Speaking on behalf of the platform at the Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO) August Chamber Assembly Meeting, ASO President Nurettin Özdebir said, "The patriotism of our beloved nation cannot be brought to its knees by economic attacks."
ASO President Nurettin Özdebir, speaking on behalf of 25 NGOs and Organized Industrial Zones, including OSTİM OSB, expressed support for the government and called for the use of the Turkish Lira. OSTİM was represented at the meeting by Vice President Sıtkı Öztuna, Board Member Mithat Ertuğ, and Regional Manager Adem Arıcı. Also present were Nedret Yener, President of the OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone Industrialists, Businessmen and Managers Association (ORSİAD), and Ahmet Kurt, President of the OSTİM Industrialists and Businessmen Association (OSİAD).
Noting that the Turkish economy is going through a fragile period, Nurettin Özdebir stated that the recent developments, including global economic, trade, and political conflicts, are having negative repercussions on the Turkish economy.
Özdebir noted: “It should be known that the patriotism of our beloved nation cannot and will not be brought to its knees by economic attacks. Ensuring unity and solidarity will enable Turkey to overcome this process easily.”
As businesses, we have dollar and euro debt. However, contrary to the asymmetric information in the market, the equivalents of these debts are held in banks as commitments arising from trade in goods and services, and these equivalents are guaranteed by our state.
We know that it is essential for us to become a country that can create its own resources. We also know that this is the only way to ensure the economic independence of the country.”
More Production
Expressing that they have no doubt that the economic attacks will be overcome as soon as possible, the President of the Ankara Chamber of Industry continued: “We have no doubt that our country will emerge from this process as soon as possible. As the business world, we believe in this. We are aware of our responsibilities to make this happen, and in this vein, we will continue to work harder and produce more.”
Overcoming the fragile structure that has emerged in the economy depends on keeping our existing businesses alive. It is evident that these businesses will transform into high-tech and high value-added goods and services producers with the incentives provided. Such investments are an important factor in reducing exchange rate risk.
High domestic demand for foreign currency is one of the major reasons for the rise in exchange rates. It should not be forgotten that every foreign currency we carry in our pockets is an interest-free loan given to that country. The only way to collect this loan is to convert it to Turkish Lira.
With an understanding that prioritizes national interests above all else, and guided by the principle that a national economy is necessary to reach the level of contemporary civilizations, we are acting accordingly. In this process, we invite all segments of society to act with restraint. As the business community, we stand by our nation and state at all times and under all circumstances for the future of our country.”
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