Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Stating that the retail sector shoulders a critical role in regards to employment, Çetin Osman Budak noted that employment has become even more important following the global crisis. He reported that in the last 5 years 22 million people throughout the world have lost their jobs and have not been able to find gainful employment since.

Drawing attention to a study undertaken by TEPAV in recent months, Budak stated that according to the study, the highest increase in retail between 2002 and 2012 were fields in which women joined the workforce the most, saying, “If retail is advanced in a province, it means that women are a part of the workforce there.”

Customs and Commerce Deputy Minister Fatih Metin expressed that they put great importance on communicating with various components of the sector while preparing the law for the sector.

Stating that there are various issues effecting the sector, Metin said, “There are problems stemming from bureaucratic procedures during the opening of establishments, unfair competition and market losses are among the issues we are facing as a sector.” Metin also reported that they have prepared regulations to address these matters with regards to not just malls but artisans and craftsmen in order to assure balanced growth and development of establishments.

A comprehensive presentation regarding the “Bill On Retail Commerce Regulation” was given by Customs and Commerce Ministry bureaucrats during the meeting.