Mehmet Şimşek: We have transferred 4 billion dollars to the earthquake zone

Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek made important statements regarding the flow of international external funding provided to heal the wounds after the earthquake and for the reconstruction of the region. 

Minister Şimşek stated that they have secured approximately 4 billion dollars in external funding within the scope of earthquake financing in 2023 and 2024. 

Emphasizing that the reconstruction of the region following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes is one of the top priorities, Şimşek noted that cooperation with international organizations continues during this process. 

Touching upon the importance of road, tunnel, and bridge renovation works in the reconstruction of the region, Şimşek stated that approximately 187 million euros in long-term, low-interest financing has been provided by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for use by the General Directorate of Highways.

WE ARE WORKING TO PROVIDE FINANCING

Minister Şimşek also reported that efforts are underway to provide 100 million dollars in financing from the Islamic Development Bank to Türk Eximbank to support the financing and green transformation of exporters in the earthquake zone.

In addition, he announced that 100 million dollars in financing has been provided to the Development and Investment Bank of Turkey and 50 million dollars to the Industrial Development Bank of Turkey by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation to support the international trade of businesses affected by the earthquake.

Mehmet Şimşek emphasized that these resources are an indicator of the confidence in the program implemented by the government, stating, "Negotiations are ongoing to provide approximately 2 billion dollars more in financing by the end of this year. Our efforts to secure favorable external funding for the development of both the earthquake zone and our country will continue."