ASCAME is working to develop a quality management system for its network of Chambers, following the know-how of the accreditation system developed by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), an associated member of ASCAME, and with the help of the European Commission and the main regional actors.

Last week, the main representatives of the Mediterranean private sector, ASCAME, BUSINESSMED and CEEBA, visited TOBB facilities in Istanbul to be trained first-hand on the technical specifications and processes followed to develop and implement TOBB’s quality label, which has been adopted by hundreds of Chambers of Commerce and Commodity Exchanges across Turkey.  

The effort of adapting and implementing TOBB’s quality label to the Chambers of Commerce of the Mediterranean has been promoted by the European Commission through EBSOMED project, which has chosen ASCAME as a key partner to standardize and improve the quality of the services provided by the Chambers in Southern Europe and the MENA region.  

After visiting TOOB’s building in Istanbul, the team had the chance to get to know one of the success stories of the accreditation: the Chamber of Commerce of Çorlu, which holds a score “A” on TOBB’s quality label. A score that did not surprise the team because of the Camber’s upgraded services and outstanding facilities. The team was welcomed by its President, Mr. Volkan, and its General Secretariat, which convene on the vision and mission of becoming one of the best Chambers in the world. 

TOBB’s accreditation system was born in 2005 and is one of the most prestigious ones in the world, the score ranges from A+ to C. The scoring is based on 103 KPIs in 3 main aspects: core services offered to members, internal management, and continuous improvement capacity.  

 In the words of the two women responsible for its creation, Ms. Karatepe and Ms. Alemdar: “this Certification has encouraged many Chambers in Turkey to be competitive and have result-driven teams. The adoption of this quality management system has also increased revenue and portfolio services offered to put the members at the centre of the organisation. In other words, it has provided a structure and an incentive for the Chambers of Commerce across Turkey to professionalise services, and managerial and operational structures.  

We have also seen how the Accreditation System has served as a key tool for Presidents that want to set up and monitor a road map to achieve their mandate’s strategic plan: having this clear vision and goal to score high-drive teams and set up a common cross-cutting goal on the organisation.” 

ASCAME, along with its partners, is convinced of the importance of working together for the adaptation and adoption of a Mediterranean Quality Management Accreditation System for Chambers of Commerce, based on the great cooperation with Turkey and the rest of the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce are doing great work. And yet, they do have a lot of pontential to be unlocked. Launching this Quality Management Label will help ASCAME members reach excellence.