Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) Joint Committees Meeting was held via video conference system with the participation of Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank.
In his speech here, Varank reminded that there were supply and demand shocks in the global economy due to Covid-19, and said that the process marked the beginning of a new era.
Emphasizing that Turkey has passed a successful test in the fight against Covid-19, Varank explained the measures implemented taking into account economic sustainability.
Varank stated that the Turkish industry showed its production capability and ability to quickly adapt to changes during the epidemic period, and stated that projects in the field of vaccine and drug development and diagnostic kits and diagnostic systems are continuing.
Pointing out that at this point, normalization steps have been taken with the change in the course of the epidemic, Varank said, “We need to determine our measures in the new normal as our new lifestyle. We want to minimize the extent of the damage and make the best use of the opportunities offered by this period. For this, we want to create a permanent effect on the production front, putting health first.” “We are focused on making the recovery happen.” he said.
Varank stated that positive signals have been received from the real sector towards normalization in the last two weeks and informed that electricity consumption in organized industrial zones (OIZ) has started to increase since the beginning of May.
Emphasizing that they carefully follow the data in Bursa, Varank stated that electricity consumption in Demirtaş, Bursa, İnegöl, Nilüfer, Kestel and Hasanağa OIZs increased by 32 percent on average in the first two weeks of May compared to the same period of the previous month.
Varank said that 90 percent of the first and second parts of the infrastructure works of TEKNOSAB OSB have been completed and the first investments will start here in the July-August period.
“The real sector is willing to work”
Stating that all of the automotive main factories across the country are working and that there are companies that have started production in textile again, Varank stated that the willingness of the sector representatives and OIZ managements to work is seen.
Varank stated that the codes of the current period will be shaped through definitions such as safe production, trade and tourism, and reminded that healthy production rules have been determined in this context.
Emphasizing that the measures introduced protect the health of employees in industrial enterprises, Varank noted that the measures will strengthen the competitiveness of enterprises at low cost.
Varank pointed out that they, as Turkey, want to be a pioneer in this field where standards are not established in the world, and called on companies to comply with these rules and obtain safe production certificates. Minister Varank said, “If the rules are followed, the impact of the epidemic on production will decrease and disappear. Your resilience against the pandemic will increase and with the improvement in foreign demand, you will be able to get ahead of your competitors in the post-Covid-19 period.” made his assessment.
Pointing out that global supply chains are being reshaped in the transition to the “new normal”, Varank explained that new production centers will begin to form in the world economy and that Turkey has a significant opportunity at this point, and that Bursa can become the target of many foreign investors with the advantages it has. .
Varank stated that industrialists should be alert to this situation and push for international cooperation opportunities and said, “Contact with international companies operating in your sector, search for ways to do joint business. Move the capacity you have in supply to value-added areas with such collaborations.” he said.
“A new call will be made in July”
Varank stated that they will announce the results of the call made in the machinery sector next month within the Technology-Focused Industrial Move Program, which started to be implemented last year, and informed that new calls will be opened in July.
Varank stated that the program aims to try new methods in production and make the best use of domestic resources, and advised to follow the calls closely.
Referring to the “model factory” in Bursa, Varank said, “The lean training and digital transformation trainings of the companies continue successfully. The model factory goes beyond the borders of Bursa and attracts visitors from Mersin, Gaziantep, Konya, Kayseri, Tarsus, Ardahan, Balıkesir, Bilecik and Eskişehir.” “I know it is. This situation is very pleasing as it shows the awareness in the industry.” he said.
Varank also pointed out the importance of KOSGEB’s new support mechanism, which was announced last week, and reminded that SMEs that will transform their businesses by receiving training in model factories will cover up to 70 thousand lira of the training expenses. Varank said:
“The training you will receive in model factories will return to you as increased productivity and competition. I am pleased that the companies that received training in model factories in Ankara and transformed their businesses are talking about productivity rates of up to 100-150 percent.”
. We believe that this work will be very effective in the transformation of Turkish industry.”
Varank stated that there will be much more work for the industry of Bursa, Turkey’s domestic production base, in the coming period, and added that they will provide all kinds of support as the Ministry.
BTSO Chairman of the Board of Directors İbrahim Burkay also attended the meeting.
