The August council meeting was held.

Sadıkoğlu: "6th Region incentives must continue"

Speaking at the August regular assembly meeting of the Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTSO), Board Chairman Oğuzhan Ata Sadıkoğlu stated, "Our members' profitability has eroded, their equity has weakened, and their investment appetite has been suppressed. We must not buy time with temporary support measures but rather revitalize production through comprehensive incentives. Our province currently benefits from 6th Region incentives, which will expire at year-end. Given the severe economic wounds inflicted by the earthquake, these incentives must continue for our province."

The August regular assembly meeting of the Malatya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTSO) was held at the 15 July Martyrs Assembly Hall under the chairmanship of Assembly President Hakan Er.

"AS THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, WE WANT TO SEE OUR FUTURE"

Speaking at the assembly meeting, MTSO Board Chairman Oğuzhan Ata Sadıkoğlu addressed the challenges faced by the business community and emphasized the necessity of extending 6th Region incentives in Malatya. Chairman Sadıkoğlu stated, "Geopolitical crises at our borders and economic fluctuations in our country have made life difficult for all of us in every respect. Today, our firms' profitability has eroded, their equity has weakened, and their investment appetite has been suppressed. This is not a burden our members can shoulder alone. We must not buy time with temporary support but rather revitalize production through comprehensive incentives. Our province currently benefits from 6th Region incentives, which will expire at year-end. For our earthquake-stricken economy, these incentives are essential. We are fighting tirelessly for their continuation. As the business community, we no longer want to just get by—we want to see our future."

"PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE TO ALL PRODUCERS WITHOUT CONDITIONS"

Commenting on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's post-Cabinet Meeting announcement regarding agricultural frost damage compensation, Chairman Sadıkoğlu said, "130 days have passed since the agricultural frost disaster on April 12. No payments have been made to our producers to date. Our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, recently shared the first details about the support payments following the Cabinet Meeting. He stated that a total of 23.4 billion TL in support will be provided to 420,000 producers. We thank the authorities in advance for these payments. However, we expect payments to be made to all producers without conditions such as TARSIM or ÇKS registration. We reiterate that support packages are also essential for our tradesmen, merchants, and exporters."

UNCONDITIONAL E-VISA FACILITY FOR CCI MEMBERS TO CHINA

Chairman Sadıkoğlu announced that, following negotiations with the Chinese Embassy, CCI members will be granted unconditional e-visa access: "In recent months, we hosted the Chinese Ambassador and delegation at our Chamber. Based on our official correspondence and discussions regarding our request, it has been decided to provide unconditional e-visa access to China. Starting September 1, 2025, our members can apply for an unconditional e-visa valid for 180 days with a 30-day stay period. We congratulate our members on this development."

"OUR NATION HAS NEVER LIVED IN CAPTIVITY, NOR CAN IT"

Chairman Sadıkoğlu also touched upon the August 30 Victory Day and the Malazgirt Victory: "The Great Offensive and the Battle of Dumlupınar, commanded by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which began on August 26, 1922, and concluded victoriously on August 30, 1922, mark the most critical phase of our Republic's foundation. History has shown that our nation has never lived in captivity, nor can it. The Great Offensive, won under dire conditions, stands as the finest example. On the 103rd anniversary of the August 30 Victory Day, I congratulate you on this occasion. We also commemorate the 954th anniversary of the Malazgirt Victory, which made Anatolia our homeland. With this, I honor Sultan Alparslan, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and our martyrs with mercy and gratitude."

GENOCIDE IN GAZA FOR 730 DAYS

Chairman Sadıkoğlu also addressed the ongoing genocide in Gaza, now in its 730th day: "Since October 7, 2023, over 60,000 of our Palestinian brothers and sisters have lost their lives, with more than 145,000 injured. Over half of the deceased are women and children. The starvation, oppression, and death in Gaza are a disgrace to all humanity. Western nations, who claim to bestow justice and democracy upon the world, view Israel's genocide in Gaza as its natural right. Tragically, the world sees but does not perceive, hears but does not listen, and when it speaks, it conceals the truth. From the first day, we have condemned the savage attacks we have witnessed with pain, and we will continue to do so."

Following Chairman Sadıkoğlu's speech, agenda items were discussed. The assembly meeting also included the traditional plaque presentations. Plaques of appreciation were awarded to company executives who have been Chamber members for over 25 years and have contributed to Malatya and the city's economy in various fields, from production to employment.