20.06.2017 Ankara
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu participated in the iftar supper held at TOBB with the members of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) Council.
Hisarcıklıoğlu
provided information about TOBB's works in his speech. Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded
that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan charged them with the production of the
domestic automobile, “We hope to realize Turkey's dream.” Describing what they
have been doing recently, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that they have hosted the EUROCHAMBRES
General Assembly in Brussels via the TOBB Brussels Bureau and that they have
carried out the Vice President role at EUROCHAMBRES, with its 46 member
countries. Later, the TOBB President stated that they have completed their Canadian
tour and said that they had contacted the World Bank officials in regards to
increasing exports. Hisarcıklıoğlu mentioned that while Turkey is going through
a critical period, more exports are required to increase production and create jobs.
Hisarcıklıoğlu
stated that they, as the 365 chambers and commodity exchanges, have made the
sacrifice to ensure the growth of the economy. He stated that the government
has taken a positive approach to all their demands and opened the way for the
business community.
- Employment mobilization
Hisarcıklıoğlu,
talking about Respite Credits which launched with an annual interest rate of
9.9%, stated that 30,000 SMEs have benefited from this opportunity. “In the
words of the President of the Republic, we have started the employment
mobilization.” Hisarcıklıoğlu said that the Turkish private sector has provided
jobs for 1.2 million people in the last 5 months. The TOBB President summarized
recent developments: “We told them that all sectors including tourism are
having difficulties. We requested a tax reform. We asked for registry amnesty
and it was provided. SSK premiums debts have been postponed. Besides the
factory building, we also made it possible for the equipment inside to be mortgaged.
Credit Guarantee Fund received support. 240,000 firms have restructured their
loans worth 180 billion TL. We have the QR coded checks. VAT discounts were
provided in many sectors. We demanded rewards for those who pay tax regularly,
which we received. Law regarding product specialized commodity exchanges has
been passed. Whichever suggestion we make, our government has always been understanding
and constructive.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu,
emphasizing unity, solidarity and peace in his speech, advised everyone to cherish
each other, “Nobody is perfect. However, we will be successful if we are
together in solidarity. Let's avoid libel and gossip. Let's not forget that the
best of people are those beneficent unto others. Your reputation is your
greatest capital. Today, TOBB is an exemplary organization all over the world;
this is all of our shared achievement.”
ATO
Chairman Gürsel Baran said, “We will stand in unity as businessmen. Our country
has passed through hard days. We will get through these hard times together.” ATO
Council Speaker Nuri Gürgür thanked Hisarcıklıoğlu for his invitation.