21.10.2017 Hatay
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, who participated in joint meetings of Hatay provinces and cities' chambers, said that Hatay was history, culture, civilization and tourism.
Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that Hatay is a city of tolerance where people
who think like Mevlana and are understanding like Yunus live in harmony. “It is
one of the oldest settlements in the world with its 8,500 year history. Every
century and every civilization have left their mark here. It has unique tastes,
cultures, uniquely seen for the first time in Anatolia and the world. The first
mosque in Anatolia, Habib-i Neccar Mosque is here. There are mosques,
synagogues and churches on Kurtuluş Avenue. Hatay is an iconic city for
fraternity among religions.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the Antiochian Civilizations Choir was
established to show this through music.
Pointing out that the first cave museum is in Hatay, the TOBB President
said, “The Hatay Archeology Museum has the world's 2nd largest
mosaic collection. In short, Hatay is a modern city full of history and natural
treasures. It is a great chance for the region that EXPO will be held in Hatay
in 2021 with the theme of ‘Garden of Civilizations Garden.’ I congratulate and
thank you for winning the EXPO for Turkey a second time.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that Hatay has Turkish, Arab and French
cuisines with over 600 kinds of dishes. He said that the second longest beach
in the world is located in Samandağ and that Arsuz is an important tourism
center.
Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that Hatay is also prominent in agriculture,
industry, logistics and education, adding, “In fertile soil like Amik Ovası, a
wide variety of products such as citrus fruits, olives, peanuts, cotton are
growing. Iskenderun Port is the 4th largest port in Turkey. It has
an important position in trade with the Gulf countries and the Mediterranean,
Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia. It connects the world with these regions.
You are in the first place in Turkey in regards to iron-steel production capacity.
The only integrated flat steel production in our country which produces flat
and long products is here.
Hatay is Turkey's greatest logistics city with the second largest
shipping fleet after Istanbul. A center of attraction for wind energy. We have
2 universities, well on its way to becoming an education city. As you can see,
Hatay is a versatile and highly competitive city.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I would like to commemorate Tayfur Sökmen, the great
statesman who contributed greatly to Hatay joining the motherland whose
birthday it is.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu also thanked the Antakya Chamber and Exchange for hosting
the event. “I congratulate the Chairmen Hikmet and Ali. The unity and
solidarity of the Chamber and Commodity Exchange in Hatay is exemplary. Here is
another point which you should be proud of: Antakya CCI and CE accredited. We
are working closely with the Chamber and Commodity Exchange chairpersons of Hatay
in Ankara and TOBB. We take advantage of their experience. They represent Hatay
in the best way possible. Hatay's share is great in TOBB's success. The Chamber
and Exchange in Hatay are doing their part for the development and prosperity of
Hatay. I myself witnessed this in Ankara.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the Chambers and Commodity Exchanges serve their
members in the best condition, identify their troubles and then seek solutions
for them. “We want special incentives for Hatay as the biggest burden of our
Syrian brothers and sisters is on your shoulders. We expect the Dörtyol-Hassa
tunnel to be completed as soon as possible. With the tunnel completed Hatay
will be Eastern Anatolia’s and Southeastern Anatolia’s gateway to the sea.
Hatay deserves it because it is one of the locomotive cities of our country's
economy.”
- Other Speakers
Antakya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman (ATSO) Hikmet Çinçin
said that the city is the gateway between Turkey and the Middle East for the
transition between global production and consumption bases.
Antakya Commodity Exchange Chairman Mehmet Ali Kuseyri stated that the
city should be included for incentives, pointing out its potential.