Date: April 15, 2019

Turkey-Belarus Joint SME Working Group 3rd Meeting began. At the opening of the meeting, KOSGEB President Prof. Dr. Cevahir Uzkurt and Irina Babachenok, Director General of Belarus Entrepreneurship Development (MoE) made speeches.

New Action Plan

President of KOSGEB Prof. Dr. Cevahir Uzkurt stated that the cooperation with Belarus in the context of SMEs should be more active and said, “Let's continue our way by preparing a new action plan. Memorandum of understanding signed should not remain on paper”

What can be done?

KOSGEB President Uzkurt noted that the activities to be done in this context can be grouped under three headings and said “We should increase the country visits of SMEs in order to develop the trade volume between the two countries. Secondly, we have to make an expert change. Finally, we are ready to provide all kinds of support including mentoring and consultancy for the establishment of a KOSGEB-like structure in Belarus.”

30 Years of Experience

Uzkurt, stressing nearly 30 years experience of KOSGEB, said "About three and a half million SMEs operating in Turkey constitute our audience. We are very keen to help you with our 29 years of experience.”

KOSGEB's Experience

MoE General Manager Babachenok stated that they are considering an administrative structure for SMEs in her country and said “In this context, we want to benefit from the experience of KOSGEB. Information and experience sharing issues are also on our agenda.”

Support Programs Introduced

After the speeches, the Department of Entrepreneurship, SME Development and Finance made presentations. Belarusian delegation was informed about R & D, Innovation and Industrial Application, SME Technological Product Investment and Strategic Product Support Programs by Technology, Innovation and Localization Department. Project Management Department also introduced KOBIGEL, Cooperation, Internationalization Support Programs.

Action Plan to Sign

Turkey-Belarus Joint SME Working Group 3rd Meeting will end with the signing of the action plan tomorrow.