Kağan Yeşil
Bursa Plastic and Packaging Industrialists Association (BURPAS)
Chairman of the Board
The plastics and packaging sector plays a critical role in Turkey's industrial production and economic development. However, unfair competition, high taxation, difficulties in accessing finance, and challenges in raw material supply, which the sector faces, pose significant obstacles to sustainable growth.
As the Bursa Plastic and Packaging Industrialists Association (BURPAS), we are proud to represent the plastics and packaging sector, which plays a significant role in the economic development of our country and region. However, recent economic fluctuations and sectoral regulations have prompted us to develop new strategies and review existing policies.
If we address the fundamental problems faced by the sector, unfair competition, taxation policies, difficulties in accessing finance, and challenges in raw material supply stand out as issues that need to be addressed as a priority. I would like to highlight these problems once again under main headings and share our solution proposals along with them.
UNFAIR COMPETITION AND TAXATION POLICIES
The fixed fee policy applied to plastic bags creates an unfair competitive environment in our sector. The non-taxation and free pricing of cloth bags negatively affect plastic bag manufacturers.
DIFFICULTIES IN ACCESSING FINANCE
High credit interest rates and banks' tendencies not to provide loans against check amounts hinder our businesses' growth and investment plans. This situation reduces our sector's competitiveness, preventing sustainable growth.
CHALLENGES IN RAW MATERIAL SUPPLY
High taxes applied to the import of raw materials, which are produced in limited quantities in our country, increase costs and weaken our competitiveness in the international market.
Within a strategic approach, we can list our solution proposals as follows:
FAIR TAXATION AND INCENTIVE POLICIES
Eliminating the taxation difference between plastic and cloth bags will create a fair competitive environment in the sector. Furthermore, incentivizing companies that engage in environmentally friendly production will contribute to our sustainability goals.
DEVELOPMENT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT MECHANISMS
Implementing policies that facilitate SMEs' access to finance will increase our sector's investment capacity. In particular, offering low-interest loan opportunities and restructuring banks' credit evaluation criteria are necessary.
TAX REGULATIONS IN RAW MATERIAL IMPORTS
Reviewing the taxes applied to raw material imports and making regulations suitable for our sector's needs will reduce costs and increase our competitiveness.
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE
The plastics and packaging sector holds strategic importance in our country's economic development. However, strengthening public and private sector cooperation is essential to solve existing problems. As BURPAS, we will continue to fulfill our responsibilities to ensure the sustainable growth of our sector and enhance its international competitiveness.
It should be remembered that the future of our sector will be shaped by the decisions we make and the steps we take today.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.