Minister of Commerce Ruhsar Pekcan made evaluations to the AA correspondent about the gradual transition of tradesmen and craftsmen from the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic to the normalization process.
Emphasizing that what happened during the epidemic that the whole world faced showed once again how important and critical a place tradesmen have in the daily economy, Pekcan drew attention to the importance of tradesmen and craftsmen, who offer many products and services to consumers on-site and directly, in protecting employment and ensuring the continuity of economic activities. .
Pekcan stated that Turkey is giving the same struggle in the economic field as it does in the field of health, and said, “We are at a very good point compared to many countries around the world in both our health and economic struggle.” he said.
Explaining that approximately 2 million tradesmen and craftsmen are operating in Turkey as of today, Pekcan reminded that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced normalization steps that also concern tradesmen and craftsmen after the cabinet meeting on May 28.
“We expect our tradesmen’s business to revive in a short time.”
Noting that in the first stage of the normalization process, shopping malls, barbershops, hairdressers and beauty centers, and businesses selling products such as clothing, shoes, bags and glassware have started their commercial activities, Pekcan said that businesses such as restaurants and cafes will start their activities as of June 1, and business owners over 65 years of age will start their commercial activities. He said that tradesmen and craftsmen can return to work.
In this context, Pekcan stated that many tradesmen and craftsmen will resume their commercial activities as of tomorrow and said, “In this process, with the many opportunities and supports provided by our state and our citizens returning to their routine consumption habits, we expect the businesses of our tradesmen to revive in a short time and the economic activity to return to the past. ” he said.
Noting that the state mobilized all its resources to ensure that the commercial sector survived the fight against the epidemic that affected the whole world with the least possible damage, Pekcan stated that very important support was provided to tradesmen and craftsmen with the “Economic Stability Shield” package announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In this context, Minister Pekcan, reminding that the ministries of Treasury and Finance and Family, Labor and Social Services announced various support packages that will ease the tradesmen, made the following evaluation:
“A step has been taken to postpone the principal and interest payments of loan debts to Halkbank for tradesmen and craftsmen, who declared that their businesses were negatively affected in this process, for 3 months and without interest. In addition, from the Tradesmen Support Package to the Continuation of Business Loan Support, SSI Many important conveniences have been provided, from the postponement of Bağkur premium payments to the regulation of short-time working allowance and registry records.
Within the scope of the Tradesman Support Package offered to the market from Halkbank resources, loans amounting to 15 billion 35 million lira have been provided to 606 thousand 545 tradesmen and craftsmen. These loans gave respite to tradesmen who had to close their businesses during this difficult period we are going through. “The total loan installment amount postponed or restructured by Halkbank due to the Covid-19 outbreak was 3.5 billion lira, and the number of tradesmen and craftsmen benefiting from these opportunities was 374 thousand 674.”
Stating that normalization has started gradually, Pekcan pointed out the importance of paying utmost attention to protective measures while economic activities continue in this period.
Explaining that there are rules that every tradesman must follow while carrying out their activities, Minister Pekcan said, “Our tradesmen and craftsmen were informed about the measures they will take against Covid-19 while continuing their activities. In this process, we are confident that our tradesmen will fully comply with the ‘mask, distance and cleaning’ measures pointed out by our President.” “We have no doubt.” he said.
“We will be the winners of this struggle”
Pekcan stated that they ensured that tradesman registry certificates and professional activity documents are obtained from the Ministry’s E-Tradesmen and Craftsmen Database (ESBİS) in order to make loan transactions faster and reduce red tape in this process, and also through portals such as Virtual Trade Academy and Facebook online education. He said that they have accelerated the digital training they provide to tradesmen and craftsmen in the field of e-commerce and export.
Reminding that they, as the Ministry, also launched the “We Support SMEs as E-Commerce” solidarity campaign, Pekcan said, “Many e-commerce platforms supported this campaign. In this way, our tradesmen who have marketing difficulties can benefit from the opportunities of e-commerce, grow and institutionalize, and receive the reward of their efforts.” We desire.” said.
Minister Pekcan stated that they always support the tradesmen, the lifeblood of the economy, with the support and training they provide, and said, “We will be the winners of this struggle by standing shoulder to shoulder.” he said.
