Turkey: primacy of the economic imperative

For a week now Turkey has resumed almost normal economic activity. The shops are opening again, the streets are lively again and Istanbul seems to be rising from its ashes. Although the country has not experienced strict confinement, as in other parts of the world, anxiety has taken hold, the number of contaminants that have continued to grow and the hecatomb of the Iranian neighbour have exacerbated fears. However, even at the height of the crisis, some activities never ceased. Construction work continued and many companies took advantage of this "pause" to carry out renovation work.  

In Turkey, the over-65s and under-20s have been confined. But for the past week, they have been allowed to leave for only a few hours according to a schedule set by the government.  However, during the weekends, the entire population is asked to stay at home and for the Eid holidays total confinement is planned.    

Spring is here and temperatures are only rising and, with the arrival of good weather, the heat-sensitive virus is expected to disappear on its own. However, if the streets are alive again, it is forbidden to sit down. The docks and gardens are closed, but as soon as the police leave, improvised picnics are easily allowed.    

In Turkey, the police do not issue fines, except in serious cases. The tone remains cordial and calls for calm and respect for barrier gestures. The use of a mask has become compulsory, but masks are easily and freely available on the streets. The points of distribution and taking of temperature have been established for the needs of the cause. The shops have also been equipped with thermometers and disinfectant.

No matter how optimistic we are, the return to life will not happen overnight. Hotels, restaurants and cafes are paralyzed. The Golden Horn is deeply saddened by the absence of tourist activities. The famous Buyuk Londra hotel, opposite the estuary, is still closed. In Eyup, the no less famous Pierre Loti café, which was always full, is quite empty. The tourism sector, which is completely paralysed, accounts for 5% of Turkey's GDP and generates almost 1.2 million direct jobs. Tourism is also closely linked to 60 other sectors that cover the accommodation, catering and equipment needs of hotels and other restaurants. By rebound, agri-food activity is also severely affected and transport should not be overtaken either.     

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Turkey ranks sixth in the world in terms of the number of tourists. This year it was expected to receive 57 million visitors and double-digit growth was forecast, but industry players have had to revise their figures downwards.  Tourism in Turkey achieves two-thirds of its turnover between March and September and the borders are not ready to open and tourists are not ready to return.    

As Europe is going through the worst health crisis in its history, Turkey has tried to reposition itself in relation to its neighbours. Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan announced that China, Korea and Singapore will be privileged economic partners in the coming months. "It is time for Europe to recover," he said. Cooperation projects, in particular in the machinery, automobile, electricity, electronics, defence, air conditioning, shipbuilding and navigation sectors have been discussed with the new partners, according to the same source.   

So far, Turkey has sent 55% of its exports to Europe and this indicates a change of direction in its foreign policy. "We must work to find ways to focus on these countries to increase our exports," the minister insisted.   Another novelty brought by COVID-19 is that Turkey intends to establish fairs and virtual trade while waiting for better days. This rapid response to the crisis was necessary at a time when the Turkish lira plummeted in April and reached levels similar to those of the euro, depreciating by up to 12%. But there has been a rebound since a week ago, since the recovery announced by the President.   

The health crisis has allowed Turkey to shine internationally as well. Ankara has delivered medical equipment to 80 of the 135 countries that have requested it, most of which are European. Turkey, which has been called the sick man of Europe', wants to demonstrate its hegemony. It was one of the first countries to rescue Italy at a time when Europe had abandoned it. This all-powerful stance extends to Libya, where war has never ceased. Significant military support was given to Fayez Sarraj at the head of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) to deal with Haftar's army, which had gained ground and seized strategic oil points. Turkey's role in the recent victories of the GNA is undeniable. Ankara had signed a maritime limitation agreement with Tripoli and intends to implement it.