Influence of IMEAK maritime chamber of commerce towards policies and the development of the maritime sector

Commerce policies of IMEAK maritime chamber

Abstract

Around 85% of the world’s trade is carried out through the maritime sector, which reveals the importance of the logistics sector based on shipping. The sector moves along with the course of international trade. The importance of the sector for Türkiye, which is surrounded by seas on three sides, is an undeniable fact. Many global and national actors play a role in the policies developed for the maritime sector. The organization that has an important position among these actors in Türkiye is the Istanbul and Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Black Sea Regions Chamber of Shipping (IMEAK DTO). The aim of this study is to examine the role of IMEAK DTO, the umbrella organization of the sector, in the policies developed for the maritime sector since its establishment. In order to gain a deeper perspective, the research involved consulting and interpreting the views of sector professionals. The interpretation and evaluation of the information obtained through a standardized open-ended interview forms have been evaluated. The main mass of the research consists of individuals, institutions and organizations involved in the formulation of maritime policies and/or affected by these policies. A sample of 30 people was selected. The sample consisted of experts, senior managers, academicians, employers and professionals working in the maritime sector who are directly or indirectly involved in the formation of maritime policies. The main findings of the research are as follows: The establishment of an independent maritime chamber of commerce has made significant contributions to the Turkish maritime sector. IMEAK DTO has been found to be the most important actor in the development of maritime policies and has provided significant advantages to the sector. It has been determined that the lack of a ‘Ministry of Maritime’ in Türkiye slows down the capacity and growth rate of the maritime sector.