Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

At the meeting attended by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Adil Karaismailoğlu, the negative effects of the Covid-19 outbreak on sectors were discussed.

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu, speaking at the meeting, noted that transport and logistics, civil aviation, road passenger transport, maritime and telecommunications sectors are among the sectors most affected by the crisis, emphasizing, “Because they’re the most important partners of other sectors. Production slowed, business volume fell. Domestic and international flights have been cancelled. Countries have closed borders, exports have slowed, we have been unable to carry our goods. Tourism stopped, was covered by force majeure, but maritime tourism and related sectors were not included. Intercity passenger transportation decreased and is subject to permits. Our service vehicles are also not working because our schools are closed.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that it is necessary to keep these sectors afloat, which are the most important part of the supply chain, and reminded that at the beginning of the crisis they presented a package of 70-something proposals to the government and that a significant part of them were implemented.

Noting that Minister Karaismailoğlu took office during this crisis and set to immediately, the TOBB President said, “Buffer zones were created at the border crossings, contactless trade has begun. Vehicle inspection times and exhaust emission measurements were extended for 3 months for all vehicles that arrived during the inspection period. The deductible procedures of commercial vehicles with expired inspection periods have been postponed. I would like to express our gratitude to our Minister who provided us with all these opportunities."

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that there are pending and not finalized demands, and asked Minister Karaismailoğlu for support on issues such as providing tax-free fuel for transportation sectors and delaying second installment of MTV for commercial vehicles.