TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the TOBB Board of Directors is experiencing two firsts today, “TOBB has been honored for the first time by the attendance of a President of the Republic.”

Emphasizing that President Gül has never begrudge TOBB of his support since 2002, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This community has and always will remember with gratitude the support you have given us in solving the problems of the private sector and expanding the influence of our private sector in the region.”

Stating that the Turkish private sector has become the largest production power between Italy and China, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The Turkish private sector has come to market over 20,000 products to more than 200 countries.

Turkish contractors are second only to those of China in terms of construction capacity.

Turkey is the world’s 7th most preferred tourist destination of the world with an income of 23 billion Dollars from tourism. This may come across as ambitious but I can say with conviction that we have become as strong as a European and as agile as an Asian.

We are developing ourselves in accordance to this vision; we are widening our area of influence.

As TOBB, we are the only institution which has taken on the role of vice president in both the European Chambers Union Eurochambres and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

This shows that as Turkey becomes stronger Turkish entrepreneurs become a global brand. We are proud to be able to contribute to this.”

- TOBB’s 60th anniversary

Stating that this is TOBB’s 60th anniversary, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “2012 is our year of celebration. This adventure, which started in a small office on Posta Street in Ulus in 1952, has created one of the strongest business world organizations of the world. We present our gratitude to those administrations that worked day and night for this community and pray for the grace of Allah upon those who have passed away.”

Reporting that they will be holding events as befits the 60th anniversary of the establishment of TOBB, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We will meet with our community, our family, in the four corners of Anatolia and we will show the power of the Turkish private sector with our international events. With the attendance of the President of the Republic to our Board of Directors meeting today, we have gained a memory to relish for years to come.”

- 60th anniversary cake

After the speeches, the President of the Republic Abdullah Gül, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and TOBB Board of Directors Members cut the cake prepared especially for TOBB’s 60th anniversary.

- Three generations of entrepreneurs

Hisarcıklıoğlu also presented President Gül with the framed announcements in the Trade Registry Gazette of the 3 generations of his enterprising family.

- President of the Republic, Abdullah Gül

In his speech President of the Republic, Abdullah Gül said, “Turkey is displaying an economic performance which will make up for the years it’s lost and forge ahead. Without a doubt, the political will to make the correct decisions and stability are essential to this.”

Gül said, “I am deeply gratified to have come together with the estimable directors of the highest umbrella organization of the Turkish business world, Turkish entrepreneurs and Turkish businessmen: the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey.”

Thanking Hisarcıklıoğlu for his opening speech, Gül said, “It is my wish that the 60th anniversary of its foundation will bring many new successes for TOBB and, consequently, all of Turkish business life.”

- TOBB springs to mind when the subject is entrepreneurs

Gül, stating that when the subjects are business life, employers and entrepreneurs, TOBB is the first name that springs to mind, said, “You are the underlying effort behind Turkey’s success. You are the ones providing employment, the ones who produce and put forth actual goods. In this regard, just as we are overjoyed each time we hear of your successes, so do we pay particular attention to the reports and suggestions which come from you.”

- The sustainability of growth is paramount

Drawing attention to the importance of the sustainability of growth, Gül stated, “The financing of growth is very important for sustainability. Domestic savings are very important. Of course, there are other problems faced during growth, especially foreign deficit. We put great importance on these matters and bring the matter up as necessary. The thing that keeps me from succumbing to worry is that the matter is widely recognized and there is a widespread awareness of the issue.”

Gül said, “I find that it is important for the government to take your views, the views of the real representatives of the business life, into account when working in close dialog in regards to the regulations on principles and tenets of business life. Once again, It gives me great pleasure to be with you on the 60th anniversary of the founding of TOBB. I believe that we will continue to garner great pleasure from continued success together.”

- Gül planted a sapling to commemorate the 60th anniversary of TOBB’s founding

President Gül planted a sapling in TOBB’s garden to commemorate the 60th anniversary of TOBB’s founding.

Gül, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and Board members attended noon prayers in at TOBB Union Center Facilities.

Afterwards, Gül planted a tree in TOBB’s garden to commemorate the 60th anniversary of TOBB’s founding.

Gül was accompanied by TOBB President Hsiarcıklıoğlu and other Board members during the planting.
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