The KUYAP project (Increasing the Adaptability of Employers and Employees to the Changes in Global Economy, Turkey), implemented by a consortium led by PLANET is the first ever Turkish project to be selected by the EU for presentation at the Brussels European Development Days (EDD) global village (stand 24) on the 7 & 8 of June 2017.

Organized by the European Commission, the European Development Days (EED) bring the development community together to share ideas and experiences in ways that inspire new partnerships and innovative solutions. In this context, the project will have the opportunity to promote its work on an international level and exchange views and best practices with other development projects.

KUYAP, a two year Technical Assistance project, implemented in 15 provinces (Growth Centers) of Turkey, focuses on promoting adaptability, providing training support and assisting the Turkish SMEs to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in order to enhance innovativeness, competitiveness and employability in a tangible and sustainable way.

The project has established six Training Support and Coordination Centres (TSCCs) in the project region providing a full range of services to SMEs. More than 1,000 SMEs have participated in the Center’s training activities, whereas more than 5,000 employers and employees were trained in adaptability issues. The Project has also organized study visits in the EU, national site visits, conferences, awareness raising meetings, and has managed to engage key stakeholders and opinion makers, so as to embrace and promote the initiative.

The KUYAP project has been funded by IPA and implemented by a Consortium led by PLANET, under a contract with the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS). The Main Beneficiary of KUYAP has been the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB).