What do I actually do in TOBB? (Week 6 ASO)

Actually I have just spent two days in ASO, the Chamber of Commerce of Ankara! I have received a presentation about leadership, and helped translate some Chinese documents, and of course received phone calls when my colleagues were being in meeting (but the people speak Turkish @@)!

What do I actually do in TOBB? (Week 3 TOBB)

In the first week I stayed in TOBB, I have visited the following departments:

1. Foreign Economic Relations Department (with International Relations Division and Foreign Trade Division)

2. Department of European Department (with EU Harmonization and Negotiation Unit and EU Project Development and Monitoring Division)

3. Information Service Department (with Database and Information Retrieval Division , IT Division, Library and Turkish Trade Registry Gazette)

The above three are under office of Deputy Secretary General (Foreign Economic Affairs).

4. Trade and TIR Department (unfortunately I have only visited one of its division, that is Fair Division)

5. Sector R&D and Implementation Department (with Economic Research and Statistics Division, and Training and Quality Department, Division of SME Research and Consultancy Center, Industry Division, Insurance Division, Quality and Environmental Division, etc.)

They are headed by Deputy Secretary General (Technical Affairs).
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Foreign Economic Relations Department



Department of European Department

I met Nurten, Burcin, Banu,Hande, Ilke, Ela, Irmak, Tugce, Beigin, Burcu, Merih, Petek, Werner and of course Mustafa, the helpful department head.

i. Headed by Werner, an experienced project manager from Austria who established a bank before, the EU Project Development and Monitoring Division is responsible to monitor the progress of implementation of European Union Law by the Turkish private sector. Since Turkey is now under the assessment period for the membership of European Union, it is crucial to ensure the private sector to follow the Environmental Charter about climate change, water for example, Entrepreneurship (say, women entrepreneurship), Intellectual Property Right and the Legislature regulating the industrial sector.

ii. Besides, the duties of Harmonization and Negotiation Unit headed by Petek, a PhD in political science, is to coordinate the problems due to liberalization of the economy by running the consultancy system, providing the guidance for foreign companies who are interested in Turkish market, enhancing the competitiveness of SMES with credit guarantee.

iii. It is interesting to mention that there is a European Information Centre in which numerous publications are available for the employees to study (This remind that I have to find two books, one is “The ABC of Community Law by Dr. Klaus-Dietor Borchandt , and “Access to Europe: Guide to Community, thank you Sinem here who are master in Military Academy :D ).

Information Service Department

i. Introduced by Salih (which literately means “Good Man”), I know Turkish Trade Registry Gazette, which publish the Gazette authorizing and announce the legal establishment of company, is the most profit-making company: D

Trade and TIR Department

Sector R&D and Implementation Department

i. Industrial Division is responsible for preparing the capacity reports of the industries in Turkey by setting the criteria for the report, collecting relevant data, transfer the data into the industrial data base. Capacity Reports are prepared and updated every three years. The capacity, the maximum amount each industry and company can produce by fully utilizing the available machines and facilities, etc., is essential for both local and foreign enterprises for processing-trade, outsourcing and supply chain decisions.

ii. Fiscal and Social Policies Directorate is in charge of influencing the governmental policies on fiscal and social realm. That is to say, having collected the opinions of the private sector, the division has to lobby the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, and other involve parties, through email or in the various councils, included but not limited to: the Tax Advisory Council, Garment Council, Policies and General Council and Social Policies Council. Seeing that Fiscal and Social Policies of the government are significantly influential to the macroeconomic management, the division is strategically important for the sake of interest of private sector.

iii. The contribution of SMEs in Turkey to the economy, according to 2003 figures, are situated as followings: 99% of all enterprises, 76.7% of employment, 26.5% of investment, 10% of exports and the credits they have are 25% of the total credits.
At a glance, we could see that despite the fact that almost all the enterprises in Turkey are classified as small and medium sizes (with reference to EU classification), which contribute to more than three quarters of job opportunities, SMEs, nevertheless, are at relatively weak position if the portions of exports and credits they have are concerned. In other words, SMEs face difficulties when they complete with multinational companies for the oversea markets and sources of financing.

Leaving aside their lack of assessment of finance and foreign markets, SMEs, in addition, suffer the problem of shortage in skilled labors and of insufficient channels to assess about the government policies.

Therefore, SMEs Division is committed to assist the development of SMEs indirectly at provincial level (since TOBB is Union of Chambers and so the direct responsibility lies on the local chamber instead) by various means.

iv. Insurance Division is responsible for judging the qualification of the Loss Adjustors, who values the damaged equipments, and of other 5648 insurance companies (legal entity) under the registration and information system. The division also gives the suggestion to the Authority in regard to the legislature concerning insurance sector. According to Koksal Bay, the profit of insurance companies of Turkey is dramatically huge, equivalent to 2.38 billion US dollars (and I own him the corresponding figures of HK!). For more information, please visit www.turkstat.gov.tr

v. The duty of Division of Economic Reporting and Statistics is to publish the statistic and press release of the joint-stock companies, limited and unlimited companies.

vi. Division of Training and Quality headed by Halil Bay (Mr. Guler), my most favorite division, first of all schedules the training program for member Chambers and Commodity Exchanges, TOBB staff, Third Party and even Secretary General and Presidency. The training programs are tailor-made which address the need of the attendee. The division is also authorized to manage and audit the quality of the operation and environment of TOBB in accordance with the ISO 9001 since 2003. The very goal of this commitment of ISO stand is to achieve the standardization, as suggested by British Chambers of Commerce.

Turkey: A Modern History

Editorial Reviews from Amazon:

"Zurcher's book will make an excellent textbook for students approaching the study of Turkey for the first time, in addition to serving as a valuable aid to scholars looking for a comprehensive, well-written fusion of differing interpretations of Turkish history...This book is destined to remain a standard text in its field."--Lawrence Tel, International Affairs

"...a valuable addition to scholarly literature."--Andrew Mango, TLS

This revised edition builds upon and updates the twin themes of Turkey's continuing incorporation into the capitalist world and the modernization of state and society. It begins with the forging of closer links with Europe after the French Revolution, and the changing face of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. In his account of the period since 1950, Zürcher focuses on the growth of mass politics; the three military coups; the issue of Turkey's human right's record; integration into the global economy; the alliance with the West and relations with the European Community; and much more.


This book was writtne by Erik.J.Zurcher, which covers the history of Turkey from late Ottoman Empire to the late 1980s.

Ottoman Empire and Qing Dynasty
The first part, Western Influences and Early Attempts at Modernization, discussed about how, under both external and internal threat to the Old Empire, Sultan Selim III (who initiated "the New Order" ), Sultan Mahmut II, and their successors in the Era of the Tanzimat, were committed and attempted to modernize the empire by reforming the political system, economy, military and culture of te sunset empire.
Throughout the reform, despite several impressive achievements which provide the foundation to the emergence of Turkish republic aftermath, there were full of struggles between the reformers and the conservatives with rested-interests. For those who have studied Chinese History, you will probably find how similar it is between the history of late Ottoman Empire and the Qing Dynasty during Self-Strengthening Movement (洋務運動), in terms of the historical background (the dysfunctional empire challenged by the Imperialism), the content of the reforms and the resistances they encountered,and their inevitable destiny – failure.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”, A Tale of Two Cities
Part II, the Young Turk Era in Turkish History from 1908 to 1950, focused on the era of the formation of the Republic of Turkey. On the one hand, it was the tragic period in which people suffered from Western invasions and exploitations. National integrity and sovereignty were lost, while the prestige of Ottoman had gone (however, it is important to note that these were partly due to the engagement of Ottoman Empire in World War I). On the one hand, it was the period in which this country transformed into a modern-nation state, the period in which constitution and democracy were rising.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is the symbolic figure in this period. He brought victory to Turkish people during the war of independence against foreign invasions without which there would not have the Turkish Republic. He initiated the secular reform of the country, and thus women right are improved (but still not respected unfortunately). The cultural landscape including language, custom, tradition and religion were therefore changed dramatically. He clearly reinforced the path of Turkey to westernization and modernization. He is the hero and father of the Republic Turkey – He didn’t change it, he created it –despite the critics criticism toward his brutal dictatorship to the extent. Well, one of the distinguish merits of this book is that the author objectively assessed the historical contributions made by Atatürk, and moderately evaluated the Kemalist One-Party governance. This is the first and foremost responsibility as a historian.

A Troubled Democracy?
Part III, A Troubled Democracy, described the political complications and its dynamic from 1950 to late 1980, in which the Turkish politics at that time was chaotic. In such a short period, the Republic of Turkey has changed to the Second Republic and then to the Third Republic. The conflicts between politicians and military crops are particularly heighted. The issues of international affairs of Turkey, as a member of NATO,during Cold War were as interesting as pre-WWII period.

Many problems encountered by the republic have still not yet be resolved up to now. PKK, a terrorist group formed by few Kurdish extreme separatists , is a typical example. After all, the reason why people study history is without the understanding to the past, we do not know where we are standing in present.


In short, this book has given me a brief but comprehensive picture about the history of modern Turkey. This allows me have a solid foundation for further exploring the mysterious Turkish World. Highly recommend to those who are interested in Turkish history.

What do I actually do in TOBB (Week 5 KOBI)

I start to work in KOBİ AŞ. on Tuesday, namely in Englısh. KOBI Venture Capıtal Investment Trust Inc. This is a private company whom the biggest shareholder is TOBB (47,83%),had been established in 1999, active since 2005 and having fund size approxımately 38 mıllıon TL (190 mıllıon ın HK Dollar).

So, let us first of all look at her mission:

"Even though 99% of the enterprises in Turkey are the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), SMEs can only get small portion of the bank loans. Credit markets are available only to the largest companies and to a few who can provide collateral rather than future cash flows.

KOBI Venture Capital Investment Trust Inc. Co., aware of this fact and in order to contribute to Turkish economy and venture capital sector defined its mission as;

.to invest in high growth, well-managed SMEs, in order to alleviate their capital constraints and let them to achieve their true potential.

.to act as an efficient risk capital intermediary in the Turkish financial market by providing financial instruments for promising SMEs in Turkey which previously cannot access prominent financing sources, while simultaneously providing shareholders with a high-return alternative investment instrument."

Briefly speaking, it is A venture capital investment trust supporting or speacializing in the small and medium size entreprises, those have competitive advantage or with technological innovations in particular, seeing that they are the foundation of the Turkish economy in terms of no. of their employees and signifiance to the livelihood of the people.

After I have receieved introduction concerning the general picture of KOBI, I pay special attention into the actual process of the applicantions. I am indeed suprised by the utilization of accounting tools including cash flow statement, budgeting, managerial costing, NPV and etc. throughout the fleasibility studies on the business plans from the applicants, since this is my first time to recognize the powers of these tools in practical working environment instead of textbooks or classrooms. Perhaps only in this sense, accountancy could be interesting.

I am required to write a report on "Venture Capital in Turkey" afterward, and in fact I am working on it now...

What do I actually do in TOBB? (Week 5 ATO)

Saying goodbye to the Twin building, I move to ATO (Chamber of Commerce of Ankara, as I said TOBB is the head of the umbrella organization) to continue my trainee program.

I am assigned to the Department of Foreign Trade which is responsible for the coordination concerning exports and imports for the sake of companies registered in Ankara.

The first duty of the department is to issue the "Certificate of Origin" to confirm the products exported by Turkish companies are originally produced in Turkey, so that these companies could fully benefit from European Union Custom Union, General Preference system (with U.S., Russia, Canada for examples), and Bilateral Trade Agreement (say, with Israel).

The management of the Data Base (http://www.ato.org.tr/), administration in regard to "Temporary export" (usually for Trade Fairs Abroad) and of course the issue of A.T.A(*1) Carnet, are some other tasks of which the Department is in charge.

*1
"The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows the holder to temporarily (up to one year) import goods without payment of normally applicable duties and taxes, including value-added taxes. The Carnet eliminates the need to purchase temporary import bonds. So long as the goods are re-exported within the allotted time frame, no duties or taxes are due. Failure to re-export all goods listed on the Carnet results in the need to pay the applicable duties. Failure to remit those duties results in a claim from the foreign customs service to the importers home country.

The acronym ATA is a combination of French and English phrases "Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission."
According to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in 2008, about 165,500 Carnets were issued internationally. They covered goods valued at almost US$ 20 billion." (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATA_Carnet)



ATO, Chamber of Commerce of Ankara

What do I actually do in TOBB? (Introduction)

TOBB, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

I am now having my trainee program here and this program will be ended on 16th July.

Impressive the headquarters seem to be, but what does TOBB actually do, or to be more specific, what is my trainee program about?

In general, because I am a foreigner from Far East here, so my internship program is quite different from those local Turkish interns who usually work in a particular department or division for 1 to 3 months and are treated as other normal employees, fortunately or unfortunately. Well, my trainee program is nevertheless similar to a management trainee program in which I could have chances to work in all departments, to investigate all divisions, and even spend my time in various affiliated and subsidiary organizations, with the guidance and introduction by the supervisor or even department head there.


I will summarize all my duties, experiences and observations in each week respectively as followings, and hopefully it may help you understand the mission and vision of this respectful Union, I would say:

Week 1 1st June to 4th June

Week 2 7th June to 11st June


Week 3 14th to 18th June



Week 4 21st June to 25th June


Week 5 28th June to 3rd July



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Week 6 5th July to 9th July




Week 7 12nd July to 16th July



(To be completed)

A Chinese guy in Turkey

Asian (East Asian to be exact, in contrast to Central Asian) is eye-attracting in Turkey, it is especially so in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, which is not a city for tourism. Rarely could you see any Asian in this metropolis, since even in Istanbul, Asian tourists are not quite common as those from Middle East and Europe. (But as a matter of fact, I met a girl from Taiwan, who majors in English and Turkish, on my first day in Bilkent Campus).

Because of my style of dressing, Turkish people usually regard me as Japanese at the first place. Well, after I greet them in Japanese and then tell them I am from China, they always happily simile on me, saying surprisingly, "wow, Chi!".

As far as I feel, they love China, or at least far away from disliking Chinese, since roughly speaking China is neither politically nor cultural offensive to Turkey, and China is a dynamic developing country, just like Turkey, to their mind.

Interestingly, they know China for sure, and even Hong Kong, but to the extent China is still rather mysterious to them. This is perhaps not difficult to understand, while in fact to many people in East Asia Turkey is probably also a country of myths, because the cultural, political, and socioeconomic linkage between this Eurasian country and East Asia is not as strong as the relationship between Turkey and Western countries, at least status quo.

This is why they are interested in me, and quite often look at me curiously, since the very fact is -- I am a real Chinese in Ankara talking with them in simple Turkish (Merhaba?), and laugh with them wholeheartedly.

One of our common topics, of course, is Chinese Kung Fu. Well, they know Jackie Chan. Food, culture, or even Chinese girls are some of our typical topics (Turkish boys love talking about girls, especially with Abi, that is, brother). A difficult question which embarrass me so much is--Do you have any Turkish girl friend? The official response is, I love Galatasaray, a famous football team from Istanbul.

People in Ankara are helpful and kind, passionate and easy-going. We are pleased to greet each other, exchange contact, usually Facebook, even though I may be just one of the strangers on the bus. As I said, Ankara is not a tourist city, it may be a political one (and in fact it is), but definitely not a commercial city in which people earn a living through tourism. In their eyes, I am thus not a tourist from who they could make money, but a friend from Mysterious China, the Far East. People in Ankara are the real Turkish with full of enthusiasm and friendliness.

I love Turkey, and of course the real Turkish people I met up to now. But perhaps, one of the important reasons why I have received so many favorable treatments is because I am a guy, a boy, but not a girl. More about gender inequality, see you next time.