The "Export Academy First Term Opening Program and First Lesson Meeting," launched with the "Export Academy Cooperation Protocol" signed between the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Turkey and the Council of Higher Education (CoHE), was held on Thursday, February 27, at the Dr. İbrahim Üzümcü Conference Hall at the Göztepe Campus, with the participation of the Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, CoHE President  Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, Deputy Minister of Trade Özgür Volkan Ağar, and the Rector of Marmara University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt.

The "Export Academy First Term Opening Program and First Lesson Meeting," attended by faculty members, numerous businesspeople, administrative staff, and students, started with the Export Academy Promotional Film and continued with protocol speeches.

"We Want to Equip Our Exporters with Competitive Power in International Markets"

In the context of the "Export Academy First Term Opening Program and First Lesson Meeting," Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat gave a comprehensive presentation supported by scientific and statistical data. Expressing his pride in being a graduate of Marmara University, he said, "We are adding a new dimension to our training activities for exporters to make sustainable exports, enhance their competitiveness in international markets, and train the skilled workforce required by the sector. We are excited to bring the Export Academy to life, and we are happy to share this with you." He also expressed his happiness in realizing such an important project.

"As a Ministry, we strive with utmost effort to ensure that our exporters access the most accurate and up-to-date information and learn how to use this information effectively. In this context, the Export Academy, established in cooperation with our Ministry of Trade and the Council of Higher Education, plays a crucial role in training the qualified human resources needed by our business world and ensuring this resource adds value to our country in the field of exports," said Minister Bolat, adding that the first program of the Export Academy would involve a 90-hour intensive curriculum that continuously assesses and motivates participants through assignments, projects, and exams.

"As the Ministry, we are making every effort to ensure that our exporters have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information and learn to use this information effectively. In this context, the Export Academy, established in cooperation with the Ministry of Trade and the Council of Higher Education, is of great importance for training the qualified human resources required by our business world and ensuring that these resources add value to our country in the field of exports," said Minister Bolat. "The first program of the Export Academy, 'Export Expertise,' will involve an intensive 90-hour curriculum that continuously measures and motivates participants through assignments, projects, and exams."

He provided detailed information about the curriculum, where all processes of foreign trade would be processed practically, and emphasized the importance of the training. "In the Export Academy, which will contribute to our country's greatest wealth—its skilled human resources, a strong team of experts from the Ministry of Trade, well-known professionals in the sector, and leading faculty members of our universities will train graduates who will strengthen their companies with their knowledge and experience of every stage of the export process" he said.

"An Innovative Educational Initiative Bringing Universities and the Export Sector Together"

In his speech, CoHE President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar stated that the Export Academy was launched within the framework of the cooperation protocol signed between the Ministry of Trade and CoHE on August 13, 2024, and that this protocol emerged as an innovative educational initiative connecting universities with the export sector.

Prof. Dr. Özvar emphasized that in today's world where trade is globalized and competition increases every day, training qualified human resources is no longer a choice but a necessity. "For increasing our country's export capacity and enhancing our competitiveness in global markets, it is of great importance that theoretical knowledge is turned into practice and that our youth are prepared for the business world through applied training. In this regard, as the Council of Higher Education, we encourage our universities to collaborate more with the industry and continue our efforts to make the education process more employment-sensitive. I believe the Export Academy will play an extremely important role in this," he said.

Prof. Dr. Özvar also emphasized that the training provided by the Export Academy was being coordinated by the Ministry of Trade and added  "Our universities support these training programs through their Continuing Education Centers.  Marmara University and Ankara University have been designated as pilot universities in the first phase. I am pleased to learn that the first term registrations at Marmara University have been filled and that the second term registrations have begun. The registration process at Ankara University will continue until March 15, and the training will begin thereafter. There is a significant potential and interest in this initiative,"

Prof. Özvar stated that education will begin on March 1, 2025, at Marmara University, and on March 15, 2025, at Ankara University. He emphasized that candidates who continue with the academy will undergo a comprehensive training program of 60-90 hours are going to be tested at the end. Those who succeed will be entitled to receive their certificates, and these certificates will serve as a highly valuable professional qualification, opening new career opportunities for the holders."

"Our Goal is to Increase Our Country's Competitive Power in Global Trade"

Rector of Marmara University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt, expressed great pride in witnessing the implementation of the Export Academy Cooperation Project, which is of strategic importance for our country. In his opening speech, he said, "I wholeheartedly believe that this valuable initiative, launched under the leadership of the Council of Higher Education and the Ministry of Trade, will enhance our country's competitive power in global trade, improve the foreign trade skills of our entrepreneurs and businesspeople, and train our youth interested in this field as the future exporters of our country."

Prof. Dr. Kurt, noting that Marmara University, one of the country’s most established higher education institutions, traces its origins to the Hamidiye School of Commerce, established in 1883, which aimed to train 'trade professionals' (in the terminology of the time), or 'trade experts' and 'entrepreneurs' (in today's terms), stated: 'In this context, it can be said that the Hamidiye School of Commerce, which laid the foundations of Marmara University, began its educational journey to train entrepreneurs and managers who would play vital roles in our country's economic development under the conditions of the time. The initiation of this important collaboration project, which will contribute to the training of export experts for modern Turkey, under this historic roof at Marmara University, is not only a source of personal pride for me but also a significant step that perfectly aligns with the founding mission of our university, established 142 years ago”

"As higher education institutions, we are responsible for equipping our youth, industrial and commercial communities, and all citizens who wish to develop themselves with the competencies required for the needs of today and the future, based on the principle of lifelong learning," said Rector Kurt, continuing his speech, "In this context, the signed Export Academy Cooperation Protocol is a clear evidence of this responsibility of ours."

Pointing out that Turkey's dynamic workforce and innovative entrepreneurs are increasingly positioning the country in a stronger position in global trade, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt said, “Being part of this important project is one of the greatest investments in the future of our country. I hope that the Export Academy creates a strong synergy between the business world and universities, offers new opportunities to participants, and enhances Turkey's power in global trade,' emphasizing the significance of this project.”

The 'Export Academy 1st Term Opening Program and First Lesson Meeting' concluded with a group photo of the guests in the hall, following the protocol speeches.