High-Level Visit to UEB Headquarters: The Digital Future of Small Businesses and the Export Vision on the Agenda

Mr. Ömer Faruk Terzi, Advisor to the Minister of Sports and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Maarif Foundation, and Mr. Mustafa Özkul, Vice President of the International Vuslat Platform, visited the headquarters of the International Union of Tradespeople (UEB). During the meeting, topics such as the digital transformation of small business owners, e-commerce, export opportunities, and the fight against unfair competition were discussed.

The International Artisans’ Union (UEB) has added yet another strategic engagement to its efforts aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of our artisans and craftsmen, accelerating their adaptation to the digital age, and facilitating their entry into world markets.

As part of these efforts, Mr. Ömer Faruk Terzi, Advisor to the Minister of Sports and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Maarif Foundation, and Mr. Mustafa Özkul, Vice President of the International Vuslat Platform, met with our Founding President, Mr. Mehmet Özdil, at the UEB Headquarters.

The Digital Transformation of Small Businesses and the Education Campaign

During the highly productive strategic meeting, comprehensive assessments were made regarding the future of our small business owners, new-generation business models, and their integration into global markets.

The main agenda items highlighted during the meeting were as follows:

• Adaptation to the Digital Age and Education: Expanding vocational and digital training programs for our small business owners and artisans,

• E-Commerce and Global Markets: Ensuring our members keep pace with e-commerce, developing their export capacity, and opening up to global markets,

• Bulk Purchasing and Cost Advantages: Reducing input costs for small business owners through bulk purchasing programs,

• Combating Unfair Competition: Strengthening the position of small business owners against chain stores and enhancing their competitive edge.

Our President Mehmet Özdil: “We Will Empower Our Small Business Owners Through Knowledge and Education”

Speaking after the visit, UEB Founding General President Mr. Mehmet Özdil emphasized the vital importance of preparing small business owners for the future, stating:

“Mr. Ömer Faruk Terzi, Advisor to the Minister of Sports and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Maarif Foundation, and Mr. Mustafa Özkul, Vice President of the International Vuslat Platform, paid us a visit.

During our meeting, we discussed the future of our small business owners, their adaptation to the digital age, vocational and digital education initiatives, keeping pace with e-commerce trends, developing export opportunities, and opening up global markets for our small business owners.

We also exchanged ideas on how small business owners can reduce their costs through bulk purchasing programs and better combat unfair competition from chain stores. In particular, we emphasized the importance of supporting our small business owners through training in digital transformation, e-commerce, exports, and new-generation business models.

We will resolutely continue our efforts to prepare our small business owners for the future, empower them through knowledge and training, and enhance their competitive strength. I would like to thank Mr. Ömer Faruk Terzi and Mr. Mustafa Özkul for their kind visit and valuable contributions."