Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Making the opening speech of the meeting, TOBB Secretary General Mustafa Saraçöz stated that, in order to bring the service quality they offer to chambers and exchanges, they developed the chamber accreditation model along with Eurochambres and the Union of British Chambers in 2001, “In 2008, with the inclusion of exchanges to the system, it was transformed into the chamber/exchange accreditation system.”

Stating that until today, 80 chambers and 21 exchanges have been accredited in 7 regions, Mustafa Saraçöz said, “In the eighth term, the accreditation procedure of 30 chamber/exchanges is still ongoing. When the accreditation of these chamber/exchanges is completed, the number of accredited chamber/exchanges will reach 131.”

- Success of the accreditation system

Mustafa Saraçöz stated that the success of the accreditation system is largely based on its sustainability, adequateness and impartiality and went on: “In this regard, supervision was conducted by the Union of British Chambers and the Turk Loydu Foundation during the first years, conducted by the Turk Standards Institute for the last 2 years.

In the 10th year of the accreditation system project, 101 of our chamber/exchanges are providing 5 star service. Our goal is to rapidly acquaint the 234 chamber/exchanges with the requirements of the system and integrate them into the system in the future.

To date, the number of chamber/exchanges which have put into practice the quality management system and which hold the quality certificate have reached 170.

To this end, our Union’s Board of Directors is supporting the acquisition of quality certificates and has been paying 75% of the first certification costs of chamber/exchanges, incentivizing further certification.”

- Continuation of the system is crucial

Emphasizing that having an accreditation certificate is not enough, TOBB Secretary General Saraçöz stated that the crucial part is making the systems to be established in chamber/exchanges sustainable and keeping the members satisfied.

- Importance given to the system

TOBB Secretary General Mustafa Saraçöz related the importance they put on the quality and accreditation system, saying, “On the request of chambers and exchanges we provide 10% more aid for service buildings per each quality certificate to accredited chambers and exchanges. For those who are in possession of a quality certificate and are accredited, the total additional aid is 20%.

Chamber and exchange representatives for YOİKK workgroups are only selected from among accredited chambers and exchanges. Views of accredited chambers and exchanges take precedence when considering law proposals.

Another important aspect of the accreditation system is the perpetual training of our chamber/exchanges.”

After Mustafa Saraçöz’s speech a presentation sampling the parts of TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu various speeches regarding the accreditation system was displayed. Throughout the day, attendees received information on Accreditation System Procedures and Requirements.