Fair İzmir" Kicks Off With High Hopes

Turkey's biggest fair area, located in the Gaziemir district of the Aegean province of İzmir, officially opened with the start of the MARBLE International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair on March 25.

The area of "Fair İzmir" cost a total of 400 million Turkish Liras to build, spent by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality.

A total of 40 million liras was spent in the acquisition of the 337,000 square-meter area.

Fair İzmir includes four closed and one open exhibition areas with the space of the exhibition halls totaling 90,000 square meters. In addition, the amount of investment is estimated to be around 600 million Turkish Liras, along with junction and monorail projects.

The opening ceremony of Fair İzmir saw high ranking officials, including main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Deputy Parliament Speaker Güldal Mumcu, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu, and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Provincial Head Bülent Delican.

Speaking at the opening, CHP leader Kılıçdaroğlu stressed that his party concentrates on economy along with democracy and rights.

"We laid the foundations of the fair area two years ago. Now we are putting it into service. They say that the CHP only defends democracy and rights, not the economy. We never forget economics. It is very important for us" said Kılıçdaroğlu.

In addition, İzmir Mayor Aziz Kocaoğlu indicated that the history of fair is being rewritten.

"This fair means economy, trade, tourism and employment as well as income, food and abundance. It also stands for investment, competition and cooperation" said Kocaoğlu, adding that the complex is a key piece in local development goals.

Meanwhile, the absence of Izmir Governor Mustafa Toprak has elicited reactions from participants. Deputy Governor Hasan Hüseyin Can announced that the governor had another programme on agenda.

"Fair İzmir is a significant springboard for İzmir. It will help the city accomplish its goals. The complex will accelerate İzmir in terms of employment and economics" Can said.

(PHOTO) - Istanbul