26.04.2025 Erzurum

The President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu visited Erzurum Commodity Exchange and met with the members of the assembly.

In his speech here, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that the Palandöken Economic Forum is a program that requires vision.

Expressing his happiness to be in Erzurum, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Erzurum is one of Türkiye’s largest livestock provinces. With 400,000 cattle and 300,000 sheep and goats, it is the livestock center of the East. In terms of meat and milk production, Erzurum is among the top 10 provinces in Türkiye. Barley, wheat, sugar beet and fodder crops stand out in agricultural production. Our commodity exchange has been serving Erzurum’s agriculture and animal husbandry since 1946.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu reminded that Erzurum Commodity Exchange will celebrate its 80^th anniversary next year and explained that the previous service building was not earthquake resistant.

Referring to the trade problems in the world, Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “We have problems in the world, the most important of these is the increasing protectionism in the world, walls are being built in front of trade. This is a great injustice for the 7 billion people in the world because without trade there is no production, without production there is no employment and without employment there is no wealth. The only way for societies in the world to become rich is through trade. Without trade there is no wealth, the more trade the more wealth. They want to block trade with these increasing customs duties. Therefore, I hope that the leaders of the countries that govern the world will make wise decisions and will not cause the world to become poorer. One of the biggest problems we face is high inflation, and we cannot reduce the risks in the economy without bringing inflation down to single digits. In this context, we all know that we have experienced single digit inflation before. There was single digit inflation during 2006-2013. All the bank managers used to stand in queues in front of your door and say ‘use the loan from me, it is attractive, we are giving you this and that’. Now, unfortunately, due to high inflation, we have a lot of difficulty in accessing financing, interest rates are very high, there is no such profit. We are not in a position to pay that profit. Hopefully, if we get permission soon, we will have a good news within the scope of the credit guarantee fund.”

Stating that Erzurum Commodity Exchange provides 5-star service to its members, Hisarcıklıoğlu said: “Erzurum Commodity Exchange is almost a project factory and I am proud of it. They are doing things that will set an example for other exchanges in our country. The meat and milk sector has realized the cold chain project, I congratulate you for this. Our stock exchange also attaches great importance to geographical indications and protects the values of Erzurum. When (Hakan Oral) took over the flag, there were 7 products with geographical indications, now it has increased to 60. It is one of the leading chambers and exchanges in Türkiye. Erzurum Commodity Exchange also attaches importance to vocational education and patronizes vocational high schools. It contributes especially to the training of qualified intermediate staff in Erzurum. On April 21, within the framework of the agreement we signed with YÖK, we will hopefully make vocational colleges just like high schools. Our stock exchange will also patronize Atatürk University Technical Sciences and Social Sciences Vocational Schools.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu also said about the agricultural frost: “One of the most important problems is the frost disaster we have experienced in recent days. Hakan Oral also expressed this at the regional meeting, we follow all the problems coming from you, he expresses them all. I am conveying it to our Vice President, especially our President, and our ministers on behalf of you. May Allah guide and protect us.”

(A.A.)