Proceedings of the 13th Meeting of
The COMCEC Trade Working Group
19
In his closing remarks, Mr. Thanay mentioned regarding the SMART communication which is
secure, measurable, automated, risk management based and technology-driven. He also shared
information regarding the emerging technologies which are mainly blockchain, artificial
intelligence, machine learning, online chats and chatbots.
8.2. Solmaz Customs Consultancy
“Private Sector Perspective on Customs Information Availability”
Ms. Hülya ERBAY, Regional Manager of Solmaz Customs Consultancy Inc., delivered a
presentation with the theme of “Private Sector Perspective on Customs Information
Availability”.
At the beginning of her presentation, . Ms. Erbay highlighted that the public availability of the
information on customs formalities is one of the most important parts of the trade facilitation
efforts. She stated that WCO and WTO have been working on this subject significantly.
Ms. Erbay highlighted that as the COMCEC research report has shown that Turkey has a strong
performance in the availability of the information. The score is between the range of 1,4 and
1,6. She added that there are approximately 200 different regulations or rules about foreign
trade and more than 15 government organizations are responsible for the customs formalities
and each has its own webpage.
Ms. Erbay continued her words with emphasizing that a Trade Facilitation Committee has been
set up in 2017 in Turkey. This committee is a good channel to inform the Ministries about the
difficulties that the private sector faced during the implementation of the customs formalities.
She highlighted that some authorities have inquiry points that can be reached via telephone
and it is planned to establish a National Trade İnformation Portal. She pointed out that there
are approximately 200 different regulations including laws, rules, communique, decision and
etc. about foreign trade and also approximately 20 government organizations in charge of
these affairs, Hence, having the accurate and timely information is of a challenge for the
private sector. Accordingly she underlined the importance of an effective coordination among
the relevant public authorities. In her closing remarks, she emphasized that in order to ensure
a competitive environment, through enhancing transparency and public availability of
information, trade costs and time loss can be minimized.