Aegean Region's Exports to Be Boosted by GİK

For the first time in Turkey, the Young Exporters Council (GİK), operating under the Aegean Exporters Unions to promote entrepreneurship and exports among youth, has implemented numerous projects focused on sustainability, digitalization and innovation since its establishment in 2019. The Young Exporters Council Year-End Meeting was held at the GİK Hall in the Aegean Exporters Unions service building with the participation of Union Presidents and futurist Ufuk Tarhan's presentation on new business models designed for a sustainable future, hyper and mega trends, and the future of exports. Aegean Exporters Unions Coordinator President Jak Eskinazi stated, "Our Council includes next-generation representatives of companies that shape Aegean exports. We have more than 100 third and fourth-generation young members. With the collective wisdom created by the new generation, we are taking stronger steps toward the future. In GİK, we are also strengthening communication between generations. In EİB GİK, our young people develop their talents and skill sets through training that includes trends such as digital transformation and sustainability. In this way, our Management Boards will be composed of more equipped personnel with management skills in every field in the future. I am proud of you. The fact that nearly half of the Aegean Exporters Unions Young Exporters Council consists of our female exporters is a separate vision for us. In EİB GİK, both men and women are equally represented." President Eskinazi continued, "We see very well what young people can accomplish if given the opportunity. This place has truly become an example for Turkey. EİB GİK is an initiative owned, supported and highlighted at the highest level by our Ministry of Trade. Young people will carry the Aegean Region's USD 30 billion in exports to USD 50 billion, and young people will provide sustainability and digital transformation. All our Union Presidents support the project. We are doing everything we can for our young people to achieve success. The secret and strength of a sustainable economy lies in increasing the number of young exporters and bringing new generation skills into the workforce. We trust our young people, I heartily congratulate you all, may your success be eternal. We will always be your supporters." he said.

We must create a "Made in Türkiye" brand

TİM Vice President and Istanbul Iron and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters Association President Çetin Tecdelioğlu stated, "Digitalization is very important among the dynamics of the changing world. However, digitalization must take place in a controlled manner. It affects all generations. We must be a brand. We must create a "Made in Türkiye" brand. Turkey means reliability, flexibility, sustainability, speed. We need to create our country brand and then create company brands. We must undertake work that allows us to be flexible in response to external dynamics and risks, and prepare well for the exports of the new century. E-exports and e-commerce must definitely be part of the equation. Young people know integration with this world very well. Turkey should focus on areas where it excels. For example, if Germany is best in automotive chemistry and similar sectors, Turkey should advance by focusing even more on areas where it is the best in the world; we don't need to focus on everything. We have been conducting design competitions for 19 years. We have provided scholarships to 576 young people. They have gone to very good places. The sense of belonging should be strengthened in Turkey. In Far Eastern countries, for example in Korea, there is a sense of belonging; for three or four generations people have worked in country brands." he said. EİB Young Exporters Council Vice President Gizem Kula said, "As GİK, we have been active under the EİB umbrella since 2019. Our aim is for young exporters to become familiar with the Exporters Unions, to prepare young people for leadership positions in EİB and other NGOs, to support young entrepreneur exporters, and to contribute to Turkey's growth alongside exporters adapted to the requirements of the innovative age. Our members consist of representatives under 40 years old from companies that are members of EİB. We have approximately 120 members. We have a flexible structure where everyone can freely express their views. Through training programs, expert speakers, university collaborations, and our roles as jury members, we work on many topics including leadership, sustainability, brand management, family businesses, digitalization, exports on digital platforms, startups, and future foreign trade. We are aware of how valuable it is to benefit from experience when making projections about the future." Futurist Ufuk Tarhan also stated that people and businesses that use their interest in technology will remain in the game, saying, "Blockchain, digital citizenship, crypto assets will form the infrastructure of business worldwide. All transactions and every kind of process, human factors and variables will be digitalized. NFTs and 3D Metaverse spaces will also transform all areas of life. At the same time, a renewable energy revolution awaits us."