MANILA: A group representing Turkish flour exporters, the Turkish Flour Yeast & Ingredients Promotions Group (TYFI), has requested the government to conduct an investigation on claims that Turkish flour has been smuggled into the country.
In a statement, TYFI chairman Turgay Unlu said the claim made by the Philippine Association of Flour Millers, Inc. (PAFMIL) that Turkish
Flour is being brought into the country and declared as Indian flour to avoid payment of dumping duties is a serious matter that needs to be looked into.
Late last month, the PAFMIL said some 1,800 bags of Turkish flour declared as Indian flour were intercepted by the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City.
Imports from Turkish flour milling companies are subject to a dumping duty of 2.87 to 16.19 percent under a Tariff Commission (TC) decision issued last year.
The TC decision was issued following a conduct of formal investigation on a petition filed by the PAFMIL which claimed that local flour could not compete with Turkish flour being sold at dumping prices.
Flour from India meanwhile, has no dumping duty and has a tariff rate of seven percent.
He said that the TYFI opposes fraudulent activities that cast doubt on the conduct of business here.
“TYFI takes pride in its corporate culture focused on a set of uncompromising values, specifically integrity and professionalism. The organization, with its entire membership, is committed to be
Responsible corporate citizens and to uphold the highest ethical
Standards in all its business practices in the Philippines and
Worldwide,” he said.
For his part, Ernes to Chua, president of Turkish flour importer Malabon Longlife Trading Corp. and chairman of the Philippine-Turkish
Business Council backed Unlu’s call for an investigation on the allegations made by PAFMIL.
“There should be a concerted effort to look into this alleged shipment of mislabeled and undervalued flour to General Santos City. As lawful importers of Turkish flour, we insist that the government put an end to those who conduct prohibited business practices that damage the reputation of all flour importers. We express our support and cooperation to the authorities that will take the lead in any investigation on this matter,” he said.
Unlu said the TYFI is willing to work with PAFMIL in ensuring that the Philippine flour industry remains competitive and free from unscrupulous traders.
“Flour industry players in the Philippines must work in partnership to protect the industry and the Filipino people, our end consumers,” he said.
“Instead of finding false and malicious ways and engaging in dirty handed tactics to besmirch Turkish flour, or any other imported flour for that matter, the flour industry should find a way to work together to ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable and high quality flour. We are willing to do that. The Filipino consumer has always been our priority,” he also said.
