The structural issues facing the stationery sector that require resolution have been brought back to the agenda at the Istanbul and Ankara Chambers of Commerce, spearheaded by TÜKİD. During these strategic visits organised by the TÜKİD Board of Directors, the sector’s demands were shared via detailed briefing notes, whilst a stronger foundation for dialogue with decision-making bodies was also established.
During visits to the Istanbul and Ankara Chambers of Commerce, the Board of Directors of the Association of Stationery Retailers discussed the sector’s key issues. The TÜKİD Board of Directors met with Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, in Istanbul, and with Gürsel Baran, President of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, in Ankara, and shared briefing notes containing proposed solutions for the stationery sector with the officials.
Visit to the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce – Şekib Avdagiç:
“We are ready to do whatever is necessary” The TÜKİD Board of Directors visited Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, at his office to discuss the current issues facing the stationery sector. The main requests set out in the briefing notes prepared by TÜKİD were as follows:
• A credit card instalment scheme for stationery purchases during the back-to-school period,
• VAT reduction on educational products,
• Combating the informal economy,
•Protecting and supporting domestic producers,
The development of special incentive schemes for stationery exporters.
ITO President Avdagiç, stating that they had listened carefully to the sector’s demands, sent a message of support to TÜKİD, saying, “You produce, and we are ready to support you. We will do whatever is necessary.”
Visit to the Ankara Chamber of Commerce – Gürsel Baran:
“The stationery sector is one of the country’s educational lifelines” TÜKİD’s second significant visit took place at the Ankara Chamber of Commerce. ATO President Gürsel Baran hosted the TÜKİD delegation at his office in Ankara; the meeting was also attended by ATO Board of Directors Vice-Chairman Mr Temel Aktay and ATO Assembly Vice-Chairman Vecdet F. Şendil, who is also our association’s former president. The TÜKİD management also met with ATO Assembly Chairman Mustafa Deryal to discuss the state of the sector. The same briefing notes were shared with ATO officials during this visit as well. The TÜKİD delegation highlighted the challenges the sector faces, particularly in the run-up to the academic year, and expressed the expectation of more visible support from the public and decision-making bodies. ATO President Baran described the stationery sector as “an integral part of the education system”, stating: “As the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, we are pleased to support your sector. We will do our utmost to facilitate the necessary contacts and collaborations.”
COMMON GOAL: A STRONGER STATIONERY ECONOMY
These high-level meetings organised by TÜKİD not only hold a significant place in the sector’s institutional memory but also pave the way for more constructive relationships with the public and business sectors. This ‘series of visits’, launched to address the structural challenges facing the stationery sector, will continue in the coming period with various other institutions and organisations. The briefing notes presented during the visits included the following requests:
• Credit card instalment plan
• VAT reduction on educational materials
• Combating unregistered sales
• Incentives for domestic producers
• Export support policies