In Alanya, loans amounting to nearly 612 million lira were used in 2 years

The Alanya Keykubat Tradesmen and Artisans Credit and Guarantee Cooperative held its Consolidated Ordinary General Assembly Meeting covering the years 2023-2024.

The Consolidated Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the Alanya Keykubat Tradesmen and Artisans Credit and Guarantee Cooperative was held with the participation of Ahmet Tural, President of the Göller Region Union, Eray Erdem, President of ALTSO, chamber presidents, and cooperative members. The meeting started with a moment of silence and the singing of the Independence Anthem.

CREDIT LIMITS INCREASED

Ahmet Tural, the President of the Göller Region Union, who attended the general assembly, announced new regulations for tradesmen credit. Tural stated that credit limits have been increased, saying, "In our cooperatives, credit limits are set based on the grouping system. Cooperatives in the first group could provide loans up to 750,000 lira, now this figure has increased to 1 million lira. These limits gradually decrease as you go lower. In the second group, it is also 1 million lira, while in third groups, it is 850,000 lira, and in lower groups, it is 650,000 lira. This will provide great financial support to our tradesmen."

INTEREST RATES MAY DECREASE IN MAY

President Tural also made statements regarding credit interest rates, saying, "As you know, the interest rate for tradesmen's loans was 58%. Of this, 29% was subsidized by the Treasury, and it was reduced by 4 points to 25%. According to the information provided by our general manager during the meeting, interest rates may be lowered to around 20% in May and June. Looking at the economic indicators, when the Central Bank reduces interest rates, we will benefit from it as well."

INCREASED LOAN LIMITS FOR BUSINESS AND VEHICLE ACQUISITION

Tural also pointed out a significant change in the business and vehicle acquisition loans, saying, "Previously, the loan limit for business premises and vehicle acquisition was 1.5 million lira, now it has been increased to 2.5 million lira. The scope of this loan has also been expanded. Previously, the loan could only be used for new vehicles, but now it will cover vehicles between 0 and 5 years old. This means that tradesmen will now be able to renew their trucks, buses, and minibuses up to 5 years old. This regulation not only provides great convenience for our tradesmen but also contributes to our economy by reducing imports."

CREDIT SUPPORT FOR INSURED TRADESMEN

Tural also addressed the issue that insured tradesmen are unable to access credit despite being self-employed. He stated, "Currently, tradesmen who are insured workers cannot use loans. However, a solution is being worked on with the relevant departments in Halk Bank. A resolution is expected to be reached within this week. This way, insured tradesmen will also have access to loans."

HALK BANK IS THE FINANCIAL GUARANTEE OF TRADESMEN

Tural emphasized that Halk Bank is the financial guarantee for tradesmen, saying, "In addition to using tradesmen's credit, let's conduct our individual business cards, automatic payment systems, and other banking services through Halk Bank. The stronger our bank, the stronger support we can give to our tradesmen. The Tradesmen Credit Guarantee Cooperatives are the biggest assurance for tradesmen in difficult times. Thanks to our cooperative, tradesmen can expand their businesses and stay afloat. Today, we are managing loans totaling 20 billion lira in our region, which is a huge responsibility."

1,497 TRADESMEN USED CREDIT IN 2 YEARS

After the speeches at the general assembly, the management and audit board reports for 2023-2024 were read and approved. The data regarding the credit support provided by the cooperative was also shared during the meeting. In 2023, 970 tradesmen were provided with loans totaling 359 million 120 thousand lira, while in 2024, 527 tradesmen received financing of 252 million 850 thousand lira.

In Alanya, 1,497 tradesmen used loans amounting to 611 million 970 thousand lira over the past 2 years.

Additional budgets for 2025 and 2026 were discussed and approved. It was decided that the next regular general assembly of the cooperative would take place in 2027, and elections for external auditors and compensation for board members were also determined. It was emphasized that in the new period, the Alanya Keykubat Tradesmen and Artisans Credit and Guarantee Cooperative would continue to support tradesmen, with a focus on reducing loan interest rates and increasing credit limits, ensuring easier access to financing for tradesmen.