CHP calls on AKP regarding Syria with an 'immediate' reminder

Meriç visited the Öncüpınar border gate to investigate the effects of the new Syrian interim government's customs duty hikes on exports from Turkey. Meriç stated, "The government must immediately produce diplomatic and commercial solutions."

While the tax hikes have created problems in exports, the fact that truck drivers have formed queues stretching for kilometers at the Kilis Öncüpınar Border Gate has become a major issue.

A statement from the Ministry of Trade said, "In line with assessments regarding the latest customs duty regulation, negotiations have been and continue to be held in the fields of trade, customs, and foreign policy with Syria."

CHP Gaziantep MP Meriç, who went to the border gate, said that the goods of many companies exporting from Gaziantep to Syria are waiting at the border and spoke as follows:

“Our industrialists are bearing great costs to send the products they have produced with immense effort. However, due to Syria's arbitrary customs practices, goods are being left to rot at the border. Our drivers, meanwhile, are in a situation where they cannot even meet their basic needs during the winter months. This is an unacceptable picture. The government must immediately produce diplomatic and commercial solutions!

Emphasizing that the truck drivers waiting at the border lack the means to meet their basic needs, Meriç criticized the government and said: “Our drivers, who have been waiting at the Öncüpınar Customs Gate for a week, cannot even meet their most basic needs such as food, drinking water, and restrooms. Instead of posing for performative photos, government officials should come and wait at the border for 9 days during these winter months to see our situation. Our drivers do not deserve this victimization!

The biggest problem experienced here is Syria's arbitrary increase in tax rates. Unfortunately, this structure is applied only to Turkey. There is no tax hike for Arab countries. In the past, these taxes were determined by the Kilis Governorship, and a balance was achieved as a result of negotiations with the other side. However, with the current hike, our industrialists are suffering greatly.

Due to the very slow progress of operations in Syria, the number of trucks crossing the border is limited. Vehicles exceeding 210 trucks are not granted passage. It takes about 3 days for a truck to cross the border and return. This is seriously straining our industry. Having mosque carpets made is certainly important, but we cannot forget our own trade!"

News Source: 12punto