Now is the time for economic mobilization!

We have experienced one of the most serious disasters in recent history. Unfortunately, thousands of our citizens lost their lives and tens of thousands were injured. As a result of the sad picture caused by the earthquakes affecting our 10 cities, there are still uncleared rubble. It is probable that the picture will get worse in the coming hours and our losses will increase.

We have witnessed a serious mobilization effort in response to the rubble, search and rescue, humanitarian aid, and evacuation from the earthquake zone. Individuals and non-governmental organizations from all over Türkiye are competing with each other in cooperation with public institutions in helping the region. There is an incredible spirit of solidarity.

Of course, after such a great disaster and when so many of our citizens lost their lives, things will not be the same. However, despite this negative situation we are facing right now, there are precautions and things to be done in order to quickly heal our wounds, rebuild our cities and not face such a painful picture again.

For example, the steps and measures taken by the relevant ministries and regulatory and supervisory institutions regarding the functioning of economic life were announced. It is obvious that steps such as postponing credit, tax, and invoice payments will have a significant positive contribution. However, there are steps that businesses and businessmen in the rest of Türkiye can take to demonstrate the spirit of solidarity without waiting for regulations on some issues related to commercial life.

The region affected by the earthquake is one of the most important production and trade bases for the Turkish economy. Therefore, it has very serious commercial relations and connections with the rest of Türkiye. Before the earthquake, checks, and promissory notes were signed, and orders and contracts were made.

As a result of the earthquake, there are businesses no longer have the means to pay the aforementioned checks and bills or that may need additional time for payment. Similarly, some businesses have no way of fulfilling their contracts on the promised date. Of course, the force majeure clause in the contracts will be legally valid. However, what I mean is to take steps that will provide convenience to the businesses in the earthquake zone without the need for them. In fact, I would like to remind you that it is very valuable to provide support such as maturity extensions or raw material shipments under more reasonable conditions, which will open up space for businesses in the region to recover faster.

Of course, there may be some who would describe these as too early to talk about, but we need to show a spirit of solidarity in economic mobilization by putting these issues on our agenda in order to heal our wounds and recover quickly in the region.