Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

- Logistics Coordination Council very important for the sector

TOBB Vice Chair Halim Mete spoke in regards to the works of the Logistics Coordination Council established as per Ministry Notice, stating that the Council is making great efforts to understand the sector, to strengthen communication between ministries and institutions as well as enabling singularity of purpose.

Mete also detailed the contributions of TOBB to the sector in the customs gate modernization project as well as the construction of various TIR parks. He also touched on the eTIR project being run in cooperation with Iran by the Customs and Commerce Ministry which is slated for pilot trials in the near future in TIR transportation.

Reporting that Turkey has risen to 30^th place on the Logistics Performance Index in 2014 from 39^th in 2010, Halim Mete urged focus on criteria of the Index, stating that we are doing well in “Logistics Service Proficiency and Quality” and “Delivery Monitoring and Tracking” and that there is potential for development in other categories.

Halim Mete touched on the TIR+ solution to the additional costs incurred by carriers routing through Kazakhstan following the disagreements with Russia and urged the adoption of the Middle Corridor Project by the ministries and the private sector.

- Other speakers

Customs and Commerce Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Sezai Uçarmak provided information regarding various issues which have been addressed by the Ministry such as payment of dues via credit card, internal review of the sector and the use of alternative customs gates.

Turkey Transportation and Logistics Council Advisor Prof. Dr. Füsun Ülengin provided information regarding the Logistics Performance Index and Kapıkule Customs Gate Efficiency Report.

Comments and wishes regarding the issues of the sector were put forth by the Turkey Transportation and Logistics Council members, Railway Transportation Association, Turkey Cargo, Courier and Logistics Operators Association, Turkey Transporters Association, International Transporters Association, International Transportation and Logistics Service Providers Association.