A Strong Trade Push from UEB to the Balkans and Europe via Bulgaria

Mr. Mehmet Özdil, Founding President of the International Union of Tradespeople (UEB), hosted Mr. Ahmet Pehlivan, President of UEB Bulgaria, at the General Headquarters.

During the meeting, discussions covered not only the UEB’s structure in Bulgaria but also, in detail, potential new trade bridges between Turkey and Bulgaria and new avenues for cooperation leading to European markets via the Balkans.

Main Topics of the Meeting

The meeting addressed topics including exports and imports, as well as diaspora networks, collective purchasing organizations, and opportunities for mutual investment and trade. The development of tourism, culture, and international trade networks were also among the key topics discussed.

UEB’s New-Term Projects Were Shared

Mr. Mehmet Özdil shared with Mr. Ahmet Pehlivan the projects that UEB plans to implement in the coming period. Projects discussed included a free e-commerce infrastructure, a group purchasing system, grant and incentive support, a direct supply model from producers to retailers, and initiatives to help members access global markets.

Bulgaria: A Strategic Gateway to the Balkans and Europe

UEB views Bulgaria not merely as a neighboring country, but as a strategic gateway to the Balkans, Europe, and international trade networks. Accordingly, the goal has been set to connect Turkish producers, small business owners, and SMEs with the business communities in the Balkans and Europe—particularly Bulgaria—to expand mutual trade volume and open the door to new markets.

Mr. Mehmet Özdil stated that, as the International Tradespeople’s Union, they are moving step by step toward establishing a strong trade network that extends from the local to the global level. Özdil emphasized that they will connect tradespeople to the world and bring global trade opportunities to them. These efforts, carried out within the scope of the UEB’s network of overseas representative offices, are being pursued as concrete steps toward the organization’s goal of “small business owners opening up to the world.”