently but is now unable to deal with the TIR traffic which increased by 5
times and will be renovated as per President Erdoğan’s order.
Touching on TOBB’s efforts in regards to education in Rize,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We’ve constructed a primary school. We’ve built a fully
equipped science high school. As per President Erdoğan’s order, we’ve built a
religious high school. We hope to conduct the opening of that as well.”
- Rize TSO and Rize TB provide
important services
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the
Rize Commodity Exchange are providing their members with service on par with
the best their counterparts all over the world have to offer; that they’ve
established the Tea R&D Center and have lead the way for the establishment
of the OIZ.
Hisarcıklıoğlu congratulated the Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry
and the Rize Commodity Exchange chairmen and board members as well as their
councils for their selflessness for Rize.
Thanking the traders and industrialists of Rize present, Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “They don’t profit solely for themselves, they contribute to their city.
I congratulate the companies who receive awards today for their investments,
production, job creation and exports.”
- “The face of Turkey has
changed”
Stating that the Turkish economy and private sector have become a global
brand, the TOBB President said, “We are doing business in one of the most
difficult regions of the world and continuing to grow the economy. The private
sector’s success owes greatly to by the reforms and stability moves made under
the leadership of the President of the Republic. Thanks to this process, the
face of Turkey has changed.
There is no reason to look far away. You can see how far Turkey has come
by looking at Rize. I first visited here in 2001. I see it has progressed every
time I visit. The Black Sea Coast Roadway has been completed. Sarp Border Gate
has been modernized; it will be made even larger now. The Ovit Tunnel has been
completed which connects the Black Sea to the south. The OIZ has been completed
and has begun drawing in invetments. The Rize-Artvin Airport has been added to
the investment program. The Logistics Center project has reached the tender
stage. These investments will be completed within three to five years. Then,
Rize, already famous for its people and tea, will be a global brand in tourism,
industry and logistics.
You couldn’t even dream of this before. The visionary architect of all
of this, the President of the Republic is here with us today. I thank him on
behalf of the private sector and the people of Rize.”
- President of the Republic of
Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that
they will reach ther their goal once all 81 provinces of Turkey progress,
develop, grow in production, employment and exports, “If only one part of the
country goes forward there will be no balance. Rize will overcome this.”
Reporting that the Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be handing
out awards for highest institutional tax paid, 40 years of service, individuals
and companies who entered into the 500 largest industry institutions of Turkey,
Erdoğan congratulated everyone who has been deemed worthy of award for their
services to Rize and Turkey.
After President Erdoğan’s speech award winners were presented with their
awards.