IF ONLY WE COULD PRODUCE

Raif TÜRK

TÜMMER  Chairman

Dear Colleagues,

We have left one third of the year behind now and we continue our struggle of competing all over the world. Even if we get tired on our way, each and every positive returns make us forget our tiredness. We are happy that there is an increase in exports this year. This is the first time since 2014. This development shows us the way to build more confidence for the future and overcoming growing pessimism in the industry in recent years.

In fact there where clear signs not only at the Marble Fair, but also Xiamen Fair that this year will be a very good year. Naturally we come back home with full of hope. Our impressions did not mislead us, even though we have serious problems, we are still more hopeful for this year. The recovery in the world markets has certainly significant share in our hope for the future. Improvements  in the global economy increase demand for our production and marble sales in a short time. Our production levels today a lot better. This is despite the bureaucracy and shortages in containers. We are reminded once again that our main problem is production and transportation; by passing we must recognize and appreciate the fact that our marble firms has been very skillful in bringing out concrete success in marketing in every corners of the world.

IF ONLY WE COULD PRODUCE..

I have to point out  an important and related issue here and with your permission I will be very clear: I am not a lawyer of İZFAŞ. This national institution with many years of experience does not need my advocacy. The MARBLE fair by İZFAŞ, which was organized with a modest budget in March, was extremly successful. After that, as the managing board of TÜMMER, top organization of the producers, we can not accept a competitor funded entirely with sector’s means. The other sectors of mining will also be on the same line with us. Those who were led to believe that the attendance of workshops was a top-level activity dönüş that this was mistaken. I can not help but ask: what is the benefit of entartaining 400 foreign businessmen?

All the expenses of these foreign guests, airplane tickets, hotel and restaurant expenses will be, in one way or another,  covered or funded by the our sector. Why would a manufacturer accept such expenses? We need every support to remove all the obstacles to produce. We will be grateful for every effort that will help to overcome these obstacles.

THANKİNG TO THE MINISTRY OF  ECONOMY

Shortly after being effective, the Ministry of Economy put an end to the URGE practices, which caused unfair competition and arbitrariness. We are greatful to our Ministry for this measure. As we mentioned in our previous writings, URGE has caused favoritism, distorting the fair competition in the sector, resulting price reductions and loss of resources of our country.

CONTAINER PROBLEM

We were delighted to see that the interest in the marble has increased in the market. However we are distressed because of container shortages in the industry started six or seven months ago. The current situation is one that there is demand for the products, but no container to transport them. While everyone do their best to solve the problem, one of our members brought together exporters and container firms; there were representatives of some of the container companies in the meeting organized by MADSİAD. In summary, representatives mentioned June and July to solve the problem. I recently spoke with Mr. Metin Kalkavan, who has an important place in maritime transport. Mr. Kalkavan said, “You have exploited us for a long time and carried marbles for 6 to 7 dollars, now it is your turn to complain.” He also said there will be an increase in the number of containers starting from June but not much decrease in prices. He also didn’t say much about this subject on Chinese-Turkish Economic Relations meeting.

The logistics problem of our industry should be solved before getting worse.

In this regard, all relevant institutions and countries should do their part.

While we are approaching to the middle of the year, we still keep our hopes high. Our goal is to add more value to our country’s economy with both exports and employment. In order to achieve this goal, we will continue to work hard and cooperate at all levels to overcome all obstacles.

I wish all of you a very fruitful fair.