Zafer-IN Operation Closing Conference Held in Afyonkarahisar
The Closing Conference of the Zafer-IN Operation (Technical Assistance Project for Increasing the Adaptability of Employers and Employees in the TR33 Region) was held on 3 October 2017 at Afyonkarahisar Akrones Hotel. The project, implemented by Zafer Development Agency as the beneficiary and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security – Directorate of EU and Financial Assistance as the Contracting Authority, began in January 2016. It aimed to enhance the adaptability of SME employers and employees in Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya, Manisa, and Uşak through lifelong learning, while ensuring the sustainability and functionality of the Regional Human Resources Development Center (BİGEM).
Opening Session and Key Messages
The conference was held with wide participation from project partners and stakeholders. Opening remarks were delivered by Kütahya Governor Ahmet Hamdi NAYİR, Afyonkarahisar Governor Mustafa TUTULMAZ, EU Delegation to Türkiye Programme Manager Tsvetana STOYCHEVA, Ministry of Development Head of EU Economic and Social Cohesion Department Abdullah BAŞAR, Ministry of Labour and Social Security Contract Manager Selen KABACA, and Zafer Development Agency Secretary General Yusuf BALCI.
Governor Ahmet Hamdi NAYİR emphasized that the project successfully strengthened the institutional capacity of SMEs and public bodies across the region. He noted that the establishment of BİGEM in April 2016 with the partnership of 44 institutions — including universities, employment agencies, chambers of commerce, industrial zones, and unions — was a pioneering initiative in Türkiye. “Through BİGEM, we ensured the sustainability of the project’s outcomes,” he stated.
Governor Mustafa TUTULMAZ underlined the importance of improving human capital: “Our true wealth lies in our people. By investing in their skills, we strengthen our competitive capacity in production and industry. Without education and adaptability, sustainable success is impossible.”
Tsvetana STOYCHEVA from the EU Delegation highlighted that supporting SMEs in improving employee adaptability would strengthen their competitiveness at local, national, and global levels, contributing to both regional and national economic and social development.
EU Support and National Coordination
Selen KABACA from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security reported that under IPA I, Türkiye had successfully managed 938 projects with a total budget of €553 million, reaching approximately 700,000 beneficiaries. She added that the IPA II period (2014–2020) continues to support employment, education, and social policies through the Employment, Education and Social Policies Sectoral Operational Programme (İESP SOP) with an allocation of €511 million.
Abdullah BAŞAR from the Ministry of Development commended Zafer Development Agency’s role in attracting significant international funds to the region, underlining the importance of sustaining such initiatives.
Project Achievements and Panels
Zafer Development Agency Secretary General Yusuf BALCI shared the project’s achievements: “A total of 3,600 participants — including 2,388 SME employees, 667 SME employers, and 545 public servants — benefited from the project’s training programmes.” He emphasized the collaborative synergy achieved through close coordination with the Ministry and regional partners.
Following Technical Team Leader Dr. Peter WILSON’s presentation on the Zafer-IN Operation, two panel sessions were held:
- “SME Achievements” Panel moderated by Taylan UYGUN (Zafer Development Agency), featuring Tolga ESKİOĞLU (Aragonit Yapı Kimyasalları), Gonca ALTUNAY (Sard Makine), Umut KARAKAYA (Asya Çadır Tekstil), and Nurettin KARAMAN (Martolia Mermer).
- “The Future of BİGEM” Panel moderated by Hacer ERİŞ (Zafer Development Agency), featuring Yılmaz AKAR (Afyonkarahisar İŞKUR), Cavit KAHYA (Uşak Leather Organized Industrial Zone), Salih Nafi ALIÇ (Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahmut KARĞIN (Manisa Celal Bayar University Continuing Education Center).
About the Regional Human Resources Development Center (BİGEM)
BİGEM was established within Zafer Development Agency as a collaborative platform of 44 partner institutions to enhance human resource development in the TR33 Region. It integrates a centralized Regional Labour Force Database and a Labour Force Software System to enable joint data analysis and facilitate access to support mechanisms. BİGEM also provides training, consultancy, networking, and funding access services to stakeholders and promotes entrepreneurship through its online portal.
Although the Zafer-IN Operation officially concluded in early October 2017, BİGEM continues its operations within Zafer Development Agency. Upholding the principle of sustainability, BİGEM will keep supporting the local economy, enhance SME competitiveness, and strengthen the region’s adaptability to a transforming economy.
