Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Held for the 5^th time this year by the Antalya Commodity Exchange (ATB) with the support of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), YÖREX, the Regional Products Fair was held at the Antalya Expo Center.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the fair, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu touched on the importance of branding, “What benefits does branding provide? A brand product’s value increases tenfold. Prosperity rolls in when you achieve branding. Lay claim to regional products and prosper. You prosper once you brand your goods; if not, they become run of the mill products.”

Emphasizing YÖREX’s importance in promoting regional goods, consolidating them within the general economy and branding, Hisarcıklıoğlu called to mind the instance wherein one of the products being promoted in the last year’s fair was integrated into the Turkish Airlines’ in-flight menu.

Stating that Antalya, one of Turkey’s tourism centers, will be host to many important organizations in the coming days, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held in Antalya in 2015 wherein the business people controlling 85% of the global economy will be meeting with world leaders at the same time.

- Development Minister Yılmaz

The Development minister Cevdet Yılmaz stated that Anatolia has been home to many civilizations throughout the millennia, boasting a culture rich with craftsmanship and that the Regional Products Fair is an important opportunity to be acquainted with the rich cultural inheritance of Anatolia in addition to its economic value.

Yılmaz reported that regional products would find stronger support with the renewed rural development strategy plan presented to the High Planning Commission.

Yılmaz went on to emphasized the importance of geographical markers for the preservation of regional goods and be appraised for their true value.

Minister Yılmaz reported there are 179 geographical markers registered with the Turkish Patent Institute with another 203 under consideration, pointing out that Antalya has yet to register any geographical markers. He went on to urge retail companies to support their regions for the benefit of all.

- Other speakers

Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATSO) Chairman Çetin Osman Budak pointed out the need for Turkey to market its culture as a part of its rural development, stating that this is an important step in the process.

Antalya Commodity Exchange (ATB) Ali Çandır pointed out the importance of the Regional Goods Project for the preservation of prosperity in Anatolia.

Food, Agriculture and Husbandry Ministry Undersecretary Vedat Mirmahmutoğlulları drew attention to the high return on agriculture sector in comparison to many others.

Also speaking during the seminar were Metro Wholesale Market Turkey General Director Kubliay Özerkan and Regional Goods and Geographical Markers Turkey Research Network (YÜCİTA) President Prof. Dr. Yavuz Tekelioğlu.