TURKONFED and Garanti BBVA Launch New Initiative
Foreks - The Turkish Confederation of Business Associations (TÜRKONFED) and Garanti BBVA (BME:BBVA) have launched a new project aimed at helping SMEs adapt more quickly to a changing world through a dual transformation perspective encompassing green transformation and digitalization. The project, titled "New Horizons in Dual Transformation," was officially launched in Denizli, hosted by the Aegean Federation of Industry and Business (GESİFED). The event was attended by representatives from the business community, as well as public officials and civil society organizations.
Onur Ünlü: “Dual transformation will form the foundation of our competitiveness” In his opening speech, Onur Ünlü, Deputy Chairman of the Board of TÜRKONFED and Chairman of the Green Transformation Commission, stated that one of Turkey's greatest opportunities in its second century is dual transformation, saying, "The goal is not only to adapt to these transformations but also to create a country that leads these processes, which will form the foundation of our competitiveness. As the world reshapes itself around sustainability and technology, the values of our Republic offer us strong guidance. By increasing qualified human resources in education, placing digital technologies at the center of our production, and adopting environmentally friendly policies, we can go beyond mere competition and become a country that defines competition. Our project, realized with the valuable support of Garanti BBVA, is a tangible step towards this vision. This project, centered on SMEs in various regions of Anatolia, will guide the reshaping of business strategies within the scope of green and digital transformation processes. While green transformation ensures that businesses achieve their sustainability goals, digitalization will provide the flexibility and innovation demanded by global markets.”
Sibel Kaya: “Dual transformation offers great opportunities not only for the business world but also for society and nature” Garanti BBVA Deputy General Manager Sibel Kaya highlighted that the financial sector has become an important dynamic in the transition to sustainable business models, stating, “As a bank, we started our sustainable finance initiatives in the early 2000s. We are one of the first institutions in our country to place sustainability at the core of our strategy. In this context, we divide our sustainable financing strategy into two parts. The first is green financing, where we particularly focus on renewable energy projects, investments that enhance energy efficiency, and loans related to sustainability. The second is to provide financing for inclusive growth projects that ensure equitable and fair transformation, focusing on gender equality, access to quality education, and supporting women entrepreneurs. Aware of the critical role the financial sector plays in combating the climate crisis, we are taking 'green finance' a step further and particularly supporting projects that facilitate the industry's net-zero emissions goals. We are also integrating the advantages offered by digitalization with our sustainability objectives. Artificial intelligence is transforming many sectors, including banking. This change will undoubtedly benefit our businesses, and our SMEs will also evolve and grow alongside this transformation.”
Kaya continued, “Dual transformation is a challenging yet exciting journey for institutions. This transformation offers great opportunities not only for the business world but also for society and nature. We are aware that many of our companies have teams in areas such as sustainability and digital transformation, but they also need more consultancy in these areas. As Garanti BBVA, we will continue to work tirelessly to support SMEs in this process.”
Hakan Urhan: “We aim to promote innovation” GESİFED Chairman Hakan Urhan provided information about the structure of TÜRKONFED to the participants, noting that the member federations and associations of TÜRKONFED represent businesspeople operating in the region, and GESİFED is among these federations. Explaining the new project, Urhan said, “Ensuring long-term economic sustainability is essential for the business world to reshape its strategies and operations. Promoting innovation, creating employment, and supporting the growth of a sustainable economy will take place under the leadership of member federations and associations of TÜRKONFED, as well as chambers of commerce and industry, and development agencies, which are public institutions and organizations focused on the business world operating in the region.”
A dual transformation approach tailored to SMEs will be developed The "New Horizons in Dual Transformation" project is designed to help SMEs from various regions of Anatolia to adapt more rapidly to the transformation processes of the changing world with their unique dual transformation approach. In the initial phase, activities are planned to be conducted in five provinces. Events will include workshops, vision sessions, interactive sessions, and panels, where participants will be introduced to the fundamental principles of dual transformation, along with the latest information and best practice examples in this field. This aims to provide SMEs with industry leadership and a sustainability perspective. Furthermore, the findings obtained from the events will be shared with the public as a comprehensive report at the project's conclusion. This report will also serve as a guideline for SMEs in enhancing their competitive advantages and creating sustainable business models.