IMEAK Chamber of Shipping December Assembly Meeting was Held

The December Assembly Meeting of the Istanbul and Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Black Sea Regions (IMEAK) Chamber of Shipping (DTO) was held on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

The meeting was attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Deputy Governors Ünal Kılıçarslan, Şevket Atlı, Coast Guard and Marmara and Straits Regional Commander Rear Admiral Tayfun Paşaoğlu, Coastal Police General Director Mustafa Bankaoğlu, Directors of Public Institutions in the Province, Piri Reis University Rector Prof. Dr. Nafiz Arıca attended.

At the opening of the meeting held in the Chamber Assembly Hall under the chairmanship of IMEAK WTO Assembly President Başaran Bayrak, a moment of silence was observed for the crew of the Turkish-flagged dry cargo ship, which sank in Zonguldak Karadeniz Ereğli on 19 November due to adverse weather and sea conditions.

At the meeting, the Chamber’s 2024 General Budget was accepted with the votes of the Assembly members.

In his speech, Tamer Kıran, Chairman of the Board of Directors of IMEAK Chamber of Shipping, stated that a year marked by economic difficulties, natural disasters and geopolitical tensions has been left behind.

Tamer Kıran stated that unfortunately they received the news of a very sad disaster last month as they were completing the year, and reminded that on November 19, a Turkish-flagged dry cargo ship sank in the Karadeniz Ereğli district of Zonguldak due to adverse weather and sea conditions. Expressing that the bodies of 5 sailors were found during the search and rescue efforts for the missing 12 crew members and that they were saddened by the 7 crew members who have not been found yet, Tamer Kıran said, “We paid a visit to Karadeniz Ereğli on Monday. According to the information we have obtained in the meantime, all possible efforts are being made to reach our missing sailors. I hope that these studies will reach a conclusion as soon as possible. On this occasion, I wish God’s mercy to our sailors who lost their lives in the tragic accident, and I once again offer patience and condolences to their grieving families, relatives and the company that owns the ship. May God protect us all from all kinds of disasters.” said.

The Slowdown Trend in the Global Economy Has Stopped

Tamer Kıran stated that the latest data indicate that the slowdown trend in the global economy has stopped and that the decline in inflation is seen more clearly. He noted that while major economies such as the USA, the Eurozone and India are giving positive signals in their growth data, the slowdown trend in China seems to have increased. Stating that the positive signals of the Eurozone in particular can be interpreted as a positive development for our country in the coming period, Tamer Kıran said, “We can consider these developments as a positive development in terms of our exports and growth, as they have increased the possibility of the global economy entering a more positive process, not immediately, but as of the middle of next year.” .” he said.

Positive Developments Are Observed in the Turkish Economy

Stating that positive developments are being observed in the Turkish economy, especially in the financial markets, Tamer Kıran said:

“While the Central Bank’s reserves have increased rapidly, exceeding 140 billion dollars, foreign investors have started to enter both the stock market and the bond markets. CDS rates, which are an important risk indicator, have decreased from 800 to 295 as of today. Rising interest rates due to the Central Bank’s tight monetary policy steps continue to reduce loan supply and demand. Naturally, we expect this development to have a negative impact on growth. The continuing rise in deposit interest rates will continue to have a reducing effect on domestic demand in the coming months. In this context, the importance of being prepared for a slower growth in domestic demand and, on the other hand, taking measures to increase foreign demand and exports more quickly in order to balance the growth has increased. In the Turkish economy, we recorded a growth rate of 5.9% in the third quarter, above expectations. “Although the fourth quarter growth figures will decrease slightly compared to the third quarter, we estimate that they will still be around 5% and we will complete the year at a rate close to 5%.”

Tamer conveyed to Governor Davut Gül the problems regarding the mooring-accommodation and determination of passenger loading-unloading places for sea tourism vehicles and passenger motors operating in Istanbul, and the accrual of both rental fees and high-priced fines from the piers used in maritime passenger transportation in Istanbul. Kıran requested their support in allocating a place to the Chamber for the construction of the Maritime Martyrs’ Monument in Istanbul.

At the meeting, a painting with a ship image was presented to Istanbul Governor Davut Gül by Tamer Kıran and Başaran Bayrak.