28.12.2018 Gaziantep
Speaking at the Gaziantep Business Community Consultation Meeting hosted by the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that he believes this turbulent period is temporary, “The foundations of Turkey's economy are robust. Look, we've had dozens of crises and turbulences in the last 25 years. We've overcome them all and we're on our way. Allah willing, we will join together again and bring our country to the place it deserves.”
The
Business Community Consultation Meeting took place at the Gaziantep Chamber of
Commerce with the participation of TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu,
Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan, TESK President Bendevi Palandöken, Gaziantep
Chamber of Commerce President Mehmet Tuncay Yıldırım, Gaziantep Chamber of
Industry President Adnan Ünverdi, Gaziantep Commodity Exchange President Mehmet
Akıncı, Gaziantep Chamber of Tradesmen President Ömer Küsbeoğlu, chamber and commodity
exchange presidents as well as many guests.
TOBB
President Hisarcıklıoğlu began his speech by pointing out that the meeting
would be the 97th anniversary of the liberation of Gaziantep from
enemy occupation. “Gaziantep is a city with its heroism immortalized with the
title of Gazi and crowned with Medal of Independence. Antep's resistance to the
enemy shone a light on our War of Independence and became the symbol of bravery
and patriotism in Anatolia.”
Stating
that Gaziantep is a role model city, the TOBB President said, “There is a saying:
‘Grace and prosperity in unity; anguish in dissent.’ There are chamber and commodity
exchange presidents from 9 provinces here. Thank you for coming. Our Trade
Minister Ruhsar Pekcan is with us. We would like to thank the President for appointing
the Minister of Trade from among us. This is a source of pride for us. Thanks
to their vision, I believe that a new breakthrough in the economy will begin.
It is also a chance for Gaziantep to be represented by such hard-working and
visionary chamber and commodity exchange leaders.”
- Fulfilled requests from chambers
and commodity exchanges
Hisarcıklıoğlu,
pointing out the result of the demands coming from the chambers and exchanges,
listed these activities as follows: “Short working allowance has been enacted. SSI
premium payment grace period of 60 months for entrepreneurs who have had difficulty
has been provided. The minimum wage support has been increased to 150 TRY.
Technical bankruptcy was resolved with reorganizations. Regarding liquidation
and transfer contracts, the draft law on public works is at the Turkish Grand
National Assembly. Commercial credit insurance has been enacted. A very
important step was taken in terms of credit guarantee. Support for licensed
warehousing was increased. 10% discount on natural gas. Tax cuts were made in 4
sectors. Gaziantep utilized 60% of the allotted resource in the respite
credits. There is 40% more you can use. Use it. Tell us where you are having
problems. Post commissions in the retail sector have increased greatly. This
needs to be solved.”
Emphasizing
that this turbulent period is temporary, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu called
for unity and solidarity, “Together we will join hands and bring our country to
the place it deserves.”