Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce

The Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce (GCC), established in 1898, is one of Türkiye’s most influential business institutions and the largest non-governmental organization in the region, representing over 40,000 member companies. The Chamber plays a leading role in regional economic development, enhancing SME competitiveness, and strengthening workforce skills in line with national and international standards. With nearly three decades of experience in internationally funded projects, GCC maintains strong and active cooperation with EU institutions and UN agencies.

GCC has developed a robust institutional ecosystem to support businesses and skills development. Through its long-standing involvement in the Enterprise Europe Network (since 2008), the Chamber provides services such as internationalization support, EU market access, twin transformation guidance, and B2B matchmaking. Its EU Information Center—one of Türkiye’s oldest EU initiatives—promotes European values through youth engagement, digital literacy, and social awareness activities. GCC is also a co-founder of the Gaziantep Entrepreneurs Station, supporting start-ups in areas such as AI, robotics, and immersive technologies, while its Green Transformation Support Center and Foreign Trade Intelligence Center offer tailored advisory services on sustainability, carbon management, and export development.

In addition to its service units, GCC actively fosters international cooperation and policy dialogue through diplomatic events, B2B meetings, and foreign delegations. The Chamber has received notable global recognition, including awards from the World Chambers Competition and the United Nations Development Programme, highlighting its innovative and inclusive project portfolio.

Vocational education and training (VET) is a core strategic priority for GCC. The Chamber provides accredited qualification and certification services across more than 50 professions, aligned with EUROPASS standards, covering sectors such as manufacturing, construction, automotive, food production, and hospitality.

A flagship initiative in this field is the Gaziantep Gastronomy Academy (GAGA), established in 2021 and accredited by the Ministry of National Education. As a center of vocational excellence, GAGA offers comprehensive training programs in culinary arts, pastry, and hospitality, combining theoretical education with internships and employment pathways. With modern facilities and strong industry links, GAGA serves as a regional hub for upskilling, reskilling, and innovation in the gastronomy sector.