The FSC Sustainable Forest Products Value Chain Meeting highlighted export competitiveness, adaptability, and public-private sector collaboration
Ankara, April 16, 2026 – FSC Turkey brought together public institutions, exporters, producers, certificate holders, industry representatives, and international stakeholders today in Ankara as part of the “1st FSC Sustainable Forest Products Value Chain Meeting.”
The event, which addressed the current requirements facing Turkey’s forest products sector in global markets, brought together market expectations, policy perspectives, and industry practices on a single platform.
One of the key messages highlighted at the event was that public-private sector dialogue is critical for a reliable and feasible transformation. The meeting comprehensively evaluated policy alignment, buyer expectations, sustainability requirements, traceability systems, and practical experiences in export markets.
FSC Türkiye National Representative Şükran Bayçura, “Reliable systems, practical tools, and strong public-private collaboration are critical for Turkish companies to maintain their market access and competitiveness. As FSC, we view the sustainable management and certification of forests—which form the starting point of the supply chain—as one of the key elements of this transformation. FSC aims to contribute to a more resilient, transparent, and competitive export ecosystem for forest-based products. The framework we offer, centered on traceability, risk mitigation, and market confidence, provides companies with a concrete and actionable roadmap. “As discussed at this event today, transforming the mandatory compliance with current international regulations into a competitive advantage should be the sector’s primary goal,” he said.
“As discussed at this event today, transforming the necessity of complying with current international regulations into a competitive advantage should be the sector’s primary objective.
Helen Chepkemoi Too, Senior Director of Markets at FSC, said, “New regulations—particularly the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)—and evolving buyer expectations are creating a new area of opportunity within the forest products value chain. “Global buyers are transforming their procurement processes, and companies that have invested to adapt to this transformation are gaining an edge in accessing target markets and demonstrating resilience during volatile periods. I believe this meeting, which discusses opportunities and best practices for Turkish companies aiming to stand out in supplying the European market, offers participants new perspectives.”
TOBB Board Member Saim Özakalın, “The concept of sustainability is no longer a matter of choice; it has become one of the key determinants of global trade and competitiveness. Particularly from the perspective of the forest products sector, sustainable production, traceability, and the ability to compete in international markets have emerged as fundamental prerequisites. “From this perspective, the ‘FSC Sustainable Forest Products Value Chain Meeting’ is an extremely important event for our sector. At a time when sustainability expectations in global markets are rising and regulations such as the EUDR are on the agenda, bringing all stakeholders together holds great value,” he said.
As part of the program, thematic sessions and public and private sector panels were also held, focusing on the dynamics of sustainability and competitiveness as well as buyer expectations. These sessions addressed compliance processes, export competitiveness, and practical implementation experiences.
Speakers at the event included high-level representatives from the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, FSC Turkey and FSC International, TOBB, as well as KASAD, YOMSAD, MOSFED, and Huhtamaki.
About FSC
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a non-profit, multi-stakeholder civil society organization that addresses environmental, social, and economic aspects equally. Covering over 170 million hectares of certified forest today, the FSC system serves as a globally trusted benchmark in sustainable forestry, providing a system relied upon by NGOs, consumers, and businesses to safeguard the long-term health and resilience of forests.