Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu said at the meeting that during the pandemic process, the chambers and exchanges have a greater duty and responsibility, taking on the task of bridging the business world and the government, conveying the problems in the field as quickly as possible.

As TOBB, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that they are in constant consultation with the chambers and exchanges in 81 provinces, “We worked together with my member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Zeki Kıvanç, whom I work with at TOBB where he represents you. Every day, we have gathered your troubles and issues. Then we talk to the Ministers one-on-one and work to resolve them. First, in March, when the outbreak began, we presented a 70-point set of proposals to our President. A lot of them have come to life, and they continue to pass. Tax and SSI payments in various sectors have been postponed. The scope of the short work allowance has been expanded, making work faster. Various loan packages for our companies have been implemented. Finally, we started the Breath Credits with Denizbank. 7.5 percent interest, no payments in 2020, will be paid in 2021. Then we continued to communicate our problems and suggestions in consultation with you. Because it's a dynamic process, every day a new issue, a new problem arises. Therefore, we are in contact with our members without any interruptions and continue to note their problems and proposals.”

Noting that the restrictions have begun to to be lifted, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “But remember, the pandemic is not over yet, we have just reduced the spread. Now a new process begins. In many sectors, we will have to work with half capacity for a while.”