Turkey lifts ban on export of medical equipment to fight virus

ISTANBUL

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Turkey has lifted ban on export of medical equipment to fight virus Turkey has lifted restrictions on the export of medical supplies, a move that should facilitate the sale of equipment to western countries where there have been shortages.

The Trade Ministry lifted the restrictions on the sale abroad of ventilators, respirators, intubators and disinfectants such as ethanol, according to a decree published in the Official Gazette on May 2.

Previously the sale of such supplies was either prohibited or subject to a requirement to obtain authorization from the Turkish government, with permission given sparingly.

“These restrictions were put in place temporarily in response to the pandemic. The decision to allow exports reflects...Turkey’s growing capacity to contain the coronavirus,” a presidential official told foreign media.

The lifting of the restrictions represents an opportunity for Turkish companies which have considerably increased their production capacities since the start of the pandemic, at a time when many countries are still struggling to obtain adequate supplies of medical equipment.

Unlike other countries, Turkey has no shortage of respirators or masks.

“Producer and exporter companies have been working devotedly to meet the needs of our country primarily. On the other hand, we haven’t halted exports despite all problems,” said Istanbul Chemicals and Chemical Products Exporters Association (İKMİB) head Adil Pelister on May 2.

He also said that they are expecting easing of controls on facemask and medical workwear exports soon.

Turkey has been one of the global leaders in sending medical equipment to the countries in since the start of the pandemic.