The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) is an institution that represents exporters in Turkey. The assembly was established with the aim of enhancing, organizing, and developing Turkish exports. TİM acts as a liaison between the private sector and the government to develop policies that support growth in the export sector.
The functions of TİM include
Promoting Exports: The assembly organizes international events and fairs to introduce Turkish products and enhance the awareness of Turkish brands in global markets.
Support and Consultation: TİM provides advisory services to exporters about new markets and trade opportunities and offers information on international export-related regulations.
Coordination and Cooperation: The assembly coordinates efforts among different sectors and export councils to increase efficiency in export processes and strives to enhance cooperation with similar international organizations.
Policy Development: TİM contributes to the formulation of policies and strategies aimed at boosting exports and recommends necessary measures to the government to support exporters.
Training and Capacity Building: The assembly organizes training programs and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of exporters, enabling them to successfully enter international markets.
Through these functions, TİM plays a vital role in supporting the Turkish economy and enhancing Turkey's position in international trade.
When was it Founded and Who Heads the Assembly?
The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) was founded in 1993 as a comprehensive institution for Turkish exporters, aiming to represent them and enhance their interests both nationally and internationally.
Regarding its administration, TİM's Board of Directors is elected by its members and consists of representatives from various export sectors. The assembly is usually chaired by an individual holding the position of "President of TİM." The members and officials change periodically due to regular elections held within the assembly. It also includes the presidents of sectoral export councils.
Leadership plays a crucial role in directing the assembly’s strategies, supporting initiatives to increase exports, and acting as official representatives of Turkish exports in international forums and government meetings.
Key Events and Initiatives
TİM organizes numerous events and initiatives to enhance Turkish exports and support exporters. Some of its prominent activities include:
International Fairs: TİM organizes a series of international trade fairs in Turkey and abroad, aimed at promoting Turkish products and opening new markets.
Forums and Trade Summits: The assembly hosts economic forums and networking events that bring together exporters with potential buyers and trade partners from around the world.
Export Awards: Annually, TİM presents export awards to honor Turkish companies that achieve outstanding accomplishments in export, encouraging more companies to enter global markets.
Trade Missions: TİM organizes trade missions to various countries to meet international buyers and marketers, helping enter new markets and strengthen trade networks.
Workshops and Seminars: The assembly conducts workshops and training seminars for exporters on topics such as compliance with international regulations, international marketing, and logistics.
Market Research and Reports: TİM prepares market studies and analytical reports on global trade trends and available opportunities for Turkish exporters in various markets.
Through these activities, TİM aims to enhance the export capabilities of Turkish companies and increase their competitiveness on the global stage.
Headquarters and Branches
The headquarters of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) is located in Istanbul, which is considered the economic and commercial hub of Turkey. Istanbul represents a strategic point for the assembly due to the presence of a large number of industrial and commercial companies, as well as its accessibility to European and Asian markets.
In addition to the headquarters, TİM does not have traditional branches but operates through a network of sectoral export councils spread throughout Turkey. Each of these councils represents a specific export sector, such as food industries, textiles, chemicals, etc. These councils work closely with exporters in their specific fields to help develop and implement export strategies.
These sector-based councils contribute to achieving TİM's objectives by conducting local activities and facilitating access to various industrial expertise, supporting national efforts to enhance international trade.
How to Join the Turkish Exporters Assembly
Joining the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) is generally open to companies and entities operating in the export sector in Turkey. Here are the basic steps companies can follow to join:
Register with the Appropriate Exporters' Association: A company must first register with one of the exporters' associations affiliated with its business sector. Exporters in Turkey are organized based on various industrial sectors, such as textiles, food products, minerals, machinery, etc.
Verify Requirements: The company should ensure it meets the qualifications and membership requirements of the relevant exporters' association. This typically involves providing documents such as the commercial register and certification of business activity.
Submit the Application: After fulfilling the qualifications and requirements, the company submits a membership application to the exporters' association within its sector.
Pay Fees: Joining may require the payment of certain membership fees, which vary by sector.
Approval and Membership: Upon review and approval of the application, the company becomes an official member of the exporters' association and, as a result, part of the Turkish Exporters Assembly through this association.
Once joined, the company can benefit from all the services that TİM offers, including support in promoting products in international markets, participating in trade events, accessing market research and reports, and engaging in training programs and workshops.