GÜLER: NEW TAXES WILL FURTHER STRAIN TRADERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS

Speaking at the June Council Meeting, Metin Güler, President of the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce (ETO), stated that the proposed new taxes would put traders and industrialists in a difficult situation, and warned that without restrictions on the chain markets at every corner, small businesses would cease to exist.

The ordinary June council meeting of the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce was held in the Mustafa Çekiç Meeting Hall. After the opening speech by the Council President Halil İbrahim Ara, the agenda items were discussed. In his remarks, ETO President Metin Güler emphasized that the chamber continued to work in June to express the demands and issues of its members and thanked the committee members for their efforts in this direction.

We oppose the victimization of Eskişehir’s traders and merchants

Güler pointed out that the so-called regional products festival held in Odunpazarı in June had harmed the traders and merchants, stating that they contacted all relevant institutions to have the festival canceled, but it was not annulled. He clarified that they oppose aid campaigns for Eskişehirspor but do not support events that harm local traders and merchants by allowing businesses from outside the city to operate in Eskişehir. Güler noted that a festival or event including Eskişehir traders and merchants could be organized, but it should not involve firms from outside the city.

Planned new taxes will burden businesses

Regarding the new tax package on the agenda, Güler acknowledged awareness of the economic situation but argued that placing the entire burden on traders, shopkeepers, and industrialists would exacerbate the situation. He noted that businesses have been struggling due to the effects of the pandemic and high inflation, making it challenging to access financing. Güler expressed concern that the implementation of additional taxes would place even more strain on traders and industrialists. He mentioned the contraction in the construction sector and the diminished competitive power of industrialists, indicating that the new proposed taxes would make it even harder for businesses to survive. Güler revealed that before the tax package reached the parliament, ETO submitted its views on the draft to the relevant ministries, including the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, highlighting the provisions that needed amendments.

Restrictions on chain markets must be imposed

Another issue closely related to traders and shopkeepers, according to Güler, is the lack of restrictions on chain markets. He pointed out that the increasing number of chain markets, which sell everything from furniture to electronics and hardware, has made it impossible for local merchants to operate. He insisted that without implementing restrictions such as requiring these markets to operate outside city centers or establishing sales limitations based on square footage, there would be no small businesses left. Güler stressed the need for all chambers and tradesmen’s unions across Turkey to cooperate to address this issue. He also noted that restrictions on credit cards have left citizens unable to purchase their needs, expressing concern over the further contraction of the domestic market.