Within the scope of the New Horizons in Twin Transition Project, carried out in cooperation with TÜRKONFED and Garanti BBVA to help SMEs reshape their business strategies and operations with a perspective of green transition, digital transformation, and sustainability, an event was organized in İzmir. Hosted by BASİFED, the event opened with a speech by TÜRKONFED Vice President Perihan İnci, who stated: “As the world reshapes around sustainability and technology, increasing our country’s competitiveness in these areas and supporting the capacity development of our SMEs is a vital need.” Garanti BBVA Executive Vice President Sibel Kaya emphasized that while climate crisis and EU Green Deal regulations, on the one hand, and adaptation to digitalization, on the other, place new burdens on SMEs, the bank is committed to supporting them in both sustainability and digital transformation, highlighting the importance of growing together.
TÜRKONFED and Garanti BBVA Met with SMEs in İzmir
Turkish Business Confederation (TÜRKONFED) and Garanti BBVA held the event in İzmir under the New Horizons in Twin Transition Project, which aims to contribute to SMEs’ efforts to build sustainable business models encompassing both green transition and digitalization. The event, hosted by the Federation of Industrialists and Business People of Western Anatolia (BASİFED), was attended by İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay, officials from TÜRKONFED, Garanti BBVA, and BASİFED, along with representatives from the business world, public sector, and various civil society organizations.
Perihan İnci: “The vision of twin transition also revitalizes economic growth”
Highlighting that the twin transition vision is a crucial tool to reverse the declining productivity trend in Türkiye, to stimulate economic growth, and to distribute it more evenly across the country, TÜRKONFED Vice President Perihan İnci said: “The majority of our SMEs, which account for 35% of our exports, are not sufficiently aware of how they should prepare for the European Green Deal and complementary regulations in our biggest market, Europe. Meanwhile, only 1% of SMEs in Türkiye are able to manufacture using high technology. As the world reshapes around sustainability and technology, it becomes a vital necessity to increase our country’s competitiveness in these fields and to support the capacity building of our SMEs. The New Horizons in Twin Transition Project is one of the concrete outcomes of our efforts in this direction as TÜRKONFED. With the critical support of Garanti BBVA, we are guiding SMEs in different regions of Anatolia to reshape their business strategies in line with today’s requirements. We help businesses achieve their sustainability goals and gain the flexibility and innovation demanded by global markets through digitalization.”
Sibel Kaya: “We say to SMEs: ‘We’ll Do It Together’”
Garanti BBVA Executive Vice President Sibel Kaya said: “SMEs, which are of critical importance to economies in Türkiye and worldwide, are carrying heavy burdens. On one hand, there are climate crises and regulations such as the EU Green Deal, and on the other, digitalization and technological innovations. The EU’s carbon and emission targets are transforming every area of trade. Today, 40% of Turkish exporters sell goods to the EU. Therefore, SMEs that do not reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable production models risk losing their competitive advantage. Transformation and adaptation are inevitable, and this is where Garanti BBVA comes into play. We provide consultancy in areas where they fall short, whether in sustainability or digitalization, guide them, strengthen their networks, and grow together with them. In other words, we say to SMEs: ‘We’ll Do It Together’. We would like to thank TÜRKONFED and BASİFED for their great efforts in making this event possible. Our aim is shared, and we are fully confident that Türkiye’s entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and diligence, together with the support of such valuable collaborations, will carry us toward a better future.”
Semiha Güneş: “Lack of preparation for CBAM could pose serious risks”
BASİFED President Semiha Güneş pointed out that the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is now a calendar reality, noting: “The transition period started in 2023, and implementation will begin in 2026. This means a new era for many sectors.” Reminding that products falling under CBAM account for 11% of Türkiye’s exports, Güneş underlined that failing to prepare could pose serious risks. She emphasized the importance of the circular economy and access to green finance, adding: “There is now a ready market for SMEs making investments. Consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products.” Güneş also drew attention to İzmir being a city under water stress, stressing that green production is no longer just an environmental ideal but also a matter of export and competitive advantage.
Business leaders and experts shared their experiences
Following the opening speeches, panels and sessions took place. First, Escarus (TSKB Sustainability Consulting) CEO Dr. Kubilay Kavak delivered a keynote speech on the Twin Transition Vision. The panel on Sustainable Finance, moderated by TÜRKONFED Vice President and Chair of the Green Transition Commission Onur Ünlü, featured Garanti BBVA SME Banking Marketing Director Nurdan Tünay Günaylı, İzmir Development Agency’s Head of Green Growth Policies Emine Bilgen Eymirli, and EBRD Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF Türkiye) Project Manager Koray Göytan.
The Success Stories in Sustainability panel was moderated by TÜRKONFED Board Member and ESİAD Chair Sibel Zorlu. In this session, Kontek Energy CEO Tolga Murat Özdemir, Mat Filtration Chairman Erdem Akartepe, and Bona Fide Deputy General Manager Emir Köseoğlu shared inspiring practices with SMEs. The program concluded with a Sustainability Workshop.
Current insights and good practices being shared
The New Horizons in Twin Transition Project was designed to help SMEs in various regions of Anatolia adapt more quickly to global transformation processes with their own tailored approach to twin transition. Through workshops, vision sessions, interactive discussions, and panels, participants are introduced to the core principles of twin transition and provided with the latest insights and good practices in this field. The findings gathered from the events will be shared with the public in a comprehensive report at the end of the project. This report will also serve as a guide for SMEs in enhancing their competitiveness and establishing sustainable business models.