Project: Subcontracting Exchange - Matchmaking for Global Outsourcing Contact: Mustak Caglar Tel: ++90 212 455 6222 Web: www.ito.org.tr

Turkey exchanges values with the world

How do you let the world know that you have thousands of qualified industrial subcontractors eager to participate in international markets?

If you're the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, you use the latest technology to develop a one of a kind database and then you market it to the world.

Seeing scores of qualified subcontractors lacking marketing experience or international contacts, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce seized an opportunity and created the Turkish Subcontracting Exchange.

Facilitated with technical assistance from the United Nations International Development Organization, the Exchange was specifically designed to promote the chamber's industrial SMEs to global markets. The Exchange has been successfully featured at a number of international trade fairs and exhibitions.

The results have proved extremely positive. Turkish subcontractors are now focusing on international markets more than ever, and the number of members exporting is on the rise. Competitiveness in domestic markets is stronger due to the increase in international market experience. The project has increased overall competitiveness, productivity and use of existing capacity.

The idea has proven to be an ideal example for other countries to follow. Already, the subcontracting exchange has been imitated in Ghana in January 2003. The exchange was also invited to share its experience with Gulf countries, and provided technical advice on their establishment of a similar exchange.

Global outsourcing, a match made in Turkey.