GÜLER CONVEYS MEMBERS' DEMANDS TO PUBLIC BANKS

ETO President Metin Güler visited the regional managers of public banks in Eskişehir, calling for the postponement of commercial loan repayments, reduction of business loan interest rates, and for all banks—both public and private—to support traders, small business owners, and industrialists.

Güler met with Ziraat Bank Regional Manager Canay Demirbel, Halkbank Eskişehir Regional Coordinator Yücel Örnek, and Vakıfbank Regional Manager Yunus Ayten, sharing information about the impact of the pandemic on ETO members. He emphasized the importance of supply chain agreements made between ETO and public banks and called for increased support for traders and small business owners.

Commercial loan payments should be postponed to 2022

Güler noted that during meetings and workplace visits, members consistently expressed the need for the postponement of loan repayments. He explained that firms have struggled to reach pre-pandemic revenue levels and are finding it difficult to meet their financial obligations. Güler stressed that postponing loan payments to 2022 would be a prudent decision and expressed the expectation that all banks would take action accordingly.

We provided loans to 2,197 members

Highlighting ETO’s commitment to providing financial support to members affected by the pandemic, Güler stated that in 2020, ETO mobilized all available resources to facilitate 79 million TL in loans to its members through public and private banks, benefiting 2,197 members.

It’s difficult to use commercial loans with these interest rates

Güler underscored that traders, small business owners, and industrialists cannot operate with high-cost loans and emphasized the need for a reduction in commercial loan interest rates. He noted the widening gap between deposit and loan interest rates, adding that it is becoming increasingly difficult to invest or utilize business loans with the current rates.

Private banks should also support traders and small businesses

Güler urged all banks to prioritize the needs of traders, small business owners, and employment over increasing profit margins. He also highlighted the need for private banks to take greater responsibility during this challenging period. Güler emphasized that now more than ever, traders, small business owners, and industrialists need support, and that private banks must act with this awareness to help keep the wheels of commerce turning.