In a powerful initiative aimed at supporting regional exporters, Şekerbank and the Eastern Black Sea Exporters’ Association (DKİB) have joined forces to introduce a comprehensive finance support package. This strategic collaboration is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Türkiye’s Black Sea region adapt to the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and digital transformation.
The agreement comes at a crucial time when global markets are increasingly shaped by green economy principles, carbon regulations, and technological advancements. Through this partnership, exporters in the region will benefit from tailored financial products, complimentary banking services, and access to digital sustainability tools that can enhance their competitiveness in international markets.
Bridging Finance with Sustainability
The collaboration was formalized through a protocol signed by Aykut Taşlık, Şekerbank’s Regional Director for the Black Sea, and Ongan Bahadır, Secretary General of DKİB. The protocol outlines a series of support mechanisms that target key areas such as:
Renewable energy investments
Energy efficiency improvements
Waste management solutions
Clean transportation initiatives
Digitalization upgrades
Operational capital needs
The financing conditions under the agreement are described as “favorable,” making it easier for local exporters to access funds that would otherwise be difficult to secure in traditional banking channels—especially for green-focused or tech-integrated upgrades.
Why the Black Sea Region Matters
The Eastern Black Sea region, encompassing provinces such as Trabzon, Rize, Giresun, and Artvin, has long been recognized for its export potential in sectors ranging from hazelnuts and tea to furniture and construction materials. However, exporters in the region face increasing pressure to comply with international environmental standards and digital supply chain expectations.
Aykut Taşlık emphasized this challenge, noting, “With this cooperation, our goal is to increase the competitiveness of exporting SMEs. Supporting the region within the axes of green transformation and digitalization is critical for sustainable development. We aim to contribute to inclusive growth.”
In this sense, the agreement between Şekerbank and DKİB is more than a financial arrangement—it represents a long-term investment in regional resilience and international relevance.
Key Benefits for Exporters
The support package brings a wide array of tangible benefits for exporters in the Black Sea region:
1. Free Commercial Banking Tools
All exporters participating in the program will receive Şekerbank’s commercial debit-credit card free of charge for the first year. This tool is essential for managing daily business transactions, both locally and internationally.
2. Carbonmap Access
One of the most innovative components of the package is free access to Şekerbank’s Carbonmap platform. This digital tool allows businesses to:
Monitor their carbon footprint
Track water usage
Evaluate energy consumption
Benchmark environmental performance over time
Such metrics are increasingly vital in global trade, where buyers and regulators demand transparency and sustainability reporting from suppliers.
3. Three-Month Fee Exemption for New Customers
Exporters becoming first-time clients of Şekerbank will be exempt from EFT (electronic fund transfer), wire transfer, and POS (point-of-sale) fees for the first three months. This grace period provides an opportunity for exporters to familiarize themselves with digital banking without worrying about overhead costs.
Aligning with Global Climate Goals
By offering financing for renewable energy systems, energy audits, green logistics, and other sustainable practices, the package aligns closely with international frameworks like:
The European Green Deal
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Paris Climate Agreement
For Türkiye’s exporters—especially those selling into the European Union—compliance with these global standards is no longer optional. Carbon border taxes and environmental regulations are becoming decisive factors in trade competitiveness.
With Carbonmap, exporters can create data-driven sustainability strategies, enabling them to:
Certify their operations as eco-friendly
Apply for green labels
Enter new markets with stricter climate regulations
DKİB’s Perspective: A Lifeline for Exporters
According to Ongan Bahadır, Secretary General of DKİB, the protocol is a game-changer for local businesses. “This cooperation offers our firms access to favorable financing as well as sustainability-oriented tools. It will provide breathing room for exporters while contributing to environmental awareness.”
Bahadır highlighted how the program goes beyond mere cost-cutting. “By enabling companies to monitor their carbon and water consumption, we are helping them future-proof their operations and qualify for eco-conscious export opportunities.”
The Bigger Picture: Green Finance in Türkiye
Green finance has become a global trend, and Türkiye is no exception. In recent years, banks in Türkiye have launched green loan products, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) scoring systems, and sustainability-linked bonds. Şekerbank, in particular, has carved out a leadership role in rural and SME banking, often pioneering community-focused finance programs.
With this latest initiative, the bank demonstrates how climate finance and export finance can be merged for maximum impact.
The collaboration with DKİB is not just a regional story—it reflects Türkiye’s broader transition toward a more sustainable and digitally agile economy.
Challenges Ahead and Opportunities
Despite the optimism, several challenges remain:
Many SMEs still lack awareness of ESG requirements
The cost of green transformation remains high
Measuring and reporting sustainability metrics can be complex
However, partnerships like the one between Şekerbank and DKİB can help bridge the knowledge and funding gaps. The provision of digital tools like Carbonmap, coupled with targeted financial incentives, is a model that can be replicated across other regions and sectors in Türkiye.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for the Future
As global trade evolves, so must the exporters who power regional economies. The Şekerbank-DKİB partnership offers a glimpse into how sustainability, technology, and finance can work together to drive inclusive and future-ready growth.
For SMEs in the Eastern Black Sea region, this is more than a financial package—it is a strategic lifeline, an opportunity to innovate, and a critical step toward aligning with 21st-century trade realities.
With continued cooperation between banks, trade associations, and public institutions, Türkiye can ensure that no region is left behind in the journey toward green prosperity.
