Tugay: "We will prioritize regional development"

Tugay: "We Will Prioritize Regional Development"

One of the three largest fairs in the world in its sector and Türkiye’s biggest fair, the Marble İzmir - International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair has opened its doors for the 29th time. Speaking at the opening ceremony, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay emphasized the importance of branding and marketing in the natural stone sector, stating:

"During this period, we will prioritize regional development. To achieve this, we will collaborate with neighboring provinces and all institutions and organizations in Türkiye."

A Grand Opening at Fuar İzmir

Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, the largest global gathering of the natural stone sector, Marble İzmir - International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, opened its doors for the 29th time with a ceremony at Fuar İzmir.

In his speech, Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay emphasized the fair's significance for İzmir and Türkiye, saying:

"On behalf of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and the İZFAŞ family, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this event. Sector representatives have shared valuable insights regarding industry challenges and expectations. In particular, the statement by Ege Exporters' Association Coordinator President Jak Eskinazi regarding our need for processed products, which have higher added value, is noteworthy. Branding and marketing are crucial for all of us. We will focus on regional development, collaborating with our neighboring provinces and all institutions across Türkiye."

An Additional 20,000 Square Meters

Mayor Tugay also responded positively to the industry's request for additional exhibition space, stating:

"Historically, İzmir has been a city of trade and fairs. We will make significant efforts to develop this aspect further. I hope for a successful fair. I look forward to the 30th edition and future editions featuring even more advanced fairs, with an additional 20,000 square meters of exhibition space and larger organizations."

Governor Elban: "A Fair That Grows Every Year"

İzmir Governor Dr. Süleyman Elban stated:

"We are aware of the intense competition in the natural stone sector, just as in all industries. You all know the key to standing out better than we do: reducing costs and producing value-added products. This fair is growing every year, thanks in large part to the contributions of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, İZFAŞ, and industry chambers. I extend my gratitude to all of you for your support."

"Marble İzmir Is Extremely Important"

MAPEG General Director Arslan Narin of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources emphasized the fair's importance for industry representatives to meet international investors, exchange knowledge on emerging technologies, and explore new markets.

Meanwhile, Acting Deputy General Director of Exports at the Ministry of Trade, Tayfun Kılıç, highlighted ongoing efforts to boost export figures, stating:

"We are continuously increasing our support for promotional activities of companies participating in the fair."

"Cities Are Competing Worldwide"

Ender Yorgancılar, Chairman of the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry, remarked:

"Cities are now competing on a global scale. İzmir leverages its unique position in the natural stone sector through internationally renowned events like Marble İzmir. Our country holds nearly 40% of the world's natural stone reserves, a tremendous advantage. For years, Marble İzmir has played a crucial role in promoting this wealth globally and ensuring its most efficient contribution to the economy."

Emre Kızılgüneşler, Vice Chairman of the İzmir Chamber of Commerce, congratulated Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay, expressing confidence that fairs in İzmir will flourish under his leadership.

Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator President of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, underlined the fair's significance, stating:

"We hope for a productive fair. Türkiye is among the key players in the global natural stone industry."

Industry Leaders Satisfied

İbrahim Alimoğlu, Chairman of the Aegean Mine Exporters' Association, stated that their primary goal in 2024 is to increase export figures even further.

Denizli Exporters' Association Chairman Hüseyin Memişoğlu expressed pride in Denizli's growing presence at the fair each year.

Metin Çekiç, Board Member of the Istanbul Mineral Exporters' Association, emphasized that Marble İzmir is invaluable to the industry and contributes significantly to exports.

Mehmet Yılmaz, spokesperson for the Mining Platform, highlighted the fair’s importance for the sector.

Hanifi Şimşek, Chairman of the All Marble, Natural Stone, and Machinery Manufacturers Association, affirmed their commitment to working closely with Mayor Tugay.

Regional Development Highlighted During Booth Visits

After the opening ceremony, Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay and his wife Öznur Tugay visited exhibitors at the fair. During discussions with industry representatives, Tugay emphasized the importance of regional development and collaboration with provinces in the Aegean Region.

During his visit to Çemar Traverten & Mermer, the fair’s main sponsor, Tugay tried a virtual reality headset, experiencing a high-tech demonstration. He extended his best wishes for a successful fair.

Who Attended?

The opening ceremony was hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay and his wife, Öznur Tugay, and attended by:

İzmir Governor Dr. Süleyman Elban
MAPEG General Director Arslan Narin (Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources)
Acting Deputy General Director of Exports Tayfun Kılıç (Ministry of Trade)
Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek
Denizli Metropolitan Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu
Afyon Mayor Burcu Köksal
MHP Kütahya MP Ahmet Erbaş
Industry leaders, trade representatives, and journalists

Nearly 1,500 Natural Stone Blocks on Display

This year, sponsored by Çemar Traverten & Mermer, all natural stone companies are housed in Fuar İzmir’s enclosed halls in Gaziemir. A large portion of Hall C and the entirety of Hall D have been allocated to machinery and technology companies. The block marble area will once again display nearly 1,500 blocks of natural stone.

Responding to industry feedback, this year’s Marble İzmir will exclusively feature natural stone, natural stone products, machinery, and technologies.

Visitors from Around the World

Marble İzmir has partnered with commercial attachés across the USA, Middle East, Asia, and Europe to attract global exhibitors and visitors.

Supported by the Ministry of Trade, three buyer delegation programs will bring industry professionals from target countries, including:

United Kingdom, South Korea, France, Italy, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan.

Additionally, 186 foreign buyers will participate in İZFAŞ's B2B program, facilitating efficient networking for exhibitors.

So far, 1,912 foreign visitors from 59 countries—including Australia, Italy, the USA, and China—have pre-registered via the fair’s website.

Contributing to İzmir’s Economy

Marble İzmir will positively impact tourism, accommodation, transportation, and the food and beverage industry, strengthening the local and national economy.

When the fair first began, Türkiye’s natural stone exports stood at $77 million. Over the years, with the fair's support, exports have surpassed $2 billion.

In the first three months of 2024, Türkiye’s natural stone exports reached $420 million, marking a significant increase compared to last year.