"Covid-19 Safe Production Certificate" Prepared for Production Facilities

Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank announced that a guidance document has been prepared in cooperation with the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) on measures to be taken in production facilities.

Varank stated that companies complying with the measures have begun receiving the Covid-19 Safe Production Quality Certificate, noting that "Companies receiving the certificate will be able to use the TSE logo on their products, documents and publications." Minister Varank also shared publicly for the first time the logo designed for TSE's "Covid-19 Safe Production Certificate" and participated in the Chamber of Shipping Board Meeting via teleconference. In his remarks, Varank stressed that the Chamber of Shipping holds critical importance for both sector development and strengthening international competitiveness, noting that 90 percent of global trade and Turkish foreign trade is conducted through maritime transport and that maritime shipping has been significantly affected by the contraction in global trade due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Varank stated, "Turkey is passing a successful test in this global crisis and, God willing, will continue to do so."

Support Programme for 10 Coasters

Minister Varank stated that changes have been made to the KOSGEB Credit Interest Support Regulation through a Presidential Decree to strengthen Turkey's coaster fleet. Varank said, "We plan to support 10 coasters in the first year of the project and to see how the programme will work. We will provide annual maximum credit financing support of 3 million lira for each vessel over a five-year period."

"We Want to Develop a Branding Culture"

11. Varank noted that a "Marine Technologies and Industry Technical Committee" has been established under the 11th Development Plan to increase the competitiveness of marine technologies, shipbuilding and related industries, saying "Our Ministry is leading the Committee. We want to further develop a culture of research and development, innovation and branding throughout the sector. Through the Technical Committee, we will organize targeted training and encourage companies with potential to establish R&D centres."