Learning on Site, Building Lasting Partnerships

The Study Visit provided Turkish Chamber and Commodity Exchanges representatives with a unique opportunity to learn directly from the French chamber system through on-site visits, thematic workshops, and peer-to-peer exchanges. Beyond institutional learning, the visit aimed at enhancing mutual understanding between the EU and Türkiye’s business communities while fostering trust and sustainable cooperation. A particular emphasis was placed on networking, exchange of best practices, and the development of concrete collaboration opportunities between chambers.

Focus Areas and Thematic Priorities

Each Study Visit under TEBD II is designed around specific thematic and sectoral priorities aligned with the needs of the business community.

The Paris–Nantes programme focused on:

• Digital Transition and Innovation

• Green Transition and Decarbonisation

• Business Cooperation between EU and Türkiye

These themes reflect shared priorities between EU and Turkish chambers, particularly in the context of competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of SMEs, and they address the compelling needs of Chambers of adapting to rapid changes in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Highlights of the Programme

The Study Visit began in Paris, with institutional meetings at CCI France and an introduction to the French chamber network and its strategic priorities. Participants took part in interactive workshops on EU–Türkiye business relations, focusing on green and digital transformation, as well as expert sessions on how chambers support SMEs in these transitions.

A visit to the Europa Experience offered insights into EU institutions and policies, followed by exchanges with representatives of the European Parliament. The programme then continued in Nantes, under the coordination of CCI Pays de la Loire. Here, participants explored regional best practices in SME support, innovation, and sustainability.

In Nantes, the Turkish Delegation had the honour to meet with the Consul General of Türkiye to Nantes Ms. Burcu Bumin Tibet Ms. Bumin Tibet underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation for business dynamism.

Additionally, the agenda in Nantes included visits to key industrial and training ecosystems such as the Port of Nantes–Saint-Nazaire, the Jules Verne Manufacturing Academy, and the Fab’Academy, highlighting the link between industry, skills development, and technological transformation. Interactive workshops on decarbonisation, digital innovation, and industrial competitiveness enabled participants to identify concrete areas for future cooperation and potential joint projects between EU and Turkish chambers.

A Platform for Dialogue and Future Collaboration

By combining institutional dialogue, site visits, expert workshops and networking opportunities, the Study Visit to Paris and Nantes served as a practical platform to transform shared knowledge into actionable cooperation, contributing to stronger EU–Türkiye business relations under the TEBD II framework.