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cities an exhibition center for a different scope. problems and agendas of the exhibition organization and content. I would also like to emphasize that we
We, as Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, have sector and continue to be a solution partner. should not organize specialized exhibitions in the
this understanding, too. Therefore, since 1882, same sector in close dates and that will compete
we have been trying to place fairs at the center ■ Because of the difficulty of obtaining the with each other. Every player in the sector is not a
of our economic development. We want to Schengen visa, the citizens of countries such competitor of another, but a compliment.
permanently position the exhibition sector among as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt, The exhibition organization sector is like a ship. The
the comparative superiorities of Istanbul. As the who cannot go to the exhibitions in Europe, actors of the sector are the passengers of that ship.
business world, we have assumed and put our hands prefer exhibitions in Turkey. What kind of studies If someone makes a move to harm other passengers
on this issue. We help in the actualization of many should be conducted to attract visitors, who are on that ship, it will actually damage the ship, in
trade exhibitions that will stimulate the city’s trade geographically closer to our country, to exhibitions in the simplest sense, cause it to get off the course.
and production. In the same way, our organization Turkey and especially in Istanbul? Therefore, if we want to strengthen our sector instead
organizes international fairs and mediates our As I mentioned before, the exhibitions themselves of damaging it through international trade exhibitions,
companies to participate in global fairs to take a step are a sector besides the vitality they bring to their we must ensure that these exhibitions are organized
forward in the international markets. We think that related industry. Even an increase in the revenues as rare and concise exhibitions.
Istanbul is also the locomotive of our economy in the from hosting the visitors to the exhibition is a very
exhibition industry. Exhibition industry is one of the important economic gain. Turkey should be taking ■ Can you please explain your thoughts on the
expression pitches of Istanbul’s brand value. That is advantage of being a regional power through the contributions of the ITM exhibition to the Turkish
why we attach great importance to the establishment economic breakthrough and development exuberance economy and textile industry?
of the image and perception of Istanbul as ‘The City within the last 15 years and utilize it in the exhibition ITM Exhibition is a very large exhibition, which adds
of Fairs’. Today in Turkey, about 450 exhibitions are organization sector. We should because I don’t think value not only to the textile industry but also to
organized per year. 193 of these exhibitions are held we’ve utilized it enough. The first way to achieve this Istanbul with more than 1000 participating companies
in Istanbul. The major part of the exhibitions in other is to organize trade exhibitions in the related sectors, from approximately 100 countries and a record
parts of our country is operating as the branches of
the Istanbul World Trade Center, which is pioneered
by ITO. However, this is not enough in order to further
increase the strength of Turkey’s economy. Turkey
does not need to refrain from investing more in the
exhibitions. We need to increase the number of
fairgrounds that can provide all kinds of opportunities
to exhibitors and visitors in Istanbul, which is the most
important point of attraction not only in the region but
also in the world. Because exhibition organization is
such an industry that every penny you invest comes
back to you by reviving your economy.

■ What kind of joint activities can the Istanbul
Chamber of Commerce engage with the organizers
of large-scale international exhibitions in order to
increase the number of visitors? Do you have any
projects developed on this subject?
As the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, we strive
to create the necessary conditions in exhibition
organization business. Of course, we stand at an
equal distance from all players in the sector, and we
wish that their competitiveness under the conditions
of the free market will have a positive effect on
our exhibition organization industry. As you have
stated in your question, I believe that our exhibition
organization companies will succeed many more which trends on a global scale, such as the ITM number of local and international visitors. I must
important achievements under the leadership of our Exhibition does and brings Turkey to the agenda of say that Istanbul has an important contribution in
ministries and professional organizations such as the other countries. In this context, the ITM Exhibition is an the perception and branding of the city as a city of
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The biggest support important example in terms of demonstrating the new exhibitions. As the Chairman of the Board of Istanbul
we developed in this direction is putting Turkey’s level of our exhibition organization capacity. Secondly, Chamber of Commerce, I am delighted to see the traces
largest exhibition area into service. We are now there should be activities to strengthen and support of a professional endeavor that will uplift the success
working on a variety of activities in order to further exhibitions. In other words, exhibitions should enable of the ITM even higher than that of the previous year’s
expand and improve this.We do not neglect the foreign a dynamic structure in which the current situation of exhibition. The exhibition, which brings together the
trade side while working for exhibition organizations the sector in the world and in our country is discussed, world’s textile technology leaders and the strong textile
and draw new visions for our country, and we show new visions are drawn and the plans and designs for players of our country, has a serious experience in
special attention to cooperate with foreign commerce the future are reviewed rather than being just physical perceiving the needs of the Turkish textile industry,
chambers and institutions abroad. platforms where stands are built. It should be an area presenting new and different designs to the era, and
As a result, as the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, I where there are buying and selling commissions determining the production understanding according to
would like to say that we see exhibition organizers as interacting and results-oriented works are dealt with the needs of global markets. The exhibition organizers
fearless and brave leaders of paths of the sectors. We among B2Bs. I see that this is successfully carried define ITM as a global brand, and I completely agree
use all our opportunities for the development of the out in Turkey, primarily by the ITM Exhibition, in many that. More importantly, I think this exhibition is a
sector both as the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and exhibitions. But the point we achieved so far is not symbolic example of the international success of
the Istanbul World Trade Center. We closely follow the enough, we must make it all the more comprehensive Turkish textiles.

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