Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

TOBB Board Member Cengiz Günay emphasized that they are monitoring all problems closely throughout the pandemic and that they are always on the side of stakeholders as TOBB in solving problems and communicating them to the relevant Ministries.

Council President Alp Önder Özpamukçu briefed on the developments since the most recent meeting.

In the meeting, the prominent problems of the sector were evaluated. Noting the importance of zero waste, the members stated that they had the opportunity to store their own wastes given to the municipalities with the amendment to be made and drew attention to the importance of following the developments as relating to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Industry representatives, who noted that the non-operation of air conditioning systems in shopping malls with the arrival of winter will cause serious issues, emphasized the necessity of an update in the Pandemic Management and Work Guide for the health of both mall employees and customers.

Addressing the issue of rents, which became the biggest problem of the sector during the pandemic, the Councilors discussed proposals for what could be done. Members demanded that VAT and withholdings be reset by the start of May 2021, with the government support for rent to businesses.

In addition, members noted that businesses should be encouraged to ensure the dissemination of safe certification as in the tourism sector in restaurants closed by the newly issued Circular.

While it was emphasized that the competitiveness of branded product sales was lost due to rising customs duties and therefore the reassessment of customs duties as it disrupted efforts to produce branded products in Turkey, it was noted that a reevaluation the quotas on branded product imports with the decrease in tourism purchases was necessary.

Referring to the issue of making necessary applications in order to benefit from the Short Work Allowance for new businesses, members noted the importance of getting through the up-and-coming difficult process in unity, with common mind, with minimal damage.