19.06.2026 15:20
Luigi Leather&Fur Chairman Mehmet Musa Evin stated in his speech at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Assembly that SMEs face serious problems accessing breathing credit. Noting that access to loans has become difficult, Evin argued that the application process should be fairer and faster, and also reacted to the fees and deductions imposed by banks, saying, "It's called breathing credit, but we struggle to breathe."
Speaking at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) Assembly, Luigi Leather&Fur Chairman Mehmet Musa Evin drew attention to the difficulties businesses face in accessing financing. Referring to the breath loan program recently on the agenda, Evin stated that despite relatively low interest rates under current conditions, accessing credit is quite challenging.
"IT'S CALLED A BREATH LOAN, BUT WE'RE STRUGGLING TO BREATHE"
Describing the difficulties in the credit access process, Evin noted that businesses are under serious financing pressure, saying, "This breath loan provided by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) has a low interest rate under current conditions, but it's very hard to access. There are things that need to be done here. Banks have truly collapsed in such a way that people can't breathe. It's called a breath loan, but we're struggling to breathe."
"LET TOBB COLLECT APPLICATIONS, HOLD A DRAW AMONG THEM"
Arguing that the application process for breath loans should be conducted more transparently and fairly, Evin suggested that credit applications be evaluated through a draw method after collection. Evin stated, "Let TOBB collect applications. Hold a draw among them. So that I and other colleagues don't have to call friends and acquaintances asking 'how can we get this loan?' Let it be fair and equitable. But one gets it, another doesn't. Then people suffer."
Pointing out that under the current system, some businesses can access credit while others are disadvantaged, Evin also noted that processes are unnecessarily prolonged.
REACTION TO BANK DEDUCTIONS
Stating that banks impose various deductions such as file fees, commissions, and insurance when providing loans, Evin said these practices further increase credit costs. Evin remarked, "Banks provide this loan or other loans and charge us file fees. They take counter commissions. They also impose insurance. Accident and life insurance. We have insurance colleagues; we pay for them in 6 installments, but the bank deducts it directly from the loan provided. That further raises the interest rate. The state needs to come up with a solution for this."
Emphasizing that public authorities should develop solutions on this issue, Evin also highlighted the high profitability of the banking sector.
"LET OTHER SECTORS NOT PERISH EITHER"
Concluding his speech with a focus on economic balances, Evin stated, "While banks are Turkey's most profitable institutions, let other sectors not perish either."