The expected decision for the Marble İzmir Fair, one of the most important fairs of the world natural stone industry, has been made. The 26th Marble İzmir Fair will open its doors in Fuarizmir in August 25-28, 2021.
The strategic planning of the Marble Izmir Fair, which is hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, for 2021 was made at the Advisory Board Meeting held online on Tuesday, April 13. The new date was evaluated within the scope of changing pandemic conditions at the meeting, where a common mind was created with the sector. In order to pass the year 2021 in the most efficient way in terms of the fair and the sector, the new date was decided by majority of votes. A consensus was reached for the fair to be held on August 25-28, 2021.
Counsellor of Mayor Onur Eryüce; General Manager of İZFAŞ Canan Karaosmanoğlu Alıcı; Turkey Marble Chairman of Natural Stone and Machinery Manufacturers Association İbrahim Alimoğlu; Chairman of Istanbul Mineral Exporters’ Association Aydın Dinçer; Chairman of Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association Mevlüt Kaya; Chairman of the Turkish Miners Association Ali Emiroğlu; President of the International Stone Congress Prof. Dr. Faruk Çalapkulu and nearly 100 sector representatives attended to the meeting realized under the leadership of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer. Leading names of the sector contributed by stating their views on the future and history of the fair.
Mayor Soyer: “The sector continued on growing the fair, while the fair also continued on growing the sector”
Sharing information about the sector and the fair, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer said, “The trade volume of our fair was recorded as 77 million dollars in the first year. It has now grown to about 2 billion dollars. Our fair has become the heart of Turkey’s natural stone exports. Our natural stone exports have contributed approximately 20 billion dollars to the Turkish economy in the last 10 years. It is a great pride for us and our sector that the annual average natural stone export of 2 billion dollars is formed with the contribution of our fair. Our fair has continued with a very serious progress and development in 25 years, from 47 participants to 100 participants, from 4 thousand visitors to 77 thousand visitors and from none existent international participation to the participation of 36 countries. The sector continued on growing the fair, while the fair also continued on growing the sector”.
Marble İzmir will contribute to the export of the new normal
Stating that they are going through difficult times as the sector and the country’s economy, Mayor Soyer stated that the way out is through a common mind and mutual support that will increase the trade volume created with the sector. Mayor Soyer also noted:
“Marble İzmir Fair can be an opportunity in the sector in this extraordinary period. In our 26th year, we want to continue without a break. While Marmomac and Xiamen were being held this year, it was necessary to open İzmir as well. The situation of Turkish natural stone companies that cannot participate in China and Italy fairs gains importance. Marble İzmir remains the only fair where visitors outside of China and Europe regions, especially those in the Middle East, Near East, North Africa and Russia regions, can trade. All of the visitors in the Hosted Buyer program registered for Marble 2021 stated that they would participate in our fair if the conditions permit. İZFAŞ is ready, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality is ready, and there is an expectation in the sector. Flights, travels, fairs around the world stopped, but trade did not and will not stop. Turkey’s largest fair, Marble İzmir, will contribute to the economy of our country in its new normal process, by expanding exports and helping to ensure our foreign trade balance”.
