Both the world and our country are going through a difficult process due to the Covid-19 epidemic. The situation we are in is full of challenges we have never experienced before. Global economies, accustomed to small and regional crises, have never encountered such a global crisis, at least in this century. I think it is important to focus on certain strategies these days when people are confined to their homes and consumption has almost come to a halt, except for the food and medical sectors. It is useful to know what we will encounter, especially starting from the normalization phases of the process. It is very important for our companies to get used to this new normal and learn to live with these realities.
At best, it would not be realistic to expect the economy and consumption channels to return to their previous order until a vaccine is developed to treat the virus that is sweeping the world. It is obvious that it is beneficial for our companies to create a new profile for themselves, especially in budgeting and cash flows. It should be anticipated that people will save money on expense items and act according to certain criteria in their expenditures. Especially the masses who loaded up on their assets and reserves during the quarantine will be hesitant about shopping after the process. It seems more rational to hope for a gradual recovery rather than waiting for life to return to normal all at once. We cannot say that this new economic model, which is better expressed in percentages, will be solved in a very short time. When we look at it from a global trade perspective, the situation seems even more challenging. It will not be easy for flights to reach their previous density, for the logistics industry to gain momentum, for global clothing demand to reach its previous levels, and for economic conditions to return to their old days in a coordinated manner. Another fact that should not be overlooked is that the “let them produce everything” mentality towards China may change in the coming period. All countries, large and small, can choose to produce certain products themselves, either through regional consortiums or by activating their internal mechanisms. It is possible to talk about a process in which more closed and inward-looking economies can be seen. Especially countries with high regional production power, such as Türkiye, can benefit from this process. As an active country in Europe, CIS countries and the Middle East, it is possible for us to achieve serious gains after the virus outbreak. For this reason, I think it is especially important for strategists and economists to provide the right guidance.
As you know, our country managed to become one of the countries that was exposed to the process late, thanks to the measures taken against the Covid-19 epidemic. Again, we can say that we are more successful than many Western countries, especially EU countries, in the epidemic process and management. Although we are deeply saddened by our losses, we see that we have shown an incredible performance in data such as the death rate and the number of patients treated. As we conveyed our gratitude and gratitude to our healthcare professionals who work day and night with great devotion and faith, we saw once again how valuable the healthcare investments our country has made in recent years are. While Western countries are falling apart, our health system has managed to survive. I hope and wish that we, as a nation, will get through this process with great solidarity and cooperation and continue to walk towards the future in a much safer and more confident way. We will move towards our 2023 ideals without deviating from our goals and gaining strength.
On this occasion, I sincerely congratulate you on May 19, Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, Night of Power and Ramadan Feast. I offer my respects with the hope that we will celebrate Eid in healthy and peaceful days and return to our old days as soon as possible.
Gıyasettin Eyyüpkoca
