With the effect of globalization, accessibility to foreign markets is obligatory these days. It is of great importance for companies to obtain the right information in a timely manner to gain a competitive advantage. Based on this need, Foreign Trade Intelligence Center (DTIM) was established within Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce in 2019. 

The main objective of DTİM is to increase the export potential of companies in the region, particularly in Gaziantep, to provide them with accurate, reliable and processed data about target and to ensure easy access to the strategic information they need during their export processes.

Emergence of the Need and the Solution Process

In the analysis made prior to establishment, particularly in the process of SME’s expansion into foreign markets,

• Target market identification
• Potential customers identification
• It has been determined that there is a serious lack of information in areas such as competitors and product analysis.

To address this deficiency, a systematic and sustainable structure was needed to provide data-driven consulting services, and the DTİM model was developed.

Establishment and International Projects

It has been institutionalized through the SETTI Project, which is carried out within the scope of the EU-supported TEBD Programme (EU-Turkey Business Dialogue). This project,

• Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce
• Adıyaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Spain Sevilla Chamber of Commerce

has been carried out in partnership and its central structure has been shaped by regional cooperation and integration of EU experiences.

Capacity Expansion and Development Process

Since its establishment, DTİM has served as a model not only through its organizational structure but also through the systems it has developed. In 2022, within the scope of the “Internationalization of SMEs Project” implemented with the support of the German Development Agency (GIZ), funding provided in two separate phases enabled both capacity enhancement and an expansion of the range of services offered.

In this Process,

• New analysis tools integrated
• Enhanced sectoral depth
• Companies have been provided with more effective support through training and mentoring activities

Impact Achieved to Date

Since its establishment, DTİM has provided services to more than 200 companies at various levels.
The companies that have received services have benefited from:

• Target market research,
• Potential customer lists,
• Customs data analysis, and
• Special reports and consulting support in areas such as competitive pricing strategies.

Areas of Activity

DTİM’s activities include the following services, which are still actively provided and utilized by its members:

• Country- and sector-based foreign trade reports,
• Target market analysis,
• Potential customer and competitor identification,
• Customs data customer matching services,
• Company-specific consulting and mentoring,
• Training courses to increase export capacity, and
• International fund and project collaboration.

DTİM is positioned as part of Gaziantep's vision to increase its competitiveness in foreign trade, offering not only consultancy but also strategic partnership. Since its establishment the center has been operating with the aim of providing local businesses with a global vision, and it aims to increase its strength in the future through new partnerships and technological infrastructure.

For contact and detailed information,

Murat Şahin

Phone: +90 342 220 30 30 (325)

Email: muratsahin@gto.org.tr