Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Cengiz Günay, TOBB Board Member in Charge of the Council, expressed his satisfaction for the contributions of the retail sector after the earthquake on February 6, 2023, and stated with sensitivity that the works were carried out by the members for the benefit of the country and that solidarity is now more important than ever.

President of the Council Alp Önder Özpamukçu stated that in order for the earthquake regions to recover, the problem of permanent housing should be solved as soon as possible and the regions should be turned into a center of attraction in order for commercial life to recover.

Stating that the sector representatives continue to purchase products from the existing suppliers in the region intensively, the President of the Council stated that they are working hard to get the region's supply chain back on its feet and to redevelop the region.

Council Members agreed that AFAD, Kızılay and public procurement should be made primarily from local commercial enterprises in the aid to be made to the earthquake region, that the stores needed could be opened if a medium-term trade area was determined in the provinces where the retail point was not sufficient, that the region had a critical role in agriculture and animal husbandry, and that it was of great importance for food safety, especially to provide the necessary supports for planting.

While the increasing minimum wage is expected to have a positive effect on domestic demand with the monetary expansion in the sector at the beginning of the year, the sector representatives who expressed that the expectations could not be fulfilled with the earthquake disaster said that there was a contraction in domestic demand with the decrease in the number of tourists. Stating that steps will be taken to solve the situation by means such as lifting the installment ban on cosmetic products, excise tax discount to be brought to home appliances, increasing access to finance, the Members touched on the importance of ensuring the follow-up of the issue before the Public Administration.

Stating that unity and solidarity are needed more than ever, the Council Members evaluated what can be done for earthquake victims and company employees in the region. In addition, at the meeting, the problem of insurance in the opening of new stores in the earthquake region was discussed.