16.10.2017 Kastamonu
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, at the meeting on Turkey and the Economic Future of Kastamonu, Kastamonu was a center of Ottoman culture, having an exceptional history by its nature.
Noting that the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture are
still in Kastamonu, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Kastamonu High School
is the first high school in Anatolia. İnebolu was the logistical center of
Anatolia in the War of Independence. It is the only county with the ‘İstiklal’
(Independence) medal. İnebolu-Kastamonu-Ankara rail line became the most vital transportation
route during our nation’s struggle for independence. So much so, Mustafa Kemal
Pasha said, 'Eye on the front, my ear to İnebolu.’ Kastamonu is one of the provinces
with the most martyrs in the War of Independence.”
Stating that Kastamonu is rich in terms of nature and culture,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Küre Mountains National Park, Turkey's first national
park. Turkey's first Museum of Urban History. The 4th largest cave
in the world: Ilgarini. World's 2nd deepest canyon: Valla.
Historical mansions without number. The magnificent Mahmutbey Mosque, the only
mosque built in Turkey without the use of any nails. The very building in which
we are holding this meeting bears the name of our famous architect Vedat Tek.
From coastal tourism to winter tourism, tourism can be active here for 12
months of the year. Sheikh Shaban-i Veli, Mevlana, Hadji Bektash and Hadji
Bayram are among the 4 saints of Anatolia. Faith tourism will be a great
contribution to Kastamonu.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Western Karadeniz Tourism Promotion and
Business Association Fair, which is the first and only regional fair of Turkey,
was approved by TOBB. Hisarcıklıoğlu said that the expo, which will include 8
cities including Kastamonu, will be organized in June 2018 and will bring
serious benefits to the region.
Pointing out that geographical markers are an important opportunity for prosperity,
the TOBB President said, “You attended YÖREX with 10 products and received publicity.
The chamber and exchange, the governor and mayor are working diligently to
register Kastamonu’s many signature products as geo-markers.
Hisarcıklıoğlu congratulated the Kastamonu Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and the Commodity Exchange in recognition of them being accredited.
Pointing out that Turkey was fighting three terrorist organizations simultaneously
in 2016, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Another country would be broken if they faced
what we had to overcome in just one year; we, on the other hand, have begun the
growth our country again as the Turkish private sector.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they are closely keeping track of the demands
coming from the chambers and commodity exchanges and provided information about
the Respite Credits, zero-interest loans package via KOSGEB, employment
mobilization and the Industrial Production Reform as well as their reach
nationally.
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that troubles can be solved with unity and solidarity,
continuing, “We have always solved troubles through unity and solidarity. Allah
grants us grace and blessings when we stand together. Of course we have problems.
We will embrace one another tightly and solve all our troubles through unity
and solidarity.”