14.09.2017 Gerede / Bolu
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu attended the Awards Ceremony for the Gerede Economy Value Contributors. Expressing that Gerede has the potential to become a global leather brand, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We should introduce Gerede's leather to the world with better marketing. If you want to earn money from the beauty of Gerede, you need to invest in tourism here. We also have a request: We want the Ismetpasa-Sakarya railway to pass through Gerede.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu, who opened the Conference Room of the Gerede Chamber of
Commerce and Industry named after him, said, “I would not have allowed it if I
had proper knowledge, but as you’ve judged it to be appropriate, thank you.”
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that Gerede is on the
historical Silk Road. Hisarcıklıoğlu said that the city is now the junction
point between the East-West and the North-South. Underlining that Gerede is
also a city of leather artisans, the TOBB President stated that Gerede has been
processing crude leather for 900 years and its products are sold to many
countries from Russia to Greece. In 1810, a traveler by the name of Morier visited
Gerede. He writes: ‘Gerede is a big city, and there are a lot of leather
factories (tanneries) at the entrance.’ Gerede provides 40% of shoe leather
production in Turkey. This production will accelerate with the leather OIZ as
well as increasing added value. Gerede has the potential to become a leather
brand around the world. We should introduce Gerede's leather to the world with
better marketing.”
- Gerede’s potential
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Gerede has an indoor sports area for skiing,
cycling and cross-country skiing, able to host international competitions. He
said, “Esentepe, Keçi Fortress, Ramazan Dede Resort, Arkut Ski Center are here.
You have cool and clean air. In the Ibn-i Batuta Travel Account, Gerede is
described thusly: This is a beautiful and large city on a high plateau. It's
one of the coldest places in the world. But if you want to earn money from all
these beauties, you need to invest in tourism. We also have a request: We want
the İsmetpaşa-Sakarya railway to pass through Gerede.
Gerede CCI is in its accreditation process. I hope they will become
accredited soon. Gerede CCI is representing Gerede very well in all endeavors.
The temporary storage facility they acquired for Bolu was supported by the
Development Agency with approximately 3.5 million TRY. The project has been
completed. Livestock OIZ establishment efforts are under way.
Gerede CCI brought many services to its members' feet. Gerede CCI is
also serving as an İŞKUR service point. They are hard at work for the
development of the leather industry. They are raising awareness for leather
going to waste so that the economic loss is minimized. They are working to maintain
added value in our country. They are working on mine-sensitive soles and non-shattering
leather. Gerede CCI is also working on training qualified personnel which is
among the most important problems of the region. Gerede Vocational High School
exhibits a fine example of industry-university collaboration. Leather belts,
wallets, bags crafting training is provided there. You’ve brought Beşiktaş
here. I hope they will build their facilities here as well.”