27.07.2019 Kocaeli
IMEAK Chamber of Maritime Commerce Kocaeli Branch was opened in a ceremony attended by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu.
In
his speech at the ceremony, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that maritime trade
is among the most strategic sectors in global trade, “We want to be among the
leading maritime countries.”
Emphasizing
that this is not an easy task, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The maritime sector is
where global competition and even cruel competition is seen at the highest
level. Not only must you survive, you must also fly your country's flag in all the
seas. Therefore, I would like to congratulate all the maritime traders representing
our sector here.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu
stated that Turkish maritime sector has gained good momentum with the right
policies implemented recently. The Chamber of Maritime Commerce has contributed
to more and given support to the sector under President Tamer Kıran’s
leadership. Thus, our maritime shipping has entered into the top 15 countries
in the world. Our marine trading fleet has grown. The number of active
shipyards has increased. In the shipbuilding industry, we have become a recognized
brand in the world. We are in a position to construct any ship to completion.
We are able to export all kinds of ships to the whole world, beyond just being
self-sufficient.”
Noting
that this is a significant achievement, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that there is still
a long way to go and that maritime trade is a part of Turkey's national being
and wealth.
“We
must protect the vitality and functionality of our maritime sector,” said the TOBB
President and went on, “Otherwise, increasing foreign trade volume will benefit
foreign transport companies. Every year we pay close to 5bn USD for freight.
Why would we spend this much every year? Why shouldn't our sailors earn this
money instead? Why shouldn’t the money stay in our country, our national
companies?”
Hisarcıklıoğlu
said, “We must support and strengthen our shipbuilding industry, marine fleet,
shipyards, ports in accordance with our export targets. Under the captaincy of
our Chamber of Maritime Commerce, we are in consultation with our government on
all these issues.”
Emphasizing
that the Kocaeli Branch is an important part of the vision of delivering
services in the best way like the other 8 branches, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Kocaeli
is the production and export base of our industry. One of the largest port
cities in Europe. Kocaeli is among the major cities that shape the world trade.
It hosts an average of 10,000 ships a year. The 35 small and large port
facilities make it the 7th largest cargo port in Europe with 72
million tons of freight handled. The ports in the Izmit Bay are still only operating
at half capacity. The load handling capacity here can easily be doubled, up to
150 million tons. Kocaeli can be just like Rotterdam. For this, we ask our government
to complete the rail connections of the ports. If we can transfer this freight to
railways, the amount of goods transported by Izmit Bay will increase, while the
road congestion will decrease.”