Category: Future Fair

Turkey Strengthens its Global Leadership in Natural Stone Industry in the USA and the UK

Turkey started the year 2025 with two major trade delegation events aimed at reinforcing its global leadership in the natural stone sector. Turkish natural stone exporters visited the USA from January 27 to February 2, 2025, and carried out sectoral promotional activities in the UK from February 4 to 7, 2025.

Sectoral trade delegations consisting of leading Turkish natural stone firms met with prominent names from the architecture and design world in both the USA and the UK, introducing the quality and extensive product range of Turkish natural stones. With 150 different patterns and 650 color options, Turkish natural stones continue to make a difference in the global market.

Ibrahim Alimoğlu, President of the Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association, stated that during the USA program, the companies conducted B2B meetings and also visited the TISE Fair. He said, “We achieved strong participation with a total of 30 companies, including our Sectoral Trade Delegation and URGE firms,” and added, “During this major organization, our companies established important business connections through B2B meetings with potential buyers. Moreover, relationships with the NSI (Natural Stone Institute), which is of great importance to our sector, were strengthened, and collaboration opportunities increased. We have taken a significant step towards increasing our export to the USA from $432 million in 2024 to $500 million in 2025. We have invited American importers to the Izmir Marble Fair.”

Conquering the Heart of the UK Architecture and Design World!

Turkey’s trade delegation activities aimed at strengthening its global position in the natural stone sector continued with the UK leg. Ibrahim Alimoğlu, after the successful meetings in the USA, noted that they held important meetings in the UK as well. He said, “We made B2B meetings with leading architectural and design firms in the UK and around the world to strengthen the international position of our sector. These meetings, which present a significant opportunity for innovative projects, inspiring designs, and strong collaborations, will showcase the potential of Turkish natural stone.”

The Turkish delegation, which attended the Surface Design Show held in London, facilitated the meeting of the natural stone sector with international participants. Alimoğlu stated, “Through the informational session during the fair, we gathered detailed information about UK and global construction projects. The meeting led by Nick McKeogh from the New London Architecture (NLA) team was an important starting point for evaluating our sector’s international potential.”

Visits to Famous Showrooms and Monitoring the Pulse of the Sector

Eleven Turkish natural stone companies participating in the UK Sectoral Trade Delegation visited showrooms and design offices of leading sector companies such as Squire and Partners, Domus Showroom, and Solus Showroom. Alimoğlu emphasized the importance of these visits, stating, “We examined new projects and designs on-site. Detailed evaluations were made regarding the latest trends in the natural stone sector, innovative applications, and future projects. These visits allowed us to gauge the pulse of the architecture and design world in the UK and observe the best practices in the sector.”

Alimoğlu concluded by highlighting the significance of the organization, stating, “These events are crucial in strengthening the presence of the Turkish natural stone sector internationally and developing new collaborations. Our participating firms have gained promising opportunities for the future of our sector through the meetings and interactions during the fairs and showroom visits. We will continue our efforts to enhance the international competitiveness of Turkey’s natural stone sector and develop our commercial relationships with both the USA and the UK. We will continue our marketing activities without slowing down to increase our exports in the future.”

Preparations for the Şanlıurfa Construction, Building, and Decoration Fair Have Begun

The Şanlıurfa Construction, Building, and Decoration Fair will be held in Şanlıurfa, hosted by Urfa Kültür ve Bilişim A.Ş., a subsidiary of the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality. Preparations for the fair, scheduled to take place from May 1-4, 2025, began with a meeting chaired by Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar. During the meeting, the details and expectations of the fair were discussed. Additionally, strategies on how Şanlıurfa can take the greatest share in the reconstruction process of Syria, with which it shares the longest border, were also addressed.

The Construction, Building, and Decoration Fair, which will be held at the Şanlıurfa Fair Center from May 1-4, 2025, will bring together representatives of the construction sector and related stakeholders.

With the support of the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, it is expected that construction sector representatives from neighboring cities such as Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Adıyaman, and Mardin, among others, will participate in and visit the fair. Due to the absence of construction, building, and decoration fairs in neighboring provinces last year, there is high anticipation for this event in Şanlıurfa.

The fair will feature booths from national construction and building materials brands, and companies involved in landscaping, insulation, paint, concrete, infrastructure, housing projects, building systems and automation, occupational safety equipment, and construction machinery.

CONSULTATION MEETING HELD

A consultation meeting about the fair was held under the leadership of Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar. The meeting was attended by ŞUTSO Vice President Mustafa Zahit, Us Fuar General Manager Ülker Selviler, Trade Chamber Building Inspection Union President Reşat Uçan, Şanlıurfa Chamber of Architects President Pirkan Kılıç, Interior Architects Chamber Provincial Representative Tekin Kahyaoğlu, Chamber of Civil Engineers President Ahmet Melik, Chamber of Landscape Architects President Remziye Yaygın, Confederation of Construction Contractors President Mustafa Önal, Construction Contractors Association President Mustafa Aşıklıoğlu, Harite Engineers Chamber President Fikret Çakır, City Planning Chamber TMOB President Rojbin Şahin, Chamber of Geological Engineers President Vahap Bayram, Directorate of Press and Public Relations President Reşat Uzun, and Urfa Kültür ve Bilişim General Manager Mehmet Tütüncü.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS FROM THE FAIR

During the meeting, the preparation process for the fair and expectations from the event were discussed. Additionally, consultations were held on how the construction sector in the region can benefit more from the reconstruction of Syria and Iraq. It was emphasized that businesspeople and industry representatives coming from neighboring countries should be carefully evaluated. In this context, future meetings will focus more on international collaborations and projects.

The meetings also highlighted the importance of following developments in the sector and strengthening Şanlıurfa’s position in the industry through such large-scale events. This fair in Şanlıurfa will present a significant opportunity for participants to follow the latest trends in the sector, discover new products, and expand their business networks.

The “Samsun Furniture and Decoration 2016 Furniture, Interior Architecture, Decoration, and Accessories Fair” opened its doors to visitors with a ceremony. The fair was held at the TÜYAP Samsun Fair and Convention Center, with the participation of various distinguished guests including Samsun Governor İbrahim Şahin, AK Party Samsun Members of Parliament Fuat Köktaş and Hasan Basri Kurt, Samsun Metropolitan Mayor Yusuf Ziya Yılmaz, Canik District Governor İlhan Turgut, Tekkeköy District Governor İbrahim Küçük, Samsun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO) Board Chairman Salih Zeki Murzioğlu, Provincial Police Director Vedat Yavuz, President of the Turkish Woodworking Craftsmen’s and Artisans’ Chamber Ali Rıza Ercan, Deputy General Manager of TÜYAP Anatolian Fairs Cihat Alagöz, TÜYAP Samsun Regional Manager Server Seçer, and many other representatives from public institutions and organizations.

In the opening speech, Cihat Alagöz, Deputy General Manager of TÜYAP Anatolian Fairs, stated, “Today, we are hosting the only specialized furniture fair in the Black Sea Region. Moreover, we are sending the message that Samsun is continuing steadfastly on its path to becoming one of Turkey’s most important furniture production hubs. Following this fair, we will have construction, agriculture, automotive, and food fairs,” he said.

ERCAN: “OUR FURNITURE EXPORT IS 2 BILLION DOLLARS”

Ali Rıza Ercan, the President of the Turkish Woodworking Craftsmen’s and Artisans’ Chamber, emphasized that the furniture sector is one of the luckiest sectors in Turkey’s exports. He noted, “There is no country in the world that we cannot compete with, whether it’s handmade or band furniture. I hope that participants will find what they are expecting from this fair. However, fairs are not just immediate return or profit-generating events; they are organizations primarily made for promotion. If we promote ourselves and take our products to the customer, we will make money. These are places where the customer and our organization come together. This fair is extremely important for this region. Whether it’s handmade furniture, band furniture, timber, or metal furniture, our export is around 2 billion dollars. In 2014, Italy’s total imports were 20 billion dollars. In the global furniture sector, our country is both untapped and has one of the strongest export sectors. We just need to realize the potential we have and activate it,” he said.

TSO Council President Muharrem Durmuşoğlu also stated that the future of the furniture sector in Samsun is promising. “As furniture manufacturers, with the support of the TSO, we have organized four fairs in two years under the URGE project, with 34 companies involved. These fairs were in China, Italy, Dubai, and Krasnador, Russia. Our colleagues visited these countries and saw everything from booth applications to other practices and brought them back to Samsun. Currently, 43 out of approximately 750 manufacturers are participating. The future of furniture in Samsun is bright. Our friends want new organized industrial zones, and we expect support from our managers in this matter. If you support us, we will strive to create more jobs and opportunities,” he concluded.

Samsun Furniture Fair 2025 – 7th Furniture, Interior Architecture, Carpet, Decoration, and Accessories Fair

This year, it will once again attract all the attention…

MÜSİAD President Mahmut Asmalı, Vice President Burhan Özdemir, and Erkan Gül Discuss 2025 Sector Reports in Press Conference

A press conference was held with the participation of MÜSİAD President Mahmut Asmalı, MÜSİAD Vice President responsible for Sector Committees Burhan Özdemir, and MÜSİAD Sector Committees and Fair Forum Commission President Erkan Gül, where the 2025 projections for Turkey’s leading sectors were discussed.

These comprehensive reports, prepared by MÜSİAD, analyze the current dynamics of the business world and present strategic steps for the future. Covering 17 sectors, the reports aim to contribute to the sustainable growth of the Turkish economy. Created based on MÜSİAD’s long-standing experience in the business world and feedback from the sectors, the reports also shed light on global and local challenges while highlighting economic opportunities.

This year’s sector reports cover crucial areas that play a significant role in Turkey’s economic development, including: Printing, Publishing, and Media; Digital Transformation; Energy and Environment; Financial Services and Consultancy; Food, Agriculture, and Livestock; Services; Construction and Building Materials; Chemicals, Metals, and Mining; Logistics; Machinery; Furniture and Durable Goods; Automotive and Transportation Vehicles; Retail; Healthcare; Defense Industry; Textiles, Leather, and Apparel; Tourism.

“We Are Working to Strengthen the Turkish Economy”

In his speech, MÜSİAD President Mahmut Asmalı emphasized that they have been conducting extensive studies with all sector committees to strengthen the Turkish economy. Asmalı stated that with MÜSİAD’s 35 years of deep-rooted history, they have consistently carried out productive, efficient, and pioneering work. He expressed, “As we all know, MÜSİAD, which has been working and producing non-stop for 35 years, has always been a pioneer in productive and efficient work. The MÜSİAD Family has a vision of working more and producing more value for our country every day.” He continued, “Therefore, I would like to emphasize once again the sentence I have shared on various occasions: MÜSİAD is the most efficient and hardworking business organization in our country. The reports and policies it produces are the most concrete example of this efficiency.”

Asmalı also pointed out that the 17 sector reports are the result of intensive work, and the analyses offered include both assessments of the past year and forecasts for future periods. He said, “A total of 17 sector reports, each a product of hard work, are being published today. We are happy to share these reports with the public. Our reports, which analyze the past year with data, also offer various predictions for the upcoming years or periods.”

“We Aim to Strengthen Turkey’s Role on the Global Stage”

MÜSİAD Vice President Burhan Özdemir emphasized Turkey’s role in the global economy, stating, “In today’s world, economies grow and develop not only by following global trends but also by being shaped by actors who influence these trends. Our aim as MÜSİAD is to advance Turkey’s strong industrial and trade infrastructure, contribute to the sustainable growth of our sectors, and provide guiding analyses for decision-makers.”

Özdemir continued, “In the reports, the current state of each sector, the opportunities and risks it faces, are discussed in detail, and concrete solutions are offered for the future. With our strong belief in the Turkish economy, we continue to work on becoming more competitive, innovative, and stronger in all critical areas, from production to export, technology to finance.”

He added, “We firmly believe that these reports will contribute to Turkey achieving a stronger, more competitive, and innovative position on the global stage. In this journey, from local production to international export, the contribution of each sector will give a great momentum to our country’s overall welfare and global success.”

The program continued with questions from the press. Additionally, MÜSİAD announced that the 17 sector reports and summary brochures are now available for access on musiad.org.tr.

The Manisa Mesir Trade Fair Opens for the 30th Time, Preparing for the 31st Edition in 2025

As part of the International Manisa Mesir Macunu Festival, the 30th edition of the Manisa Mesir Trade Fair opened its doors with the participation of Manisa Governor Enver Ünlü, Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, and protocol members. Nearly 200 companies from various sectors took part in the fair, which is held for the 30th time this year.

The fair, part of the 484th International Manisa Mesir Macunu Festival, was opened with a ceremony. The opening took place at the Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Fair Center, with attendees including Manisa Governor Enver Ünlü, Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, Manisa Police Chief Fahri Aktaş, Şehzadeler Mayor Gülşah Durbay, deputy governors, representatives from civil society organizations, and many citizens. The fair, which will remain open until April 28, is hosting nearly 200 companies from various sectors.

The History of Fairs in Turkey

After Saruhan Simsaroğlu made the opening speech on behalf of SNS Fairs, Şehzadeler Mayor Gülşah Durbay addressed the attendees. Mayor Durbay emphasized the city’s goal of becoming a hub for festivals and fairs, wishing success for the 30th edition of the Mesir Trade Fair. Manisa Metropolitan Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek spoke about the history of fairs in Turkey, noting that the tradition of fairs started with the İzmir Economic Congress led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk after the founding of the Turkish Republic. He mentioned, “Trade fairs, supported by economic victories, have developed in Turkey and have brought us to this point.” He also pointed out that the Mesir Sanayi ve Ticaret Fair has been held continuously for nearly 30 years, bringing together hundreds of companies and thousands of visitors each year. Mayor Zeyrek added, “This year, we are hosting over 200 companies in fields ranging from automotive to home appliances and furniture. This fair plays a significant role not only in promoting our city but also in boosting our economy.”

Commitment to Advancing the Festival

Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek expressed his readiness to do everything necessary to take the 484th International Manisa Mesir Macunu Festival to the next level. He said, “After four years, we have joyfully started the festival again. We will do everything we can to advance this important festival in all its aspects. With the support of our citizens, we will ensure that this festival, which is crucial for both the promotion of our city and our festival, reaches the level it deserves.”

Governor Ünlü’s Wishes for Success

After Mayor Zeyrek’s speech, Manisa Governor Enver Ünlü also addressed the crowd, expressing his belief in the importance of festivals and fairs for the city’s promotion. He stated, “I am confident that we will do everything we can to increase the impact of this fair on Manisa’s promotion. I would like to thank everyone who strives to raise the city’s brand value through events like this fair.”

Opening the Fair with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Following the speeches, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with the participation of Manisa Governor Enver Ünlü, Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek, and protocol members, officially opening the doors of the fair to visitors. After the ribbon was cut, the protocol members visited the booths, learning about the products and services offered by the participating companies.

The Heart of the Home Textile Industry Beat at Hometex

The HOMETEX Home Textile Fair, one of the most significant meetings of the home textile industry worldwide, was held in Istanbul. The fair, held between May 21-25, not only contributed to the foreign trade goals of companies but also offered visitors a unique experience with its inspiring concept. During the event, 219 companies from Bursa opened booths and showcased their new products.

Organized by the Turkey Home Textile Industrialists and Businesspeople Association (TETSİAD) and KFA Fair Organization, a subsidiary of the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO), HOMETEX brought together global players in the industry. The fair, held at the Istanbul Expo Center in 11 halls, covered a total area of 200,000 square meters, with over 700 companies exhibiting. The fair saw an impressive participation of 219 companies from Bursa, making a notable presence. The opening ceremony was attended by Istanbul Deputy Governor Nail Anlar, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) Mustafa Gültepe, BTSO Board Chairman İbrahim Burkay, TETSİAD President Hasan Hüseyin Bayram, protocol members, and industry representatives.

Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu
TOBB President
“Everyone should see this fair”
The fair is an incredible organization with its booths, trend areas, seminars, and rich content. Everyone should definitely visit and see this fair. I congratulate our BTSO Board Chairman İbrahim Burkay, TETSİAD President Hasan Hüseyin Bayram, and the host of the fair, ITO President Şekib Avdagiç for organizing such a magnificent event. I hope this fair will bring great benefits to our industry and country.

Mustafa Gültepe
TİM President
“These fairs inspire us”
The textile, ready-to-wear, and home textile sectors are among the most outstanding industries that initiated industrialization in Turkey’s history as a whole. With a total volume of over 30 billion dollars, we are talking about a sector with the third-highest added value. It is not easy to sustain a fair for 32 years. These fairs inspire us.

İbrahim Burkay
BTSO Chairman
“It has greater potential”
The home textile sector has the potential to achieve much more than what has been accomplished so far. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of TETSİAD and KFA Fair Organization, and the support of İFM, HOMETEX has become a global fair. Turkey is the center where fashion and trends in the home textile industry are determined. When we look at the average export value of our country, our sector generates 4 times more added value. We have a significant organization that produces the highest added value products in the home textile industry and reaches the end consumer. We need to continue this strength without diminishing it. And that will happen with this unity and togetherness.

These words were shared during the event.

Gaziantep Carpet Fair Welcomes Over 13,000 Professional Visitors

The first-ever “Carpet Fair” held in Gaziantep from May 28-31 welcomed 13,805 sector professionals from 74 countries.

According to a statement from the Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce (GTO), the fair, organized in collaboration with the GTO, the Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters Association, the Gaziantep Carpet Manufacturers Association, and Tüyap Fairs, was held at the Middle East Fair Center (OFM) across 2 halls and 25,000 square meters of space. The fair showcased a wide range of products, including machine-made carpets, prayer rugs, doormats, and kilims.

GTO President Tuncay Yıldırım stated that the fair, which brought together strong sector brands and international buyers, made significant contributions to the development of the industry.

Highlighting the importance of carpet production to Gaziantep’s economy, Yıldırım said, “The Gaziantep Carpet Fair plays a crucial role in promoting Gaziantep, a leader in Turkey’s carpet industry, and showcasing the diversity and strength of Turkey’s carpet production to the world. Hosting such a special fair in our city adds value not only in terms of commercial relations but also in culture and tourism. The fair attracted 13,805 industry professionals from 74 countries, nearly 2,000 of whom were international visitors. Countries like Iran, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, and China participated, while sector representatives from Belgium, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Egypt, the UK, Italy, Libya, Azerbaijan, the US, and Russia were also among the visitors. Feedback from participants indicates that the fair has played an important role in strengthening existing business connections and creating new networks.”

Increasing Our Trade with Africa, a Continent of 54 Countries

Expand to Africa with Strong Connections, Boost Your Exports!

Our trade with the African continent has increased nearly fivefold over the past 20 years, reaching $31.7 billion in 2023, and this trend continues in 2024. In this context, the bilateral trade volume between January and May 2024 has increased by 9.6% compared to the same period last year, rising to $13.6 billion (according to the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Turkey). The 4th Export Gateway to Africa, which builds a vast trade and export network to Africa for Turkey’s leading sectors and increases the trade volume between Turkey and African countries, will be held on October 16-17, 2025, at the global trade hub Pullman Convention Center.

At the 4th Export Gateway to Africa fair, organized with chambers of commerce, sectoral unions, and business associations from the participating countries, sectors such as furniture, construction, beauty, cosmetics, agriculture, agricultural machinery, food and packaging, medical products, packaged food, logistics, and foreign trade will meet with qualified buying delegations. In addition to official authorities, many agencies continue their work at full speed, while leading economic organizations of Africa such as the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN–SAD), East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Southern African Development Community (SADC) are also conducting buyer delegation meetings.

In the Export Gateway to Africa Fair held in 2024, over 1,400 B2B meetings were held. In 2025, we will break the meeting record set in 2024. You will expand your export goals with the B2B meetings you will hold.

Secure your spot now at the 4th Export Gateway to Africa for great success!

At the press launch of Electricity Eurasia, the goal was set to make it the most influential electrical fair and summit in the region due to Turkey’s geopolitical position. Organized by TG Expo Sektörel Fuarcılık, Electricity Eurasia will take place from April 24-26, 2025, at the Istanbul Expo Center. The second edition of the fair, under the slogan “Turkey’s Electrical Fair,” will be held alongside a summit featuring expert speakers, discussing innovative solutions in the industry, smart technologies, and energy efficiency strategies.

During the Electricity Eurasia Press Conference, H. Cem Şenel, General Manager of TG Expo International Fairs, Cemil Topak, President of the ETMD-Electrical Engineers Association, Servet Erginyavuz, Board Member of the EMSAD-Electromechanical Industrialists Association, Tunç Atıl, President of the ENOSAD-Industrial Automation Industrialists Association, and Serpil Özkan, General Secretary of the AKÜDER-Battery and Recycling Industrialists Association, spoke at the event.

Electricity Eurasia will be Turkey’s first fair focused on electricity, addressing the needs of the construction and energy sectors. The fair aims to meet the demand for electrical and electrical equipment from Turkey’s rapidly growing construction sector, green investment projects in Europe, and the expanding global markets over three days.

In its second year, the fair aims to be a significant event that shapes the region due to Turkey’s strategic position. Cem Şenel, General Manager of TG Expo, highlighted that the fair would bring together electricity and electrical equipment sector manufacturers, buyers, investors, panel manufacturers, construction professionals, contractors, engineers, architects, and representatives from government and academia. The summit, held simultaneously with the fair, will feature theoretical and practical presentations by industry leaders and institutions, focusing on the impact of digital transformation in the electricity sector and how it can offer a competitive advantage.

Energy efficiency, sustainability strategies, and the role of electricity and electrical equipment in construction and urban transformation projects will be some of the key topics discussed in the summit’s panels. Additionally, Electricity Eurasia will host numerous activities, including a special section dedicated to innovation, offering opportunities for participants and visitors to engage in various industry-related events.