The 5th TÜSİAD European Green Deal Talks were held with the theme “Transformation of the Sectors and Importance of Cooperation during the Adaptation Process”. The speakers of the meeting were TÜRKBESD (Turkey White Goods Industrialists’ Association) President Can Dinçer and BEYSAD (White Goods Suppliers’ Association) President Ş. Burak Özaydemir.

At the meeting that was moderated by TÜSİAD Board Member and Investment Medium Round Table Moderator Fatih Kemal Ebiçlioğlu, potential risks and opportunities that may be created by the Green Deal in the white goods sector as well as the importance of the cooperation among NGOs were handled under the title “Transformation of the Sectors and Importance of Cooperation during the Adaptation Process”.

Can Dinçer: Laying the groundwork for legislation for a green transformation and investing in sector infrastructure – a must
“Considering the critical importance of the EU markets for our sector, following the developments in this critical area which can potentially impact our competitiveness and laying the groundwork for the necessary transformation is a must. 2020 was a year when awareness for climate change, digitalization and European Green Deal and similar initiatives became more prominent rapidly due to the pandemic. We care that this multi-dimensional initiative of the EU that encompasses not only climate change but also digitalization and financing should be handled with sensibility. In the White Goods Sector Report titled “Shaping the Future Today,” which we issued recently, we gave a special part to the European Green Deal. In this area, we consider a transformation with our strong supplier industry a must.

The EU’s transition to the new energy labeling that also affects various white goods is an important part of the green transformation. The new energy labeling legislation has come into effect in our country simultaneously in the EU. Our sector has contributed in the healthy transition of our country to the new energy labeling working effectively in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Technology for over two years.”

Ş. Burak Özaydemir: The strong collaboration between the main and supplier industries will produce the required road maps for the transformation of the sector
“BEYSAD approaches the topic from a general perspective: We think that this is both a risk and an opportunity for it is an important aspect for competitiveness in our target market - the EU. We find the government – the EU negotiations on the Green Deal significant so that Turkey as well as our sector can have a fair position. It is critical to concretize the road maps and technology maps of our sector through the cooperative efforts of the main and supplier industries. We consider awareness and guidance efforts to be important for our members and we included such efforts in our work plan. Just as R&D and technical works will be needed for the adaptation process, we also believe that a common groundwork and projects will prove to contribute greatly. During this process, we hope that our Industry 4.0 Competency Center created in collaboration with Özyegin University and TUSIAD and supported by the EU-IPA will be useful. For these operations and a transformation, a sound and efficient access to financial resources will be critical. Umbrella projects for the EU resources, TÜBİTAK sector calls, International Competition Development and similar cluster-based common projects will be very beneficial.”

TÜSIAD continues to discuss at the “Green Deal Talks” on several different aspects of the Green Deal including circular economy, energy, foreign trade, digitalization and finance with the senior executives of the private sector to point out any potential risks and opportunities that may be created by the Green Deal and to raise awareness in the public and private sectors.