15 May 2015 FridayTOBB members who have completed their 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th years were presented with Certificates of Honor for Service. Attending the ceremony hosted by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu was the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated in his address, in regards to those awarded with Certificates of Honor for Service, "They have shown us how to enable others to partake of the prosperity they create; how to provide employment and means to people; how to be honest merchants." Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the TOBB community puts great importance on unity, solidarity and loyalty. Pointing out that the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during his service as Prime Minister, has always treated the TOBB community with great import, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, "You engaged with us in various platforms. During your terms as Prime Minister, you honored all TOBB general assemblies. You never left us alone. For the first time, we are hosting you as the President of the Republic of Turkey. I present our heartfelt gratitude for all your support for our community." Stating that the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. as Prime Minister had enacted many reforms to open the way for the private sector, Hisarcıklıoğlu said that many important endeavors were undertaken in regards to private sector investment and exports. Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that during this period, Turkey has become the 6th most preferred tourist destination in the world; that it has come to be the second largest power in the construction sector following China. Underlining the fact that those receiving Certificates of Honor for Service were producing and engaging in commerce in Turkey at a time when trade was all but non-existent, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, "They have shown us how to enable others to partake of the prosperity they create; how to provide employment and means to people; how to be honest merchants." Following the speeches, President Erdoğan presented TOBB members who have completed their 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th years with Certificates of Honor for Service and commemorative plaques. Afterwards, Hisarcıklıoğlu and the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan toured the booths set up at the TOBB Twin Towers plaza for the 71st General Assembly.