Kick-off Meeting of the Technical Assistance Project for Strengthening Consumer Protection Held in Ankara

The kick-off meeting of the “Technical Assistance Project for Strengthening Consumer Protection”, jointly implemented by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey under the leadership of the Ministry of Customs and Trade’s Directorate General for Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance with the technical support of WYG Türkiye, was held on 29 June 2018 in Ankara with the participation of Minister of Customs and Trade Mr. Bülent Tüfenkci.

The morning session included a workshop attended by representatives from the Ministry’s Directorate General and relevant civil society organizations. Following a presentation on project activities by Team Leader Esil Önal, participants were divided into working groups to discuss the main themes of the project and provide input on its activities.

The afternoon program continued with opening speeches by Minister of Customs and Trade Mr. Bülent Tüfenkci, Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey Ambassador Mr. Christian Berger, Director General for Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance Mr. Ahmet Erdal, and President of the Central Finance and Contracts Unit (CFCU) Mr. Mehmet Selim Uslu.

In his speech, Minister Tüfenkci emphasized the importance of developing new policies to address consumer rights issues and institutionalizing cooperation and solidarity within consumer policy. He also announced that a comprehensive awareness campaign would be carried out within the project, including TV spots, information brochures, posters, television programs, academic publications, and research activities.

The project, which aims to increase awareness not only among consumers but also among traders and service providers regarding their responsibilities under consumer protection regulations, started in May 2018 and will be implemented over a period of 24 months.