Turkey's banks signal support for Antalya businesses amid Russian crisis, global risks

The Banking Association of Turkey (TBB) members met businesspeople from Antalya, signaling support to sectors that have faced difficulties amid the Russian crisis and global fluctuations. 

"We cannot win, everybody loses?We will altogether resolve the existing problems by using our sources as much as possible," said TBB President and state-run Ziraat Bank CEO Hüseyin Ayd?n in a speech to journalists, as quoted by Anadolu Agency, after a 3-hour closed door meeting between senior bankers and several leading businesspeople mainly from the tourism, agriculture and trade sectors. 

Sources told news agencies that the parties discussed the possibilities of cheaper loans and financial support to these sectors through Turkey's lenders. 

Ayd?n noted that building closer ties between the TBB and these sectors was good to protect and maintain Turkey's assets and gains as best as possible. 

He added that several issues affecting the business world, such as global economic fluctuations, were discussed at the meeting. 

Ayd?n said the association has not faced any negative financial effects from the Russian crisis yet, but has a very solid financial base that help resolves such negativities. 

?? Bank CEO Adnan Bali said the tourism sector is preforming better in the repayment of loans than it did a year earlier, adding that the tourism sector has always been above average in this area. 

Turkey's exports to Russia decreased to $280 million between Nov. 24 and Dec. 31, 2015, after Russia began to impose sanctions against Turkish products, Economy Minister Mustafa Elita? said on Jan. 4, adding that the drop in exports were much steeper in the first days of the crisis. 

Turkey saw a dramatic drop in the number of...