In order to enable the exchange of views between 5 countries by seeing the value given by the cities to ecology, the green development process and the work it has done in this field, it has been put into practice with the coordination of Gaziantep Young Businessmen Association (GAGİAD), which has been awarded with the first 67 among 8 applications in the Erasmus + Vocational Education Field. The Greek activity of the “Knowledge Evaluation and Awareness Dialogue Between Business People and New Participants for a Resilient Green Development” project, supported by the Turkish National Agency and the European Commission, was implemented in Athens. Having completed the first four activities in different countries, the stakeholders met in Athens with the theme of “encouraging women to work in high-tech areas by concentrating on the areas related to the Green Deal”.
In the meeting where examples from Turkey were explained, discussions were also held within the scope of new collaborations.
Koçer, Chairman of the Board of GAGİAD, said that the project is coming to an end as it continues at full speed, that by gaining this experience with transnational stakeholders, the topics of the project are important for the world agenda and they included a topic that will touch the whole world in the Athens Activity.
Stating that they want to increase the employability and awareness of business women, Koçer emphasized that how technology can be used to benefit from the vocational training provided through social networking and e-learning platforms will also be evaluated within the scope of this project.
Koçer stated that they would like to take part in online and international events to exchange knowledge as well as experience, knowledge and skills. carried out in order to widen the employment and investment gap. However, we will continue to give our best support and support the project so that women's employment and women entrepreneurs will be more intense in this field as well.” said.
Referring to the importance of women in business life, which is the main theme of the activity, Koçer said, “We are always there for women to take an active part in all areas of life with all kinds of support. We are always ready to cooperate with all institutions for the projects to be realized.” she said.
“Let's solve the visa problem”
During his presentation, Koçer also gave information to the participants about the earthquakes on February 6 and the projects implemented in the region, noting that a solution should be found to the visa problems in order to improve the relations between the two countries, and said:
“We should state that there are problems in obtaining a visa to Europe in general. Because we come here to do business and mutual development. However, I regret to inform you that we are having a problem with visa. We want our dialogue with Europe to grow stronger and realize this power in a way that can be seen in all political, economic and social areas. We share these thoughts and wishes with you because we want our thoughts to be conveyed to the necessary institutions through you.”
Project completed in 1 year
Stakeholders in Spain, Luxembourg, Denmark and Greece, as well as Turkey, which are among the partners of the project, which started in June 2022, met for the first time in Gaziantep, hosted by GAGİAD, between 20-21 September last year within the scope of the project.
After seeing the exemplary practices of green cities implemented in Gaziantep, the stakeholders continued to come together with different agendas hosted by other stakeholders, and the Luxembourg leg was completed recently.
Message from the Ambassador to Gaziantep
The delegation, which went to Athens, the capital of Greece, together with GAGİAD President Cihan Koçer, Members of the Board of Directors Metin Tepe and Halit Güleç, visited the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Athens, Çağatay Erciyes, in his office.
Koçer said, “We want to increase exports to Greece from Turkey's most important export city like Gaziantep. Because these figures do not reflect the real potential of both sides. We hope that Gaziantep, which sends products to all over the world, will also be more effective in the Greek market in the future.” he said.
Ambassador Erciyes, on the other hand, pointed out that he closely follows the potential of Gaziantep in the field of production and export, and drew attention to the fact that they would like to see more Gaziantep business people in Greece.
In this sense, informing about business and investment opportunities in Greece Erciyes said, “We are waiting for business representatives from Gaziantep to Greece. Our door is open to assist you with all our team at our embassy and to be instrumental in establishing business contacts. We would like to further strengthen the business links between Türkiye and Greece. At this point, we are ready to provide our best support.”
The visit ended with a plaque and the presentation of GAGİAD President Cihan Koçer's certificate of the saplings planted in the GAGİAD Memorial Forest in the name of Ambassador Çağatay Erciyes.