31.05.2016 Kayseri
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the Kayseri’s Urban Future meeting organized by the chambers and exchanges of the province of Kayseri as well as its counties. In his speech, he stated that Kayseri’s ministers, governor, parliamentary representatives, mayors and chamber and exchange presidents, by acting in unity and solidarity, have made Kayseri into one of the brand cities of Turkey.
Thanking everyone present in the hall, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “As TOBB
President, this is my 53rd visit to Kayseri. That does not include
my personal visits. Every time I visit, I am greeted by a visage of unity and
solidarity. Ministers, governor, parliamentary representatives, mayors and
chamber and exchange presidents; everyone who shoulders responsibility for
Kayseri is here, together. This is a boost of morale for the whole country.
Sometimes you don’t know the value of what you have. You get a better view of
things from the outside. I visit every one of the 81 provinces each year. I go
to 30 countries on average annually. I see how everyone is doing. Be sure that
there is no other city with a mindset like yours.
Stating that this meeting is different, the TOBB President said that
Minister Özhaseki has been with them at every meeting ever since he was
Melikgazi Mayor, Kayseri Greater Municipality Mayor, AK Party Vice Chairman and
now as Minister and went on to congratulate him; extending his well wishes for
both him and Kayseri.
“Minister Mehmet Özhaseki has contributed greatly to Turkey. He has
caused a leap forward in urbanism. He has put forth great projects for
Kayseri’s economy. If we are able to talk about Kayseri as a brand city, of its
tourism and of Erciyes today, it is thanks to his contributions. Now, with his
experience, he will serve all of Turkey. I wholeheartedly believe that a new
urban vision will surface in Turkey as a result. On behalf of the Turkish
private sector, I thank him and wish him success.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu also thanked former Economy Minister Mustafa Elitaş for
his endeavors.
Expressing his pride in having Kayseri as his home province,
Hisarcıklıoğlu reported the 40% of the global economy is centered in 600
cities, that these cities direct the economy; he stated that Kayseri will
become one of these cities.
Reporting that Kayseri has increased its national income by 115% in the
last 15 years, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that this stems from its enterprising
spirit, unity and solidarity.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Kayseri needs to transition to advanced
technology, improve its access to ports, improve e-commerce, adopt a country
based incentive system and build a rapid train system between itself, Antalya
and Cappadocia in order to become one of these 600 cities.
Stating that education is another vital component of success,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Kayseri is an exemplary city in this respect. 85% of its
educational facilities have been built by Kayseri without taking any money from
the government. The most preferred university following those in İstanbul and
Ankara is here. We must continue investments and branding with all haste. If we
achieve our goals, Kayseri will become one of the most important cities in the
world.”