Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Attended by 101 chambers and exchanges from 68 provinces, 11 development agencies, 52 institutions and 224 companies as well as the Press and Advert Institution, the opening of YÖREX began with a performance by the Aydın Folkloric Dance Group.

Attending the opening in addition to TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu were Antalya Governor Muammer Türker, Mayor Menderes Türel, Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Davut Çetin, Antalya Chamber of Commerce (ATB) Board President Ali Çandır and MPs from various political parties as well as protocol members.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that YÖREX advances itself each year, growing, and has become a global success.

Stating that YÖREX is a matter of vision, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This is Turkey’s project. Here, you can see the soul of Anatolia, all of its colors. The four corners of Turkey are contributing here in unity and solidarity. This is a success story both economically and socially.”

- “This land nurtures entrepreneurs”

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that 68 provinces have been reached in terms of attendance for the Expo and that their goal is all 81 provinces.

Reporting that they are marketing goods with geographical indicators both nationally and internationally, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the way for cities to prosper is through promotion and branding.

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the people of Turkey are enterprising and went on:

“This land nurtures entrepreneurs but the mechanisms for supporting and motivating them are missing. We must bring their efforts and goods to market. The Anatolian geography is a great treasure. There is a local specialty in every province and county. You can see how you can achieve branding with local goods.”

- “First step in branding is geographical indicators”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the first step in branding is geographical indicators and that there is support for the private sector to this end, however, the system needs to made to work faster.

Reporting that significant momentum has been gained in recent years, Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized the need to ignore recent negative developments and work with determination.

Antalya Governor Türker pointed to the importance of differentiating oneself from competition and stressed the part branding, patents and geographical indicators play in this regard.

Mayor Türel underlined the importance of hosting such an important organization, pointing to progress achieved by Antalya in the global arena.

Turkey Patent Institute Vice President İbrahim Yaşar stated that local goods must be given the importance they deserve.

YÖREX Local Goods Expo will remain open until October 11^th.