Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Organized with the support of TOBB and under the leadership of the Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Regional Products Fair (YÖREX) opened its doors to visitors for the 14^th time.

In his speech there, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that YÖREX has become a brand of Antalya and has acquired a national character.

Highlighting that YÖREX provides significant support for the recognition and branding of regional products, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “It also makes important contributions to the development of awareness regarding geographical indications in our country. With YÖREX, there has been an explosion in the number of products with geographical indications; it has increased nearly 18-fold over 16 years and surpassed 1,800.”

Noting that approximately half of this figure is attributed to chambers of commerce, commodity exchanges, and women entrepreneurs, Hisarcıklıoğlu thanked everyone who contributed.

- Regional riches are being protected under the EU

Noting that they are working to raise awareness of regional products abroad, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, "We have begun to protect our local treasures within the EU as well. When we first started this initiative, there were none; now, 46 of our products have received geographical indication registration from the EU. “There are just as many more products waiting in line. Through our TOBB Brussels Office, we are assisting with the EU registration process for geographical indications,” he said.

Hisarcıklıoğlu announced that they will continue to increase the number of registered products both domestically and within the EU.

Explaining that thanks to YÖREX, local products are recognized and in greater demand across all provinces, Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that the fair brings together hundreds of products—the very essence of the country’s diversity and the hard work and dedication of Anatolia.

Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that the fair serves as a showcase for the regional products of Türkiye’s seven regions, adding that it offers a unique opportunity for those wishing to experience the richness of national culture or to satisfy their longing for their homeland.

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that YÖREX has made a name for itself worldwide and has been honored by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Drawing attention to the need to fully appreciate the value of Türkiye’s regional richness, Hisarcıklıoğlu continued: “We must first recognize the value of the products that come from this land so that we can market them abroad. Look, Allah has blessed us with an incredible variety of products - a privilege granted to very few regions in the world - and we must give thanks for this day and night. It is in our hands to turn all of this into wealth. As people’s income levels rise, both in our country and around the world, there is increasing demand for local and organic products. The growing interest in healthy living is bringing natural and geographically indicated products to the forefront. Their prices are also higher than those of comparable products. This generates additional revenue for both national exports and local development. It supports employment growth in regions and, in particular, encourages women to join the workforce and become entrepreneurs."

Emphasizing that every product’s story must be told and branded, Hisarcıklıoğlu noted that branding further enhances the product’s value.

- The number of geographically indicated products is increasing every year

Prof. Dr. Muhammed Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT), noted that Antalya has significant potential in the area of geographical indications and that this is reflected in the application process.

Durak stated that they are also monitoring the EU process for products and noted that they have increased the number of EU-registered products every year. Durak also mentioned that they are prioritizing efforts to brand products with geographical indications.

Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin stated that significant progress has been made in the registration of products with geographical indications, but that there is still a long way to go.

Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Yusuf Hacısüleyman said that they are also conducting work on products with geographical indications.

Ali Çandır, President of the Antalya Commodity Exchange and the architect of the fair, reported that the event has helped increase the recognition of both local products and the cities themselves.

During the program, which featured a dance performance by the Anadolu Ateşi Dance Group, plaques were awarded to institutions that have received Geographical Indication registration from the EU.

The fair will remain open until April 26^th.