The first phase of the New Horizons in Twin Transition Project, implemented in cooperation between TÜRKONFED and Garanti BBVA, concluded with an event held in Ankara. TÜRKONFED President Süleyman Sönmez said, “The productivity of SMEs in Türkiye is only one-fifth that of their European counterparts. We need to break this cycle.” Garanti BBVA Executive Vice President Sibel Kaya stated, “Innovative and competitive SMEs that embrace digitalization and integrate sustainability into their business models will shape the future of Türkiye’s economy. Our message to SMEs on this journey is very clear: Let’s do it together.”
The closing event for the first phase of the New Horizons in Twin Transition Project, launched in 2024 by the Turkish Business Confederation (TÜRKONFED) and Garanti BBVA to support SMEs in adopting sustainable business models, circular economy practices, and green financing solutions, was held in Ankara. Hosted by the Central Anatolia Federation of Industrialists and Business Associations (İÇASİFED) at the OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone, the event brought together representatives of the business community and various civil society organizations.
Süleyman Sönmez: “We Must Break the Cycle of Low Productivity and Low Added Value”
Speaking at the opening of the program, TÜRKONFED President Süleyman Sönmez highlighted that uncertainty has become the norm worldwide. He said, “Although there is currently cautious optimism regarding peace, we will continue to experience the disruptive effects of war on energy markets and the economy. We are witnessing vulnerabilities in global supply chains, rising protectionist policies, and efforts to reduce dependence on China. At the same time, the struggle against inflation and rising costs continues at home. In an increasingly competitive global environment, we are searching for new ways to remain viable. However, the productivity of SMEs in Türkiye remains at only one-fifth of the level achieved by their European counterparts. We must break this familiar cycle of low productivity and low added value. To ensure the continuity of production and build prosperity through a value-added economy, we must make digitalization, the green transition, and a skilled workforce our core priorities. In this context, the twin transition is a lever that will determine the future of companies. More importantly, it represents a critical threshold we must cross to achieve the competitive, efficient, and influential Türkiye we envision.”
Sibel Kaya: “We Are Long-Term Partners Supporting SMEs on Their Transformation Journey”
Garanti BBVA Executive Vice President Sibel Kaya said, “Through our New Horizons in Twin Transition events, we have met with hundreds of SMEs in İzmir, Denizli, and Adana over the past few months, and today we are in Ankara. When you travel across Türkiye, you see the true strength of the national economy. SMEs that produce, create employment, invest, and transform their regions are at the heart of this strength. At Garanti BBVA, we do more than provide financing to SMEs. We support them in numerous areas, from training and digital transformation to sustainability and access to new markets. We see banking as a journey of partnership, guidance, and long-term cooperation. Today, businesses are undergoing a historic transformation driven by sustainability on the one hand and digitalization on the other. Through the New Horizons in Twin Transition Project, which we launched in cooperation with TÜRKONFED, we are actively engaging with SMEs and helping them develop transformation road maps tailored to their sectors and specific needs. We believe that innovative and competitive SMEs that embrace digitalization and integrate sustainability into their business models will shape the future of Türkiye’s economy. Our message to SMEs on this journey is very clear: Let’s do it together.”
Süleyman Ekinci: “We Must Strengthen Our Ecosystem Through Greater Collaboration”
İÇASİFED President Süleyman Ekinci emphasized that Ankara and the Central Anatolia Region play a critical role in Türkiye’s development thanks to their production capacity, industrial infrastructure, and entrepreneurial potential. He said, “We have a strong ecosystem across many fields, from the defense industry and machinery manufacturing to software and technology startups. Now, we must take this strength further through the vision of digital and green transformation. The way to achieve this is through collaboration. Public institutions, the private sector, financial institutions, universities, civil society organizations, and local governments must work together toward shared objectives. At İÇASİFED, we act with this understanding and continue to support projects that contribute to the transformation of our members and businesses across our region. We know that strong businesses create strong cities, and strong cities build a strong economy.”
Focus on Sustainability and Competitiveness
Following the opening speeches, the event continued with presentations, panel discussions, and various activities. The first session, the Twin Transition Vision Session, featured a presentation titled “Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity” by Ece Sevin, Partner and Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader at EY Türkiye. The panel titled “Sustainable Transformation from Energy to Production and Financing Opportunities” was moderated by Onur Ünlü, TÜRKONFED Vice President and Chair of the Green Transformation Commission, and featured Emir Kozikoğlu, Sustainability Advisory Manager at Garanti BBVA, and Ünver Şahin, General Manager of ŞA-RA Group, as speakers. The panel titled “Efficient and Competitive Businesses Through Digital Banking Solutions” was moderated by Çağlar Öngüner, Manager of the OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone Digital Transformation Office, and brought together Cüneyt Tırnava, Corporate Customer Solutions Group Manager at Garanti BBVA, and Cennet Tuğba Selbi, General Manager of Balans Makina. The program concluded with a Sustainability Workshop.
Providing Up-to-Date Insights and Best Practices
The New Horizons in Twin Transition Project aims to accelerate the transition of SMEs across different regions of Anatolia toward sustainable business models, improve their access to green financing instruments, and strengthen their competitiveness in global markets. Through project events, industry leaders, experts, and academics meet with SMEs to share the latest developments and insights on topics ranging from the circular economy to regenerative agriculture. At the end of the project’s first phase, a comprehensive study titled “Sustainable Transformation Report for SMEs” will be published, featuring detailed analysis and policy recommendations. The report will serve as a strategic advocacy tool for public and private sector stakeholders and contribute to shaping long-term policies for sustainable growth.