The Closure Conference of the “Strengthening Institutional Capacity of Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure on the Transport of Perishable Foodstuffs” Project Was Held in Ankara on 18 April 2022 with the Attendance of All Relevant Parties

“Strengthening Institutional Capacity in the Transport of Perishable Foodstuffs Project” is owned by our Ministry General Directorate of Transport Services Regulation and is co-financed by the European Union. The Closure Conference of the project was held in Ankara on 18 April 2022. The event was very productive with the attendance and support of all sides of the project, including the private sector.

The opening speech of the “Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure for the Transport of Perishable Foodstuffs Project's Closing Event” was given by Mr. Göktuğ Kara, Transport Sector Manager of the European Union Delegation to Turkey, Mr. Aykut Kırbaş, TSE Secretary General and Mr. Murat Baştor, General Manager of Transport Services Regulation, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. In his speech, Mr. Kara expressed his satisfaction with the successful implementation of the project on behalf of the EU Delegation to Turkey. In his speech, Mr. Kırbaş referred to the protocol signed between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and TSE and he expressed his appreciation for the progress of the Project today. Mr. Baştor gave detailed information about the milestones and outcomes of the project.

Eptisa Project Director Mr. Emre Melek started his presentation by emphasizing the benefits of “Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure for the Transport of Perishable Foodstuffs Project” to the sector and our national economy. He gave detailed information about the three components of the project: Harmonization of legislation and cost-benefit analysis studies, progress of the roadside inspection system and building/strengthening the institutional capacity studies. In the last part of his presentation where he explained the project achievements; he pointed out that the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure regarding the transportation of perishable foodstuffs, which is the main target of the project, has been strengthened with the trainings provided, site visits, analysis reports, including cost and benefit analysis and visits to explore the best country practices in EU countries.

Eptisa expert economist Ms. Şeyla Ergenekon, provided numerical data on the size of the perishable food market in Turkey, losses due to improper transportation, expected benefits and expected costs in her presentation ‘Cost and Benefit Analysis for the Application of ATP Requirements in Domestic Perishable Food Transportation'. She detailed the 'Regulation on Special Equipment to be used in the Transport of Perishable Foodstuffs' which come into force by 2 July 2021. She examined this regulation’s cost and benefit analysis from five different parties’ points of view: public administration, cold chain transportation sector, retailers, manufacturers and final consumer. She stated that regulating the transportation of perishable foodstuffs in the domestic market will provide many benefits for all parties and overall country's economy. Therefore especially from public-health point of view, the benefits of the new regulation exceed the costs and there is a high necessity for implementing it.

Mr. Emrah Deniz, ATP Specialist from Eptisa, gave information on sectoral ATP agreement applications and non-ATP agreement applications, especially on fresh fruits and vegetables. He evaluated the transport of frozen and refrigerated foods by refrigerated vehicles, ATP regulations and practices in other states implementing ATP agreement. Additionally he gave information about the sectors that demand ATP certificate from the transporters although there is no obligation. He stated that our country ranks 4th in fresh fruit and vegetable production after China, India and the United States. Emphasizing the importance of carrying cold chain in the journey of fresh fruit and vegetables from the farm to the table, Mr. Deniz pointed out that food waste and food losses will be significantly reduced.

The event brought all relevant parties together: the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, TSE, Ministry of Agriculture, UND, Treder, FAO and the private sector. The closing speech was given by Mr. Murat Korçak, the Deputy Director General of Transport Services Regulation, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. In his speech Mr. Korçak pointed out the benefits of the project mainly to our country's economy, public health and reduction of waste. Korçak expressed his satisfaction with the successful execution of the project despite some stages interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war and thanked all parties that gave contribution for this successful project.