Yavuz IŞIK
ERMCO ve THBB Yönetim Kurulu Başkanı
President of ERMCO and THBB
Esteemed members and representatives of our sector. We celebrated the 30th age of our Association with a gala dinner we held in Istanbul in October. The representatives of the firms that are the members of our Association, our Founding Partners, our Former Presidents, members of our committees, the employees of our Association, as well as the representatives of the professional organizations, sub-industry firms, and sectors of cement, aggregate, and chemical admixtures participated in our celebration party. In my speech I made there, I mentioned the achievements of our Association and highlighted the fact that thirty years’ time is a period that can never be underestimated and that our Association is a 30 year-old young and dynamic but at the same time experienced, clear-minded, and prestigious institution having gained a foothold nationally and internationally. We did not forget the names who had contributed to our Association, in our celebration dinner. Plaques were presented to our Founding Partner Mr. Ertan Tanören and Mr. Sadık Kalkavan, Mr. Abdürrahim Eksik, Mr. Kenan Kurban, Mr. Cemalettin Danış, and Mr. Halit İnci who acted as members of the Board of Directors at THBB for more than 10 years, as well as to me. Through this occasion, I extend my thanks once again to everyone, particularly our members, who carried our Association to these days.
The economy of Turkey performed well in the recent years due to the expansionary policies implemented for the last two years. However, expectations weakened upon the early elections and significant losses were experienced on the financial markets in summer months in line with the foreign political developments. In the April report of the Ready Mixed Concrete Index drawn up by our Association, we unfortunately saw the initial signals that the winds have changed in the construction sector.The decision of our Government for the application of eight-percent VAT rather than 18 percent in housing deliveries for the period of six months and for the reduction of the title deed charge from four percent to three percent would end on October 31 but it was extended to the year-end. At the same time, enforcement of zero Special Consumption Tax (SCT) in white appliances until the end of the year and decrease of VAT in furniture to eight percent, 15-point SCT discount in the 1600 cc vehicles, and application of one-percent VAT in commercial vehicles are sound decisions in terms of the reinvigoration of the economy.