CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS TOBB

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1 ETCF II is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS TOBB

2 This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. Published by EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB. Editorial Committee: Pınar Erdil and Juliette Loppé (EUROCHAMBRES) Designed and printed by Morris and Chapman. The ETCF II final brochure is a EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB product. Contents of the brochure may be reproduced, provided the source is explicitly mentioned.

3 ETCF II is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey CIVIL SOCIETY DIALOGUE EU-TURKEY CHAMBERS FORUM II CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB 2014 TOBB

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5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 7 Part 1. Activities aimed at improving the knowledge of Turkish Chambers on EU legislation and policies Surveys on the perspective of the business community towards EU-Turkey relations The EU Training Programme and the database of Turkish experts on EU affairs The EU acquis audit 21 Part 2. Activities aimed at enhancing the abilities of Turkish Chambers to generate value-added services to their members EUROCHAMBRES Academies Study visits in the EU Partnerships between Chambers from Turkey and the EU 30 CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 5

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7 INTRODUCTION EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB have been cooperating for the last thirteen years, in particular through the implementation of EU funded projects, to improve mutual knowledge and understanding between business communities both in the EU and in Turkey with the aim of improving the awareness of the opportunities and challenges of Turkey s accession to the EU within both civil societies. We are proud, today, to present you the outcomes of the second phase of the EU-Turkey Chambers Forum (ETCF II) which has been designed and implemented in this context. We would like to stress that despite the often adverse political conditions in the EU-Turkey relationship during the three year implementation period of the project, the business community from both sides has shown a strong and constant interest in cooperating in the various ETCF II activities; thus insuring the success of the overall project. 63 Chambers Commodity Exchanges from all over Turkey and 46 Chambers from the EU have participated in at least one of the ETCF II activities. The implementation of the different activities has, firstly, shown that the relations with Turkey are important for the EU business community and vice versa. In this context, it is important to better communicate on the massive mutual economic benefits brought by the implementation of the Customs Union between the EU and Turkey, as well as by Turkey s accession process to the EU. During the implementation of this project, the business community has also confirmed that if the EU-Turkey relationship is based on a strong and deep economic integration, this relationship could be even stronger and deeper. It would be crucial to further untap the potential for trade and investment between Turkey and the EU by improving the business environment in Turkey, as well as better promoting the Turkish market in the EU, and vice versa. Finally, the surveys carried out in the context of the project have highlighted that both business communities largely believe that Turkey will join the EU by It is therefore essential that companies from both sides are ready for Turkey s accession whenever it happens. Turkish companies should intensify their efforts to successfully adapt to and comply with acquis requirements so that they can be competitive in an enlarged Europe. Chambers/commodity exchanges have a central role to play in meeting these challenges. We, in EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB, will continue to support in a very practical manner our members in assisting Turkish companies in their economic integration process and companies from both sides in maximising business opportunities in the other market. In these challenging times, we strongly believe that the business community can contribute to re-energise the EU-Turkey relationship. Richard Weber President of EUROCHAMBRES M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu President of TOBB Deputy President of EUROCHAMBRES CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 7

8 TURKISH CHAMBERS COMMODITY AND EXCHANGES PARTICIPATING IN ETCF II ACTIVITIES Turkish Chambers who participated in the EU Training Programme Turkish Chambers who participated in the EUROCHAMBRES Academies Turkish Chambers who participated in the Acquis Audit Turkish Chambers who participated in study visits Turkish Leaders of the partnership projects 8 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

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10 TURKISH CHAMBERS IN EU TRAINING PROGRAMME 1. Adana Chamber of Commerce 2. Aegean Region Chamber of Industry 3. Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry 4. Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry 5. Balıkesir Chamber of Commerce 6. Balıkesir Chamber of Industry 7. Bandırma Chamber of Commerce 8. Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 9. Çankiri Chamber of Commerce and Industry 10. Çorum Chamber of Commerce and Industry 11. Denizli Chamber of Industry 12. Düzce Chamber of Commerce and Industry 13. Erzincan Commodity Exchange 14. Eskişehir Chamber of Industry 15. Fatsa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 16. Giresun Chamber of Commerce and Industry 17. Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry 18. Istanbul Chamber of Commerce 19. Izmir Commodity Exchange 20. Kayseri Chamber of Industry 21. Kocaeli Chamber of Commerce 22. Konya Chamber of Industry 23. Konya Commodity Exchange 24. Nazilli Chamber of Commerce 25. Nizip Chamber of Commerce 26. Sakarya Commodity Exchange 27. Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry 28. Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 29. Tarsus Chamber of Commerce and Industry 30. Tavşanlı Chamber of Commerce and Industry 31. Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry 32. Turkish Chamber of Shipping (IMEAK) 33. Yalova Chamber of Commerce and Industry 34. Yozgat Chamber of Commerce and Industry TURKISH CHAMBERS IN EUROCHAMBRES ACADEMIES 1. Aegean Region Chamber of Industry 2. Ankara Chamber of Industry 3. Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry 4. Bandırma Chamber of Commerce 5. Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 6. Denizli Chamber of Industry 7. Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce 8. Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry 9. Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce and Industry 10. Gönen Chamber of Commerce 11. Istanbul Chamber of Commerce 12. Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 13. Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry 14. Uzunköprü Commodity Exchange 15. Yozgat Chamber of Commerce and Industry TURKISH CHAMBERS IN ACQUIS AUDIT 1. Adana Chamber of Commerce 2. Aegean Region Chamber of Industry 3. Ankara Chamber of Industry 4. Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry 5. Bandırma Chamber of Commerce 6. Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 7. Çorlu Chamber of Commerce and Industry 8. Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry 9. Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry 10. Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce 11. Giresun Chamber of Commerce and Industry 12. Istanbul Chamber of Commerce 13. Istanbul Chamber of Industry 14. Kayseri Chamber of Industry 15. Kocaeli Chamber of Commerce 16. Manisa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 17. Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry 18. Nevşehir Chamber of Commerce and Industry 19. Nizip Chamber of Commerce 20. Ordu Chamber of Commerce and Industry 21. Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry 22. Sivas Chamber of Commerce and Industry 23. Tavşanlı Chamber of Commerce and Industry 24. Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry 10 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

11 TURKISH CHAMBERS IN STUDY VISITS 1. Adana Chamber of Industry 2. Adana Commodity Exchange 3. Aegean Region Chamber of Industry 4. Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry 5. Aliağa Chamber of Commerce 6. Ankara Chamber of Industry 7. Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry 8. Balıkesir Commodity Exchange 9. Bandırma Chamber of Commerce 10. Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 11. Çorlu Chamber of Commerce and Industry 12. Çorum Chamber of Commerce and Industry 13. Denizli Chamber of Industry 14. Diyarbakir Chamber of Commerce and Industry 15. Düzce Chamber of Commerce and Industry 16. Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry 17. Erzincan Commodity Exchange 18. Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce 19. Eskişehir Chamber of Industry 20. Fatsa Commodity Exchange 21. Gaziantep Chamber of Industry 22. Giresun Chamber of Commerce and Industry 23. İnegol Chamber of Commerce and Industry 24. Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry 25. Istanbul Chamber of Commerce 26. Istanbul Chamber of Industry 27. İzmir Commodity Exchange 28. Karaman Commodity Exchange 29. Kayseri Chamber of Industry 30. Kocaeli Chamber of Commerce 31. Kocaeli Chamber of Industry 32. Konya Chamber of Commerce 33. Konya Commodity Exchange 34. Kuşadası Chamber of Commerce 35. Marmaris Chamber of Commerce 36. Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry 37. Mersin Commodity Exchange 38. Nazilli Chamber of Commerce 39. Rize Commodity Exchange 40. Sakarya Commodity Exchange 41. Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry 42. Susurluk Chamber of Commerce 43. Tavşanlı Chamber of Commerce and Industry 44. Tosya Chamber of Commerce and Industry 45. Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry 46. Yalova Chamber of Commerce and Industry TURKISH LEADERS OF PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS* 1. Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2. Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry 3. Batman Chamber of Commerce and Industry 4. Çaycuma Chamber of Commerce and Industry 5. Diyarbakir Chamber of Commerce and Industry 6. Eskişehir Chamber of Industry 7. Haymana Commodity Exchange 8. Kayseri Chamber of Industry 9. Konya Chamber of Industry 10. Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry 11. Şanliurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 12. Tekirdağ Chamber of Commerce and Industry 13. Tekirdağ Commodity Exchange 14. Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry 15. Trabzon Commodity Exchange 16. Turkish Chamber of Shipping (IMEAK) 17. Uşak Chamber of Commerce and Industry 18. Uzunköprü Commodity Exchange 19. Yozgat Chamber of Commerce and Industry * Two out of the 21 parnterships have their leaders in the EU (Madrid and Milan), they are therefore not represented on this map. CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 11

12 ACTIVITIES AIMED AT IMPROVING THE KNOWLEDGE OF TURKISH CHAMBERS ON EU LEGISLATION AND POLICIES 12 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

13 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme 1.1. SURVEYS ON THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TOWARDS EU-TURKEY RELATIONS In the framework of the ETCF II project, two detailed and unique surveys were conducted among Turkish and EU companies on their perspective towards EU-Turkey relations. Not only the results of both surveys highlighted the strong mutual interest of both business communities in deepening their relations and in improving their mutual understanding, but they stressed that more than half of the companies both in the EU and in Turkey believe that Turkey will be a member of the EU by The Survey among Turkish companies on Corporate preparations in Turkey for EU membership The second edition of this survey provides, five years after the first edition, an assessment of the awareness and readiness of Turkish enterprises to comply with the EU acquis, as well as of their opinion on EU accession. More than 3,700 Turkish companies from all regions, size and sectors, participated in the survey, allowing the report to provide representative insights into the development of attitudes and expectations of the Turkish business community in view of Turkey s EU accession. The most striking finding is that Turkish companies remain strong supporters of Turkey s accession to the EU. Like in 2008, three quarters of the surveyed companies are in favour of joining the EU. The survey also highlights that since the first edition of the survey, participating Turkish companies are not only more familiar with the accession negotiation process (23% against 17% in 2008) and the EU acquis (45% against 39% in 2008), but they are more interested in acquiring information on the EU business related acquis. It s however important to stress that this knowledge remains still at a relatively low level. Companies are not yet fully aware about the true challenges of complying with the acquis. The lack of EUrelated information seems to coincide with a lack of exploitation of available information. Finally, the survey results stress that 78% of Turkish companies reported to have already started preparations to comply with the EU acquis, which represents a slight improvement since 2008 (84%). The survey among European companies on EU -Turkey relations: perspectives from the European business community A mirror survey was also launched among European companies. The survey carried out among 1,700 companies from all over the EU, provided insight into the perspectives of European companies towards Turkey, both from a business and enlargement angle. The survey results revealed that European companies do not feel properly informed about both the Turkish market and Turkey s EU accession process. However, they have expressed a fairly high level of interest in Turkey both from a trade and enlargement angle. In addition, the majority of the participating companies considered that even if the Customs Union has overall been successful, it should still be improved. The survey also confirmed that European companies are divided regarding the impact of Turkey s potential EU membership on their company, but also on the whole society. However, almost three quarters of European companies (72%) believe that Turkey will join the European Union one day, among which more than half believe it will happen by The large dissemination of both surveys among the policymakers, business community and the press both in the EU and in Turkey largely contributed to enhance the debate on Turkey s EU membership. The findings of the 2 surveys were supported by the results of the acquis audit activity. CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 13

14 1.1 Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme A conference on EU-Turkey Relations: Perspectives from the business community was held in Brussels on 10 April 2014 to present the results of the surveys. Mr Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Turkish Minister for EU affairs, Mr M. Rifat Hısarcıklıoğlu, Deputy President of EUROCHAMBRES and President of TOBB and Mr Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General of EUROCHAMBRES participated in this high-level event. Following the presentation of the surveys, Ms Alexandra Cas Granje, Director for Turkey, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Iceland in DG Enlargement (European Commission), Mr Cveto Stantič, Member of European Economic and Social Committee and Co-President of the Turkey-EU Joint Consultative Committee, Mr Markus Stock, Head of EU Office, Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), as well as Ms Pınar Eczacıbaşı, Managing Partner GP Trust, Chairwoman Turkish-Belgium Business Council- DEIK, Chair- Strategic Network -IVCI (Istanbul Venture Capital İnitiative) and Mr Jan Mortier, Commercial Director, Sioen Industries Coating Division participated in a fruitful and lively discussion on the main findings of the surveys. About 80 representatives from EU institutions, the Mission of Turkey to the EU, Turkish and European press and business representatives from the EU and Turkey participated in the conference. 14 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

15 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme SURVEY AMONG EUROPEAN COMPANIES TURKEY S EU MEMBERSHIP WOULD BRING... (1) WHEN WILL TURKEY BE IN POSITION TO JOIN THE EU? 30% 20% 16% 30% 31% 12% 37% 19% 27% 21% 22% 9% For your company Generally speaking 8% 18% Do not have an opinion A balance between benefits and challenges In less than 10 years 15 years later Never Mainly challenges 10 years later in more than 15 years Do not know Mainly benefits SURVEY AMONG TURKISH COMPANIES ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF JOINING THE EU? WHEN WILL TURKEY JOIN THE EU? No 20% Do not know 5% Never 28% In less than 10 years 32% Yes 75% In more than 15 years 13% 15 years later 8% 10 years later 19% CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 15

16 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme 1.2. THE EU TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR TURKISH CHAMBER EXECUTIVES Further to the success of the first edition of the EU Training Programme implemented in 2009 in the context of the first phase of the EU-Turkey Chambers Forum, a new cycle of training seminars on EU affairs for Turkish Chamber executives was launched under ETCF II. The second edition of the Survey on Corporate preparations in Turkey for EU membership highligthed not only that the level of awareness of Turkish companies on the EU legislation and the EU accession process remains low but that the Chamber network is still considered by Turkish companies as the primary source of information on EU affairs. To meet the expectations and needs of the companies, it is therefore essential to further develop the expertise in EU affairs within the Turkish Chamber network so that Chambers and Commmodity exchanges continue to develop and improve their services on EU affairs to their members. This second edition of the EU Training Programme implemented by EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB in association with the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara (Jean Monnet Center of Excellence), aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges with regards to the EU affairs and at ensuring synergies between providers of EU-related information The programme was organised in the Middle East Technical University - CES METU premises in Ankara. This new edition of the Programme was even more focused on the needs of Turkish businesses. Two levels were proposed to the Chamber executives: a basic Level for Chamber Executives without any background on EU affairs and an Advanced Level for Executives with experience in EU affairs but who needed to improve and update it. 20 scholars participated in each level. Programme courses were given in the form of 6 intensive and compulsory seminars for both levels, organised on a monthly basis over a period of two to four consecutive days from October 2012 to April The courses focused on the practical implications of European integration for the Turkish business community. The Faculty included experienced course leaders from extremely diverse backgrounds: academicians, representatives from the European Institutions, from Turkish Ministries and relevant public institutions, as well as experts from the Chamber network. The Programme was a unique opportunity for the participants to acquire a practical understanding of the functioning of the EU, the most effective way to influence EU policy-making and decision making process, as well as a deep knowledge on different EU topics of particular interest for Turkish businesses. They were also able to develop their network with EU practitioners. Following the successful completion of the Programme (written paper and oral test), participants were awarded with a certificate provided by METU and were included in the ETCF EU expert data base (see box bellow). The participants are recognised as EU experts, contact points on EU affairs within the Turkish Chamber network. 16 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

17 1.1 Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme MODULE 1 Entrance Level: Introductory Module Advanced Level: Latest Developments in the EU and in EU - Turkey Relations MODULE 2 Entrance Level: Customs Union (part 1): Competition, Trade, Taxation and Customs Advanced Level: Improve your access to the EU (part 1): Advocacy, Access to EU information, EU Statistics MODULE 3 Entrance Level: Customs Union (part 2): Free Movement of Goods, Services and Capital Advanced Level: Improve your access to the EU (part 2): EU Budget, Public Procurement and EU Funding MODULE 4 Entrance Level: Enterprise Policy and Innovation Advanced Level: Enterprise, Industrial and Innovation Policy / Regional Competitiveness MODULE 5 Entrance Level: Social Policy, Employment, Free Movement of Workers, Health and Safety at Work Advanced Level: Trade MODULE 6 Entrance Level: Agriculture and Rural Development, Food Quality and Safety, Environment Advanced Level: Sustainable and Responsible Business CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 17

18 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme PARTICIPANTS IN THE ENTRANCE LEVEL Arzu YILMAZ Ayşegül KİRAZ Bilgen AKMERMER Emre ÇOĞULU Esat BİLİCİ Esma DENİZ Fatih SARIKAYA Fuat ÇAMURCU Hakkı Zakir İPEK Ismail ÖZTÜRK Nimet İNCE Ömer DİLER Enes ŞENOL Özlem KILIÇ Perihan Ezgi KORKMAZ Rasim SARI Rasim ÇELİK Serdar KAYMAK Sezin YILMAZ Tuncay YÜKSEL Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Denizli Chamber of Industry Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry EBSO (Izmir) - Aegean Region Chamber of Industry Konya Commodity Exchange Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nazilli Chamber of Commerce Erzincan Commodity Exchange Bandırma Chamber of Commerce Eskişehir Chamber of Industry Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kocaeli Chamber of Commerce Kayseri Chamber of Industry Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Izmir Commodity Exchange Tarsus Chamber of Commerce and Industry Konya Chamber of Industry Çankırı Chamber of Commerce and Industry Çorum Chamber of Commerce and Industry Düzce Chamber of Commerce and Industry 18 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

19 1.1 Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme PARTICIPANTS IN THE ADVANCED LEVEL Alev ÖZPOLAT Ali ŞENOL Ali Haydar OLCAYTO Berna ÖVÜL Cansun ÖZDÜLGER Emir DİNÇER Erdoğan DUR Fatih NACAK Hande GÜNGÖRÜR Hande GÜNEYKAYA AKPINAR Hasan Hüseyin ÇAKMAK Hüseyin ERGUN Ibrahim ATİKSOY Omer ÇATAL Murat ZEYBEL Onur TOPÇU Timur YILDIZ Tolga GÖKŞEN Tuba KOBAŞ Yiğit ATEŞ Nizip Chamber of Commerce Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Adana Chamber of Commerce Denizli Chamber of Industry Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Balıkesir Chamber of Commerce Fatsa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Yalova Chamber of Commerce and Industry IMEAK (Ist.) - Turkish Chamber of Shipping Tavşanlı Chamber of Commerce and Industry Konya Commodity Exchange Giresun Chamber of Commerce and Industry Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry Çorum Chamber of Commerce and Industry Balıkesir Chamber of Industry Yozgat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kayseri Chamber of Industry Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 19

20 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme A database of Turkish Chambers experts on EU legislation had been developed in the first phase of EU-Turkey Chambers Forum. It includes in particular the EU Training Programmes speakers and participants. The graduates of the second edition of the EU Training Programme have been added to the database. The database is available to the Chamber network and the wider public as a recognised source of information for EU affairs on the ETCF website ( on TOBB s website ( and on EUROCHAMBRES website. The database will be regularly updated. Since Turkey s accession process to the EU is still ongoing and Turkish business community is recognized as a key player in the EU enlargement process, the Chambers have a considerable responsibility to support their members in this integration period. The EU Training Program was a great opportunity for me to gain practical understanding of the EU working mechanism and develop network with EU experts and Chamber executives from all over Turkey. The information and network, which I obtained during the training, will always be useful in my professional career and for the vision of my Chamber. During the EU Enlargement Process, the Chambers and Commodity Exchanges in Turkey play a vital role in order to inform the business community on the EU legislation. The Advanced Level of the EU Training Programme which is the first of its kind that lasted 7 months and was delivered by distinguished experts and combined both academic and practical approaches. One of the major benefits of the intensive EU Training Programme is the networking opportunity for the participants with the colleagues from Turkey and with the EU experts. Besides, the Chambers which took part in the programme are recognised as contact points on EU affairs. It has been my honour and privilege to participate in the Advanced Level of the EU Training Programme. I would like to thank all the people involved in it. İsmail Öztürk Foreign Relations Expert Eskişehir Chamber of Industry Dinçer EMİR Foreign Economic Relations Manager Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry 20 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

21 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme 1.3. EU ACQUIS AUDIT Thanks to the EU acquis audit not only the level of awareness of Turkish Chambers and companies on relevant EU legislation in the 6 specific sectors has improved, but also the participating Chambers have now the capacity to continue to perform such audits independently to the project. 242 Turkish companies were audited on their compliance with EU regulations on 6 specific topics: environment, consumer protection, health and safety at work, foodstuff, chemicals and products requiring CE marking. The acquis audits were carried out by 24 Turkish Chamber experts who had been trained and assisted through the whole process by four experts from EU Chambers. A report based on the results of the acquis audit was published, providing a comprehensive overview of the level of acquis compliance of Turkish companies on the 6 acquis chapters. The four EU acquis audit experts developed a diagnostic toolkit including detailed checklists translating relevant EU legislation into a series of questions that the companies answered and the auditors verified. The toolkit also provided the companies with an overview of what they need to comply with to be fully EU fit. The EU acquis audit experts trained, in February 2012, 24 Turkish Chamber executives on relevant acquis provisions and on how to use the diagnostic toolkit. They participated in the first company visit of each Turkish expert and assisted the Turkish experts throughout the whole activity. They finally contributed to the acquis audit final report. The EU acquis audit experts were: Antonija Bozic Cerar, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, responsible for the EU acquis audit on environment. Christian Mandl, Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ), responsible for the EU acquis audits on health and safety at work and consumer protection. Markus Stock, Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ) responsible for the EU acquis audit on products covered by the New Approach providing for CE marking. Luc Van Looveren, Antwerp-Waasland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, responsible for the EU acquis audits on foodstuff and chemicals. CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 21

22 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme TURKISH ACQUIS AUDIT EXPERTS İbrahim Burçin Teymen Eylem Türker Hakkı Zakir İpek Ceren Kılıçaslan Mehmet Nezir Güneş Melike Tatlı Pınar Alper Okan Taşkın İbrahim Atiksoy Fulya Aybars Kurt Tolga Gökşen Ömer Diler Alper Karanfilci Hasan Hüseyin Çakmak Zeynep Cicek Mutlu Türkoğlu Alper Abca Veysel Donmaz Fulya Tunca Alev Özpolat Oğuz Sandıkçı Hande Nur Sucukçu Yasin Uygur Ömer İnan Adana Chamber of Commerce Antalya Chamber of Commerce And Industry Bandırma Chamber of Commerce Bursa Chamber of Commerce And Industry Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce And Industry Edirne Chamber of Commerce And Industry Aegean Region Chamber of Industry Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce Giresun Chamber of Commerce And Industry Mersin Chamber of Commerce And Industry Kayseri Chamber of Industry Kocaeli Chamber of Commerce Manisa Chamber of Commerce And Industry Tavşanlı Chamber of Commerce And Industry Trabzon Chamber of Commerce And Industry Sivas Chamber of Commerce And Industry Ordu Chamber of Commerce And Industry Nevşehir Chamber of Commerce And Industry Ankara Chamber of Industry Nizip Chamber of Commerce Samsun Chamber of Commerce And Industry Çorlu Chamber of Commerce And Industry Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Istanbul Chamber of Industry EU Acquis Audit Training, Istanbul, February I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

23 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme Pilot visit to a company in Tavşanlı, Kütahya During ETCF II acquis audit activity, I audited 11 companies which are registered in our Chamber on their acquis compliance. In this respect, awareness of our member companies relating to implementation of EU acquis increased. We have contributed to increase their levels of information on these issues via an analytical study to measure the level of compliance in both their own activity field and environment, occupational health and safety, product certification areas. We were trained by 4 valuable specialists from EU Chambers for 4 days. Besides training on the EU acquis on 6 sectors that are determined before, we learned how to get information, and how we should guide our member companies on implementation of the EU acquis. I did audits to 11 companies which are active in the machinery, food and chemical industries. After the audits, I presented a summary report about EU laws related to their activity fields to the companies. Pınar Alper Chief of International Relations Aegean Region Chamber of Industry CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 23

24 ACTIVITIES AIMED AT ENHANCING THE ABILITIES OF TURKISH CHAMBERS TO GENERATE VALUE-ADDED SERVICES TO THEIR MEMBERS 24 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

25 1.1 Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme 2.1. EUROCHAMBERS ACADEMIES Since the first EUROCHAMBRES Academy in 1998, more than 1500 Chamber executives from all over Europe and beyond have participated in this high quality development programme exclusively designed for the Chambers middle and senior management and enhanced their management skills, as well as improved the services offered to their member businesses. The Academy is, above all, a unique opportunity to discuss the new trends in the management of the Chambers of Commerce, to identify best practices and to strike up privileged contacts with colleagues from the EU and beyond. In the context of the ETCF II project, 16 scholarships were provided to Turkish Chamber executives. 8 executives participated in the specialized EUROCHAMBRES International Trade Academy in France in January 2012 and 8 executives in the Autumn Academy on Chamber core issues in Belgium in November The 2012 Trade Academy focused exclusively on international trade and globalisation, in a stimulating, interactive and European environment, including 15 hours of courses and visits to World Trade Organization in Geneva and to Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The 2012 Autumn Academy focused on Chamber general management and services specifically designed for senior executives from Chambers of Commerce and similar organisations. The courses were enriched with Chamber success stories and SWOT analysis. In both Academies, the sessions were presented by experienced course leaders coming from various backgrounds such as Chamber experts, consultants and academics. The Turkish participants received a certificate and were integrated in the EUROCHAMBRES Academy Alumni network, allowing them to establish and maintain contacts with their peers, exchange information, find partners for a project etc. SCHOLARS OF THE ACADEMIES EUROCHAMBRES Trade Academy 2012 (30 January-3 February 2012, Menthon Saint Bernard, France) Bilgen Akmermer Selim Ciltepe Nimet İnce Hakki Zakir Ipek Tuba Kobas Figen Çeliktürk Burcu Topkaya Mustafa Kușçu Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gönen Chamber of Commerce Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bandırma Chamber of Commerce Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 25

26 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme SCHOLARS OF THE ACADEMIES EUROCHAMBRES Autumn Academy 2012 (21-23 November 2012, Brussels, Belgium) Timur Yıldız Ayşegül Kiraz Emre Çoğulu Suat Balaban Aysun Küçükyılmazlar Müşerref Meltem Şimşek Sevil Doğrugüven Yozgat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Denizli Chamber of Industry Aegean Region Chamber of Industry Ankara Chamber of Industry Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry Uzunköprü Commodity Exchange It was a pleasure to meet participants representing various Chambers from all over Europe in the context of EUROCHAMBRES Autumn Academy which took place in Brussels. Academy created a great opportunity for networking and was an extremely efficient environment to share practical experience with each participant. I strongly believe that the interesting content of the Academy enabled me to bring new dimensions to my present actions, works and projects in my Chamber, Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry. I would like to take this occasion to thank EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB and their organization team for giving me the opportunity to take part in such a platform, which will guide me in my career for many years. Meltem Şimşek R&D and International Relations Department Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry 26 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

27 1.1 Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme 2.2. STUDY VISITS One of the new activities introduced in the second phase of ETCF was the Study Visits organised in the EU Member States. In total 58 Turkish Chamber executives participated in these study visits. The aim of the visits was twofold: To increase the institutional capacity of Turkish Chambers. To enhance the understanding and knowledge on Turkey within the European business community, the Turkish market and its opportunities, the main problems faced by Turkish businesses to adapt to EU requirements, the main areas for future cooperation etc. THE FOUR STUDY VISITS WERE ORGANISED BY: Belgian Chambers on International marketing of agro-food in March 2012; The Austrian Chamber of Economy (WKÖ) on Vocational training and internationalisation in June 2012; Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Seine & Marne Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Development of SMEs: supports provided in the creation/development of the companies, as well as in transfer of businesses in November 2012; The Polish Chamber of Commerce on Innovation and internationalisation in September The 3 to 5 day visits were a combination of presentations at the hosting Chambers on the specific topic and on related services provided by the Chambers in this field, visits to relevant institutions and networking events where Turkish participants were able to present their Chambers/Commodity Exchanges and their regions. The visits also provided great opportunities for intensive networking between Turkish Chambers and their EU counterparts, but also relevant public and private institutions and local business communities. Study Visit in Belgium - meet and greet reception CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 27

28 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme PARTICIPANTS IN THE STUDY VISITS International marketing of agro-food - BELGIUM Hakki Zakir Ipek Yiğit Ateş Perihan Ezgi Korkmaz Harun Fatih Fındık Sertaç Girgin Müge Bek Ezgi Yilmaz Güha Esat Bilici Fatih Sarıkaya Fuat Çamurcu Ömer Çatal Hasan Önder Zeynep Türkcan Meltem Duran Bandırma Chamber of Commerce Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Izmir Commodity Exchange Karaman Commodity Exchange Balıkesir Commodity Exchange Adana Commodity Exchange Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Konya Commodity Exchange Nazilli Chamber of Commerce Erzincan Commodity Exchange Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rize Commodity Exchange Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Istanbul Chamber of Commerce PARTICIPANTS IN THE STUDY VISITS Vocational training and internationalisation AUSTRIA Buğra Kahraman Bülent Uygun Elif Bilgisu Berna Öztürk Çaral Eylem Miray Apak Hakan Çoban İbrahim Atiksoy İbrahim Karagöz Levent Narin Nazli Üstün Okan Adıyaman Onur Taştaban Salih Yavuz Tolga Cenk Türk Tolga Gökşen Tuncay Yüksel Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry Denizli Chamber of Industry Kocaeli Chamber of Industry Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Marmaris Chamber of Commerce Istanbul Chamber of Industry Giresun Chamber of Commerce and Industry Çorlu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Aegean Region Chamber of Industry Konya Chamber of Commerce Eskisehir Chamber of Commerce İnegol Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ankara Chamber of Industry Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kayseri Chamber of Industry Düzce Chamber of Commerce and Industry 28 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

29 1.1 Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme PARTICIPANTS IN THE STUDY VISITS Development of SMEs: supports provided in the creation/development of the companies, as well as in transfer of businesses - FRANCE Ali Şenol Aylin Tümay Burhan Sezer Ezgi Arslan Fulya Melisa Aybars Kurt Gülhan Özdemir Hakan Ateşli Kürşat Goncu Melike Tatlı Mert Özcömert Ömer Gül Suat Balaban Yücel Sarı Zehra Kanmaz Murat Zeybel Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kuşadası Chamber of Commerce Istanbul Chamber of Industry Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry Adana Chamber of Industry Fatsa Commodity Exchange Gaziantep Chamber of Industry Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Aliağa Chamber of Commerce Ankara Chamber of Industry Susurluk Chamber of Commerce Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Çorum Chamber of Commerce and Industry PARTICIPANTS IN THE STUDY VISITS Innovation and internationalisation POLAND Hasan Hüseyin Çakmak İsmail Öztürk Arda Genç Hande Güngörür Zeki Mert Barut Esma Deniz Cem Emre Memiş Yavuz Cabbar Ömer İşgören Ertuğrul Ergi Raif Okutucu Mehmet Nezir Güneş Ömer Diler Tavşanlı Chamber of Commerce and Industry Eskişehir Chamber of Industry Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce Yalova Chamber of Commerce and Industry Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry İstanbul Chamber of Industry Ankara Chamber of Industry Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tosya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mersin Commodity Exchange Diyarbakir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kocaeli Chamber of Commerce CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 29

30 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme 2.3. PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN CHAMBERS FROM TURKEY AND THE EU The ETCF II partnerships were based on the experience and success of the partnerships implemented by EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB since partnerships were implemented in the context of the two phases of the Turkish Chamber Development Programme project (TCDP) and the first phase of the ETCF project. Further to the launch of the call for proposals by the Central Finance and Contract Unit (CFCU) in Ankara at the end of December 2011, the Chamber network was informed of this new opportunity for cooperation through an intensive information campaign led by EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB. In January 2012, 200 Chambers from Turkey and the EU participated in the Information Day organised by TOBB and EUROCHAMBRES in Ankara, illustrating the huge interest from both sides. As a result of the evaluation process, 21 partnerships between Turkish and European Chambers were selected. The implementation process started on 4 th December The majority of the partnerships lasted one year. The overall objective of the ETCF II partnerships was to strengthen mutual knowledge and understanding between Turkish Chambers and their counterparts in the EU, thus promoting the integration of European and Turkish business communities and ensuring a stronger awareness of the opportunities and challenges of Turkey s future accession to the EU in both Turkey and in the EU. The specific objectives of the grant scheme were: To obtain adequate knowledge on core chamber issues (management, services, communication); To increase understanding of the EU business practices in Turkey and of Turkish business practises in the EU; To foster opportunities for trade and investment. The 21 partnerships involved 70 Chambers from Turkey (39) and the EU (31). The partnership themes varied from traditional capacity building to vocational training, environmental policy, agriculture, internationalisation of enterprises, Corporate Social Responsibility, innovation and clustering. In parallel to the Central Finance and Contract Unit in Ankara (CFCU), who, as the contracting authority, was responsible for the administrative and financial implementation of the partnership grant scheme, the ETCF II team was responsible for the effective implementation of the projects at local level. The ETCF II team not only provided support to the Chamber partners during the whole implementation process, from the inception phase until the final report and payment, but also monitored closely the projects. After the launch of the Civil Society Dialogue - EU-Turkish Chambers Forum II: EU-Turkey Chambers Partnership Grant Scheme call, on 12 January 2012 EUROCHAMBRES and TOBB organised an Information Day where around 200 representatives from Turkish and EU Chambers participated. At the Info Day, ETCF II was introduced to the participants and the EU Delegation, the EUD, CFCU, TOBB and EUROCHAMBRES provided technical and practical information on the grant programme. 30 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

31 1.1 Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme The kick-off meeting of the ETCF II partnerships was held on 15 January 2013 in Ankara. Mr Hayati Yazıcı, Turkish Minister for Customs and Trade, Mr Erwan Marteil, First Counsellor, Head of Section, Financial Co-operation, Institution Building & Civil Societyof the EU delegation to Turkey, Mr Muhsin Altun, Director of the CFCU, Mr M.Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of TOBB and Mr Arnaldo Abruzzini, Secretary General of EUROCHAMBRES participated to the opening session. The high level speakers highlighted the contributions of Chambers to the EU-Turkey Positive Agenda. Further to the introduction of the main objectives and activities of ETCF II by the ETCF II team, Dr. Burak Erdenir, Deputy Undersecretary of the Turkish Ministry for EU affairs stressed the importance of a project such as this second phase of ETCF to strengthen the links between Turkey and the EU and the mutual understanding between both business communities. The awarded 21 partnerships also had the opportunity to present their projects. The mid-term Conference of the ETCF II partnerships was held on 1 st and 2 nd July 2013 in Istanbul. It provided an opportunity for the Chamber partners to present the activities they have had implemented so far, to share problems and difficulties they have faced, to exchange information on the implementation of their projects, to ask the ETCF II team and the CFCU for clarifications on the procedures, as well as to intensify the network. The presentations of the projects were followed by fruitful discussions on topics of high importance for both the EU and Turkey, namely: vocational training, environment, internationalisation of enterprises, agriculture and innovation. CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 31

32 1.1. Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme Limburg Bruges Antwerp Chemnitz Stuttgart Munich Milan 7 Ljubliana Zagreb Baranya Arad Sibiu Madrid 8 Gipuzkoa Prato Ancona Targovishte 16 Cáceres Castellon Barcelona Rome Xanthi Kavala Jerez De La Frontera Messina Grevena Heraklion 32 I CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS

33 1.1 Surveys 1.2. The EU Training Programme CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECTS 1 Journey Across Civilisations to Link People and Territories - JAC p 28 Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Retecamere S.Cons.Rl (Italy), Asset Camera, Special Agency of the Chamber of Commerce of Rome (Italy) 2 Capacity Increase and Networking p 29 Haymana Commodity Exchange, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Targovishte (Bulgaria) 3 Yozgat Opens Up Europe with Slovenia p 30 Yozgat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia 1 Legend: Project Lider 4 BRIDGE - Bridges of Knowledge for EU-TR Chambers p 31 IMEAK Chamber of Shipping (Istanbul), Voka - Chamber of Commerce West Flanders (Belgium), Croatian Chamber of Economy, Association of the Chambers of Commerce of Marche Region (Italy) 5 A Chamber in the Contemporary World of Service Offering to the Members p 32 Batman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Şırnak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey), Xanthi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Greece) INNOVATION PROJECTS Turkish Partner EU Partner 6 The Innovation Will Bring the EU Standards p 33 Trabzon Commodity Exchange, Official Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Caceres (Spain) 7 Promoting Competitiveness of Sivas Entrepreneurial Community Through Innovative Sustainable Development. p 34 FORMAPER (Italy), Sivas Chamber of Commerce and Industry 8 Sharing Knowledge on European Policies for SMEs, Particularly on Innovation: INNOSMES p 35 Consejo Superior De Camaras Oficiales De Comercio, Industria Y Navegacion De Espana (High Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Spain), Ankara Chamber of Industry (Turkey), Chamber Commerce And Industry of Xanthi (Greece), Gipuzkoa Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation (Spain) VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROJECTS 9 Bridges for Vocational Training Between Germany and Turkey p 36 Uşak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria (Germany), Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Germany), Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Turkey), Simav Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Turkey), Kütahya Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Turkey), Gediz Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Turkey) INTERNATIONALIZATION PROJECTS 10 Internationalize SMEs p 37 Eskisehir Chamber of Industry, Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Germany), Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey) 11 Kayso Global-Developing Kayseri Chamber of Industry Internationalization Services p 38 Kayseri Chamber of Industry, Kayseri Chamber of Industry 12 Made in Konya p 39 Konya Chamber of Industry, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chemnitz (Romania), Karaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey) 13 Open Up Your Chambers, Open Up Your Members p 40 Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Commerce of Limburg (Netherlands), Isparta Commodity Exchange (Turkey) 14 Textile Clustering Project p 41 Diyarbakir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prato Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (Italy) 15 IDEB: International Development of Eastern Black sea Region p 42 Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Barcelona Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation (Spain), Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Shipping of Castellon (Spain), Ordu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey) 16 Development of International Trade Capacity p 43 Çaycuma Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Voka - Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antwerp-Waasland (Belgium) AGRICULTURE PROJECTS 17 Wine Cluster in Tekirdağ: WCT p 44 Tekirdağ Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Shipping of Castellon (Spain) 18 Transfer of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) p 45 Tekirdağ Commodity Exchange, Arad Chamber of Commerce (Romania), Industry and Agriculture, Chamber of Grevena (Spain) 19 Mediterranean Chambers Network for Improving the Support System in Agricultural Entrepreneurship p 46 Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Greece), Jerez De La Frontera Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Spain), Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Handicraft and Agriculture Messina (Italy), Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey), Antakya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey) 15 6 ENVIRONMENT PROJECTS Development of Sustainable Industrial Waste Management System in Afyonkarahisar p 47 Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bolvadin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey, Bolvadin Commodity Exchange (Turkey), Çay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey), Dinar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey), Emirdağ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey), Sandıklı Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Turkey), Afyonkarahisar Commodity Exchange (Turkey), Voka - Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antwerp-Waasland (Belgium), Professionals Chamber of Thessaloniki (Greece), Voka - Chamber of Commerce East Flanders (Belgium) 21 Agricultural Land Remediation: Soil Depollution p 48 Uzunköprü Commodity Exchange, Sibiu Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Agriculture (Romania), Chamber of Kavala (Greece), Uzunköprü Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Turkey) CONTRIBUTION OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES TO TURKEY S ON-GOING EU ACCESSION PROCESS I 33