ATO President Baran Addresses Issues with Commercial Visa System
Foreks - Gürsel Baran, the Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), visited Deputy Minister of Commerce Özgür Volkan Ağar. Baran conveyed several issues and solution proposals on their agenda, particularly the visa problems faced by ATO members during international trade visits and fairs.
During the visit, which took place at the office of Deputy Minister of Commerce Özgür Volkan Ağar and included participation from ATO Board Member Ali İhsan Güçlü, ATO President Gürsel Baran shared the difficulties that ATO members encounter regarding commercial visas. Emphasizing the importance of fairs for the development of sectors and exports, Baran stated, “Fairs are crucial for following new technologies, production and consumption trends across all sectors, from textiles to ceramics, food to stationery and office supplies, and home textiles to paint. Our members want to set up stands to promote their businesses internationally, establish business connections, or simply attend fairs as participants, but they face visa obstacles. They particularly experience difficulties in obtaining Schengen visas for European Union countries. We expect support from our Ministry of Commerce in finding solutions to the visa issue, which is significant for our members to develop their businesses and enhance their trade and exports.”
-NEED FOR PLANNING IN TRADE-
During the visit, Baran also addressed current topics on the economic agenda, including proposals for regulations on the informal economy and the retail sector. He explained that businesses operating in the same sector can open numerous establishments in the same region, leading to economic losses in many respects, particularly in terms of efficiency. Baran stated, “There is a need for commercial planning in our city. Feasibility studies should be conducted within a structure including local governments and relevant chambers to determine how many businesses will operate in which street and sector, thereby preventing misguided investments, closures, and resource waste.”
Baran noted that many domestic firms in Turkey operate at international standards in production and export across various sectors and highlighted the importance of effectively utilizing price difference regulations in public procurement in favor of domestic businesses.