FOSTER project, which came to life with the Grant and Project Implementation Agreement signed on January 13, 2021 between the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the KfW Development Bank, was introduced to the stakeholders with an opening ceremony held in Şanlıurfa on February 23, 2022.

On February 22, 2022, the day before the Launch Event in Şanlıurfa, the contents of the designed products and planned activities of the Project were shared with KOSGEB Specialists working in Provincial Directorates. During the information meeting, the IC Senior Consultants took their recommendations and answered their questions.

Launch Event, which is one of the important visibility activities of the FOSTER Project has taken place as a half day event with around 115 participants on February 23,2022 in Şanlıurfa. Representatives from EU, KfW Development Bank as well as Turkish GOs, public agencies, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders have attended to the meeting.

Mr. Faruk Kahvecioğlu, Vice Project Director, gave a presentation on the project, which was followed by a panel discussion with a focus on SMEs, refugee integration and formal employment. Mr. Erdal Koçoğlu, Team Leader of Frankfurt School, chaired the panel, which included Mr. Mahmut Saatçi, President of MÜSİAD Şanlıurfa; Mr. Metehan Özcan, Head of Department, MoLSS DGILF; and Mr. Ahmet Gönüllü, Frankfurt School Senior Banking Expert.

Mr. Kirk Mildner, Director of the KfW Ankara Office; Mr. Andre Lys, Head of Financial Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Turkey; and Mr. Bilal Kendirci, KOSGEB Vice President, gave closing remarks.

The press release of the event can be downloaded from the link below.