Antalya Marble Natural Stone and Technologies Trade
Fair took place at Antalya Expo Center Trade
Grounds from May 28 to May 31. Burdur Governor
Hasan Kürklü, Antalya Deputy Governor Mestan
Yayman, Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Menderes
Türel, General Directorate of Mineral Works Natural Stone Marble
Department Deputy Head Selahattin Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board
of Istanbul Mineral Exporters Union Ali Kahyaoğlu, Pyramids Group
of Companies Chairman of the Board Mohammed Hassem, Chamber
Presidents and numerous guests attended the trade fair where two
thousand professional trade missions from 62 different countries dominantly
from the Middle East market.
Pyramids Group of Companies Acting Chairman of the Board Dilek
Dilbaz, speaking at the opening of the trade fair, noted that they were
seeking to contribute to the marble sector as Pyramids Group of Companies
with their 8 international offices, 85 international solution partners
and hundreds of employees. Pointing out that Turkey is very rich in terms
of natural resources, Dilbaz added; “From the perspective of the scale of
Antalya, Isparta and Burdur; it is vital for the region that the marble and
natural stone exhibition is held in Antalya. We are playing host to trade
missions comprising roughly two thousand professional visitors from abroad.
Our trade fair will become an international one soon”.
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“EXPORTS INCREASED DES PITE OBS TACLES ”
Western Mediterranaen Exporters Union President Mustafa Satıcı
stated that the marble industry had an important position in Turkey’s
meeting its year 2023 targets. Noting that they exported to 98 countries
from Western Mediterranean, Satıcı added, “The minerals
industry is a significant hero in exports. You increased your export
volume despite the fact that you are confused with stone quarries by
the public and the created redtape.
General Directorate of Mineral Works Natural Stone Marble Department
Deputy Head Selahattin Erdoğan, who stated that stating that
there is a swift development in the natural stone industry, said that
there were highly major innovations in plants and facilities. Erdoğan
noted that small blocks called small size rubble, which could not be
utilized before, now help the economy as they are being used presently
by advancing technology. Adding that natural stone production was 5
million cubic meters in 2014, Erdoğan went on to say:
“Our natural stone production reached 5 million cubic meters and our
exports 7 million tons in 2014. Value-wise our export volume was USD
2.1 billion. In additon to production and marketing, our natural stone
industry is helpful also in the promotion of Turkey. From time to time, a
negative perception is created in the public opinion. We are striving to
eliminate this perception. We are trying extremely hard also to manufacture
equipment in addition to the production of natural stone”.
“INCREASE IN PRODUCTION AND EXPORTS IS
INDICATION OF STAB ILITY”
Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Menderes Türel said that the marble
industry should be discussed in Antalya. Stating that Antalya is a location
suited to these types of trade fairs, Türel said, “We have reserves
to meet the marble demand for 80 years. We can observe the
distance covered by the industry considering that the exports, which
were USD 60 million in 1994, are more than billions these days. The
increase in production and exports in the last twelve years indicate
that there is stability in Turkey”.
The trade fair was opened to visitors after the ribbon cutting following
the addresses. The stands were visited by Burdur Governor
Hasan Kürklü and the participants.
