The UFRAD Franchising Association’s Board Meeting for December held at Istanbul Aydın University, hosted by UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın. During the meeting, a general evaluation of 2024 was conducted, and the sectoral goals and projects for 2025 were discussed in detail.
In meetings with prospective members, the expectations and goals of brands wishing to join the UFRAD family were heard, and the first steps were taken toward building strong collaborations. The meeting emphasized the determination to continue efforts to advance the franchising sector both nationally and internationally.
The UFRAD Strategic Plan Workshop, organized by the UFRAD Franchising Association to address current issues in the sector, discuss solutions, and create a strategic roadmap for the future, was held under the leadership of UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın and hosted by Istanbul Aydın University.
Before the workshop, a committee meeting with moderators was held to evaluate the day’s program in detail, and final preparations were made to ensure that the sessions would be productive and goal-oriented. An innovative and solution-focused program was created to address the sector’s dynamics in the best possible way.
In his opening speech, UFRAD President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın highlighted the place and importance of the franchising sector in the national economy. Sharing the main objectives of the workshop, Aydın emphasized the significance of critical topics for the sector, such as expansion into global markets, digitalization, sustainability, proper brand positioning, and effective management of legal processes.
Throughout the workshop, experts from the sector, academics, and stakeholders engaged in intensive and productive exchanges of ideas. In each session, the current state of the franchising sector, challenges faced, and future opportunities were discussed in depth. The sharing of sectoral experiences and the proposals formed through different perspectives were seen as an important step toward making the franchising sector more sustainable and competitive.
The December Board Meeting of the Service Exporters’ Association (HIB) was held with the participation of Mr. Tarık Sönmez, General Director of International Service Trade at the Turkish Ministry of Trade, and Mr. Fatih Aydın, Deputy General Director.
During the meeting, steps required to enhance the international competitiveness of service exporters were thoroughly evaluated. Strategies were discussed in line with the sector’s priority needs and future goals. It was emphasized that efforts to increase the service sector’s contribution to the national economy would continue with determination.
The December Board Meeting of the Eurasian Universities Union (EURAS) was convened.
During the meeting, new projects aimed at further strengthening cooperation in the field of higher education were discussed, and strategic goals for the upcoming period were determined. A strong commitment was expressed to support universities in enhancing the quality of education, fostering internationalization, and advancing an innovation-driven vision.
At the conclusion of the meeting, EURAS President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın extended his gratitude to all participants for their contributions.
The 41st session of the conference series titled “Conversations with Trade Counselors at HIB,” organized online by the Service Exporters’ Association (HIB) operating under the umbrella of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), was held on February 21, 2024, with the theme of Montenegro.
The online program, which began with the opening speech by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Vice Chairman of the HIB Board of Directors, continued with the presentation of Erdal Karaömeroğlu, the Trade Counselor in Podgoritsa. The meeting was also attended by HIB Secretary-General Dr. Fatih Özer and Deputy Secretary-General Abdullah Keskin.
Presentations covered country profiles, free trade agreements, economic outlook, general foreign trade data for Montenegro, agreements between Turkey and Montenegro, bilateral trade, potential sectors, Montenegro’s service trade, and detailed information on sectors. Following the presentations, questions from representatives of participating companies were answered.
The purpose of these events is to provide Turkish companies with information on global trade opportunities and to increase collaboration between countries through trade counselors. HIB’s such discussions constitute an important platform to gain a competitive advantage on global trade and enhance collaboration opportunities.
The keynote speaker of the January meeting of the Western Platform, held with the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, the President of Istanbul Aydin University (IAÜ), and the faculty members of Istanbul Aydin University, was Mustafa Sani Şener, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAV Airports.
Following the presentation and evaluation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın made the following statement: “We listened to Mr. Şener’s vast knowledge and experience, especially regarding developments in the aviation sector. We extend our gratitude to Mr. Sani Şener for his participation.”
The fortieth session of the conference series titled “Conversations with Trade Advisors by HIB” organized online by the Services Exporters Association (HİB) operating under the umbrella of the Turkey Exporters Assembly (TİM) was held on January 31, 2024, with a focus on Uzbekistan.
The online program, which began with an opening speech by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Vice President of the HİB Board of Directors, continued with presentations by Ahmet Melih Horata, the Trade Advisor in Tashkent, and Abdullah Keskin, Deputy Secretary-General of HİB.
Presentations containing detailed information about Uzbekistan covered topics such as the general economic outlook, investments, foreign trade, Turkey-Uzbekistan bilateral trade, and the service sectors. Following the presentations, questions from representatives of participating companies were answered.
Ekovitrin Magazine conducted an interview with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, the President of Istanbul Aydin University (IAU), about IAU being among the world’s best universities according to research conducted by Quacquarelli Symonds.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın shared his views with Kamuran Abacıoğlu, the President of the Ekovitrin Media Group, regarding international student mobility in Turkey. In the interview, Aydın emphasized the following points: “In a world where internationalization and student mobility are increasing, I would like to proudly express that the Turkish higher education system has reached an important position on the international platform with globally competitive universities and qualified academics. Therefore, the external demand for our country’s higher education is increasing day by day. We sincerely believe that…”
Honorary President of Cyprus Science University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, visited CSU to conduct some inspections.
During his visit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın held a comprehensive evaluation meeting with the participation of academic and administrative staff, where he also met with students.
The meeting involved assessments of current activities and projects, discussions on solutions to current issues, and ideas for future planning. Additionally, Aydın visited the new building construction at CSU and shared his insights on process acceleration.
Nuriddin Amankul, the Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Istanbul, visited Istanbul Aydin University (IAÜ). During the visit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of IAÜ, and Nuriddin Amankul had a comprehensive discussion about educational collaborations between the two countries.
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Istanbul Aydin University Chairman of the Board of Trustees / BIL Holding and BIL Education Institutions Chairman of the Board of Directors / Cyprus Science University Honorary President
