03.12.2018 Kocaeli
Speaking at the 11th Above the Line Sector Performance Assessment Award Ceremony, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, said, “We believe this turbulent period is temporary. The foundations of Turkey's economy are robust. We also saw the concrete evidence of this last month.”
Making
sure to attend the event every year conditions permitting, Hisarcıklıoğlu said,
“I see so many success stories here. This gives me a different kind of morale
and energy. I'm talk about you and your accomplishments in 80 provinces. I want
them to emulate you. I’m giving you publicity, just so you know.”
Emphasizing
that thinking together and acting together brings success, the TOBB President
said, “This is one of the main reasons for the success in Kocaeli. In Kocaeli,
all the companies work together towards a common goal, so they always achieve
good results. You are the pride of Turkey in industry. Industry share of
Kocaeli’s economy is 51%, contributing 13% of the national industry sector
volume. Kocaeli conducts 17% of Turkey's foreign trade by itself. Kocaeli is
competing with whole countries in international trade. Kocaeli ranks 58th
worldwide with its trade volume. Kocaeli is 2nd in taxes paid and 1st
in tax collection in Turkey.”
You
are among Turkey's most successful provinces with all the employment, port
capacity, OIZs, R&D capacity, high-tech production, patent numbers and your
vocational training capacity you provide. We are proud of Kocaeli's
achievements. Kocaeli is the pride of Turkey.”
Stating
that they are going through a turbulent period as the Turkish business community,
Hisarcıklıoğlu said that they’ve been to nearly 30 cities in Anatolia and
they’re keeping an eye on their members and their problems. Stating that they
are conducting their visits along with the Turkey Banks Union, the TOBB
President reported that they’ve held the tenth meeting in Kocaeli, noting all
the problems one by one and conveying them to the relevant ministers, and demanding
address.
Stressing
that they are in constant consultation with the government and the economy
management, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Tax deductions requested by our chambers in 4
sectors have been realized. Short working allowance was activated. SSI premiums
debts received a maturity date of 60 months for eligible taxpayers of good
standing. The liquidation and transfer contracts bill regarding our companies which
enter public tenders and caused increased costs was sent to the National Assembly.
All these measures stimulate the market and boost trade. We believe that this
turbulent period is temporary. Because the foundations of Turkey's economy are robust.
We also saw the concrete evidence of this last month.”
Also
attending the Award Ceremony were Istanbul Governor Hüseyin Aksoy, TOBB Vice
President Ayhan Zeytinoğlu, Turkey Banks Union President Hüseyin Aydın and many
chamber/exchange presidents.