A seminar entitled “Financing Methods through Capital Markets for Businesses” was held by Mevlana Kalkınma Ajansı (MEVKA) in cooperation with Konya Chamber of Commerce, Konya Chamber of Industry, Konya Commodity Exchange and Borsa İstanbul at Konya Chamber of Commerce on April 6, 2016. The seminar was attended by MEVKA Secretary General Dr. Ahmet Akman, Konya Commodity Exchange Chairman Hüseyin Çevik, Konya Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Hasan Hüseyin Karapınar and numerous participants.

Konya Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Hasan Hüseyin Karapınar said that Konya transformed from a city endeavouring to improve on its own capital to one that is developing using various financing models. Karapınar added, “Around 10 companies based in Konya are making use of the financing opportunities offered by Borsa İstanbul and the capital markets, however, this number must rapidly increase since Konya has a dynamic and sustainably growing industry”.

Konya Commodity Exchange Chairman Hüseyin Çevik said, “Agricultural production stands at 20% in Konya. The city produces 7 million tons of agricultural products. In addition to producing, it is important to trade these products. As Konya Commodity Exchange, we have been working on improving out agricultural trade and assisting farmers. In 2011, we transformed the traditional exchange model to electronic exchange model. We created the required infrastructure to sell the producers’ products at the best prices.  In order to make Konya a locomotive city and spread the understanding of a leading exchange, we started to work jointly with Borsa İstanbul.

Following the speeches, a panel, moderated by MEVKA Secretary General Dr. Ahmet Akman was held with the participation of Borsa İstanbul Marketing and Sales Assistant Manager Mert Süzgen, Borsa İstanbul Private Market Manager Dr. Recep Bildik, and Ülkü Aydın from Private Market’s Solution Partner Sistem Global Danışmanlık. Süzgen talked about the strengthening of the capital of companies, particularly SMEs, through public offering. Dr. Bildik talked about the possibility of accessing capital and mentorship by becoming members of the Private Market. Aydın shared detailed information about the Research & Development incentives that SMEs can access.