The Forum Business Connect program was organized by the Turkish Business Connect club with the aim of creating a portrait of the region and revealing its opportunities and future goals for business people from Russian-speaking countries considering investment. The first session of Forum Business Connect, which was held in Mersin for the fifth time after Antalya, Alanya, and Istanbul, was attended by the Chairman of the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTSO) Ayhan Kızıltaş, the President of the Assembly and the Mersin Touristic Operators Association (MERTID). The event was attended by President Hamit İzol, the General Manager of the Mersin Free Zone Edvar Mam, as well as Russian and Ukrainian businessmen. The forum, which lasted all day, concluded with 3 sessions. At the first session, MTSO Chairman Ayhan Kızıltaş presented information on the economic and social opportunities of Mersin, and Parliament Speaker Hamit İzol spoke about the tourism industry, opportunities, and expectations of Mersin. The General Manager of the Mersin Free Zone Edvar Mum spoke about the potential and investment opportunities of the free zone, SDEK Turkey Deputy General Manager for Franchise Development Karina Vidyagina spoke about the support programs for importers in the CIS countries, and MTSO Project Manager Fevzi Filik spoke about foreign and Turkish capital. The partnership between the two companies concluded with a presentation of forms. Kızıltaş: 'You are in the right place for investment.' MTSO Chairman Ayhan Kızıltaş began his speech with information about the history of Mersin. Noting that Mersin, which has roots in foreign trade, stands out with its logistics and agriculture, Kızıltaş emphasized that it has one of the leading ports in the world and that transportation to all parts of the world is possible thanks to its powerful fleet, highways, and rail transport. Stating that all types of transportation will be available in Mersin when the Çukurova International Airport is put into operation at the end of the year, Kızıltaş noted that Mersin is a leader in the production and export of many agricultural product groups, especially citrus and fresh fruits, as well as vegetables. Stating that there are 9 organized industrial zones in the city, and one of them is a specialized industrial zone for agricultural products, Kızıltaş also noted that qualified personnel can be offered to investors with universities, vocational, and technical higher education institutions. Stating that the city has a very extensive hinterland, Kızıltaş said that investors who will invest in Mersin will be able to easily reach both the important industrial regions of the country and the markets of the Middle East and Africa. Speaking about the multicultural structure of the city, Kızıltaş said: 'Mersin is a city that embraces everyone and where everyone can live comfortably. It is a city where everyone lives with their culture. It is an economically strong city with high investment opportunities. That is why Mersin is a suitable city for investment and doing business,' he said. İzol: 'It is time to invest in Mersin's tourism.' MTSO Assembly President and MERTID President Hamit İzol explained the situation and potential of Mersin's tourism sector. Stating that Mersin has a rich history, İzol said: 'Wherever you go, you will find traces of history.' Noting that Mersin is a city of peace and brotherhood, İzol said: 'Muslims and Christians share the same cemetery here. That is why it is called a city of peace and brotherhood.' İzol continued his speech, presenting the city's tourism centers one by one: 'Tourism will make great progress in the coming period thanks to the construction of the Çukurova Regional International Airport. Investment costs will also increase after the airport is put into operation. So, if you are considering it, now is the time to invest in tourism in our city.' Noting that there are two new tourism regions, one of which is Kargıcak and the other is Bosak, where investments continue, İzol stated that large investments have started in Kargıcak, where the private sector and local government work together. Stating that they can attract foreign investors to investments worth 4 billion Turkish liras, İzol provided information about the project details and stated that they can visit the region together within the framework of the next program and see it on the spot. İzol concluded his words by saying: 'Mersin is currently experiencing a very active period of tourism. Several projects have already started and are ongoing. It is time to invest,' he concluded.
This news was taken from the news site www.mersinportal.com.https://www.mersinportal.com/mersin/forum-business-connect-mersunu-toplandi-h74453.html
