ÇATIDER statement for "Tutum, Yatırım ve Türk Malları Haftası" (Domestic Products Week)

ÇATIDER Statement on 'Attitude, Investment and Turkish-Made Products Week': Domestic Products Need Stronger Support

ÇATIDER Chairman M. Nazım Yavuz, in a statement regarding the '11-18 December Attitude, Investment and Turkish-Made Products Week,' emphasized that they attach great importance to the week celebrated to promote domestic products in Turkey, saying: "Like in many sectors, the roofing sector also has very high-quality domestic products. Consumer and government support are crucial for these products to continue and strengthen their presence. We want to prevent low-quality imported products from entering Turkey and we want consumers not to choose these products." ÇATIDER Board Chairman M. Nazım Yavuz, noting that domestic production has vital importance in the development of both sectors and country economies as global competition increases day by day, stated the following: "The global position of Turkey's roofing sector has shown rapid growth in recent years. As of today, it has reached a size of USD 3 billion, representing 1.3 per cent of the world market. This is an important achievement, but without resting on our laurels, we are working to increase our market share further."

"The roofing sector has developed greatly in materials and application"

Yavuz, emphasizing that Turkey's roofing sector is at a good level in terms of application and materials, spoke as follows: "Roof covering materials in our country have developed significantly in terms of features, quality and variety, reaching European standards. Roof system solutions in concrete and clay tiles have reached a very good point. Ceramic and slate roof covering materials are in the market. Metal-based roof and facade coverings have given industrial, commercial structures and social buildings new appearances. Bitumen and synthetic-based roof covering varieties continue to be developed in terms of quality, features and fire safety, and are increasingly used in residential and industrial sectors. Green roof systems, known as planted roof systems that can contribute to creating a greener and healthier environment, roof windows that allow the use of roof spaces, heat and water insulation systems, photovoltaic systems that enable energy production from roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems from roofs are now being used in our country as well."

"Low-quality imported products must be prevented from entering the country"

Yavuz, noting that while high-quality imported products are available in Turkey, low-quality products are also able to enter the market, stated: "Instead of these low-quality products, high-quality domestic products should be preferred. Consumer preference and government support are vital for high-quality domestic products to continue and strengthen their presence. Consumers should not turn to low-quality products. High-quality products have sales and export opportunities abroad. One of the most fundamental ways to ensure sustainability is through diversifying sales channels. Domestic distribution areas also need to be developed and of high quality. Our expectation from the government is that following the production of these quality materials, low-quality product imports should also be prevented. We attach great importance to promoting domestic production, prioritizing domestic materials in government tenders, and implementing the law on this matter effectively. As domestic manufacturers, when we sell goods abroad, various documents and various inspections are required. However, when the same products enter Turkey, there is no such control. So to speak, third-class products can enter Turkey with no strings attached. We believe that particularly with regard to the entry of low-quality products, there are measures that should be taken by the Import General Directorate of the Ministry of Economy."