Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In addition to Hisarcıklıoğlu, Gaziantep Governor Davut Gül, Gaziantep Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin and Gaziantep Chamber of Industry President Adnan Ünverdi attended the opening of the fair.

In his speech at the opening of the fair, Hisarcıklıoğlu expressed his satisfaction to be in Gaziantep, where industry, production and sweat of the brow have been transformed into halal profits. Stating that they want to make Gaziantep Turkey's shining star, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Because you most assuredly deserve it. Despite the many difficulties we have experienced domestically and internationally, this year you are breaking a record in exports with $7.5 billion. Turkey's 6^th highest exporting province. As a city, you send your goods to 190 countries on six continents. That's the difference in Gaziantep: Gaziantep produces business, not excuses.”

- Call to prefer domestic shoes

Referring to the importance of the shoe industry, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “As Turkey, the average value of 1 kilo of exports is about 1.5 dollars. The average weight of the shoes and slippers we export is $9. In other words, our sector has produced 6 times more added value than the national average and brought it to our country. That's pretty good. But is it enough? No. Because the average kilo price of what we import is $24. For example, there is not much quality difference between the shoes produced by Italy and Turkey, and we even took the lead. So what's the reason for this difference? Brand, Design and Promotion. These are the areas we need to develop from now on. On the other hand, as citizens, we have a duty. When shopping, we should choose domestically produced shoes. Especially our youth. Gaziantep is here, focused on all of this. Gaziantep is one of the leading production centers in Turkey, the heart of the shoe industry.”

- Nearly 300 companies, around 1,000 brands

Noting that Gaziantep is the second most producing and exporting city with an annual production capacity of 300 million pairs of slippers and shoes, the TOBB President reported that 70% of the production is machines-produced, 30% craftsmen-produced. Underlining that Gaziantep is also a city that protects, develops and diversifies these values, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “In this way, Gaziantep is a proud city which has inspired all of Turkey. I also learned that there are about 300 companies and around 1,000 brands here. The leaders of the shoe industry have always come here. It's a tremendous interest, a sign that it's been done right. This is the way of local development, enriching our cities: Promotion and Branding. I've seen another good thing here that I need to emphasize. In Gaziantep, we have valuable public administrators with this vision, and both our governor and our mayor are taking care of this fair and our producers. Our Chamber of Industry and the Chamber of Tradesmen come together and join hands. Together, they put their hands under the stone and work for the development and enrichment of Gaziantep. When there is unity and togetherness, Allah provides grace.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu thanked the governor, mayor, chamber and commodity exchange presidents of the city who contributed to the fair as well as all the entrepreneurs.