Bartın TSO’s Traditional Iftar Program Hosted Messages of Unity and Solidarity
The traditional iftar programme organised by the Bartın Chamber of Commerce and Industry provided one of the finest examples of unity and solidarity in the spiritual atmosphere of the month of Ramadan. At the programme, held at the Riverside Hotel with the broad participation of the Governor of Bartın, Dr. Nurtaç Arslan, and the provincial protocol, members of Bartın TSO gathered at the same table and together experienced the spirit of sharing and solidarity of Ramadan.
The programme was attended by the Governor of Bartın, Dr. Nurtaç Arslan, the provincial protocol, members of the Bartın TSO Assembly and Board of Directors, and a large number of Chamber members. As part of the programme, with Eyüp Sabri Kundak, Bartın TSO Project and Accreditation Officer, serving as moderator, participants were briefed on the projects recently implemented by the Chamber and the work being carried out.
Speaking at the programme, Halil Balık, Chairman of the Board of the Bartın Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underlined the importance of coming together in the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan and stated that unity and solidarity also constitute a great source of strength for the business community.
In his speech, Chairman Balık stated that, as the Bartın Chamber of Commerce and Industry, they are resolutely continuing their efforts to develop the city's commercial and industrial life, to facilitate members' business processes and to take Bartın's economic potential further.
Chairman Balık shared information under separate headings about the work carried out by the Chamber in his speech:
Supporting Members with a Wide Range of Services
He emphasised that Bartın TSO stands by its members with a very wide range of services, from commercial registry procedures to industrial registry and certification processes, from state incentive consultancy to vocational training, from price surveys to insurance services, and from K certificate to digital tachograph services. He stated that through these services they aim to ease members' bureaucratic and technical processes and to place their commercial activities on a stronger footing.
Member ID Card and Discount Protocols
Noting that the Member ID Card scheme introduced by the Chamber provides various advantages for members, Balık said that members are economically supported thanks to discount protocols signed in different sectors. Chairman Balık stated that businesses, by joining this protocol system, can both offer advantages to Chamber members and strengthen mutual commercial cooperation.
Support for Women and Young Entrepreneurs
Noting that they attach importance to women and young people playing a more active role in the business world, Balık said that mentoring, training and project activities are being carried out together with the Women Entrepreneurs Board and the Young Entrepreneurs Board, and that these efforts aim to give the local economy a more inclusive and dynamic structure.
National and International Projects
Stating that the Chamber is carrying out numerous projects under national and international grant programmes, Chairman Balık noted that the "Clustering and Inter-Chamber Cooperation Project with a Focus on Twin Transition", supported by the European Union with a budget of 148,000 euros and carried out together with the Kocaeli Chamber of Industry and the Brno Regional Chamber of Commerce in Czechia, is continuing. He also said that they continue to contribute to Bartın's economy by developing projects for various funding sources, particularly development agencies.
120 Years of Institutional History
Chairman Balık stated that they are proud to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Bartın Chamber of Commerce and Industry this year, and that they regard this deep-rooted history as the commercial and economic memory of Bartın. He noted that many activities are planned within the scope of the 120th anniversary, such as cultural and sports competitions, an institutional history book, a photo album, digital content, educational support and social assistance activities.
Digitalisation and Communication Activities
Noting that the Chamber's website has been renewed and that many transactions can now be carried out online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Balık stated that announcements and information are shared instantly through digital channels. He also noted that members can stay quickly informed of developments through the WhatsApp announcement channel that has been created, and invited all members to follow this channel.
Emphasis on Consultation and Collective Wisdom
Noting that Bartın TSO places importance on identifying problems not from behind a desk but through direct contact with members and via the professional committees, Balık stated that they evaluate the sectors' demands at committee meetings, convey them to the relevant institutions and play an active role in the search for solutions.
At the end of his speech, Chairman Balık emphasised that this gathering was not merely an iftar programme but also an important occasion that strengthens solidarity. He stated that they will continue to work in unity and solidarity for a stronger Bartın and a sustainable economic future, and thanked all the guests who attended the programme.
Speaking at the programme, the Governor of Bartın, Dr. Nurtaç Arslan, thanked the business people who contribute to the economy of the province, the region and the country through production, investment and employment. Governor Arslan noted the great role of the business community in Bartın's development and expressed his wish that all business people enjoy abundant and blessed earnings.
Governor Arslan also congratulated the Bartın Chamber of Commerce and Industry on its 120th anniversary and extended his greetings for the approaching Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) and Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı). Conveying his wishes for health, peace and happiness to the participants, Governor Arslan thanked those who contributed to the organisation.
The iftar programme, which took place with high attendance, concluded with conversations among the participants and commemorative photographs.
