Turkey will remain an important logistics hub for years to come, delegates were told at the opening of logitrans 2017.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the trade show in Istanbul on Wednesday 15 November, Messe Muenchen member of the management board, Gerhard Gerritzen welcomed delegates to the 11th instalment of logitrans, and spoke of the importance of Turkey in global logistics.
He says: “Turkey is an important hub in the international supply chain. It is a central market place for Asia, Europe and North Africa, for crossing borders between east and west. The Turkish government is making significant investments in logistics and is planning a logistics master plan.”
This year’s show was the 11th instalment, and Gerritzen thanked delegates and exhibitors for continuing to support logitrans.
He says: “Logistics is an essential part of the international network. In these turbulent times it is important to discuss the opportunities and risks to find out about things and maintain networks.”
Following Gerritzen’s speech, where he was joined by EKO MMI managing director, Ilker Altun, further speeches were made by Turkish and international speakers.
First up was French Trade Commissioner at the French Embassy to Turkey, and Business France country manager for Turkey, Pascal Lecamp, who talked about the importance of Franco-Turkish relations.
The show welcomed a French pavilion for the first time with five companies, and next year is planning to double its surface area with 10 companies.
Lecamp explains: “We believe logitrans is the right place to meet people, not just in the Turkish market but in the region as well. The national logistics centre of the world for us today is Turkey.”
International Transporters Association of Iran board member, Farid Saffarzadeh spoke of the strength of ties between Iran and Turkey, describing them as brothers.
He says: “Iran and Turkey have got a very long history, we are not only neighbours but brothers, we love each other deep from our hearts. Iran and Turkey play a very important role in connecting Europe and Asia. We can build up more business together.”
They were followed with speeches by UTIKAD president of the board of management, Emre Eldener, and International Transporters’ Association president, Cetin Nuhoglu.
