The stars of carpet exports were awarded.

At a ceremony organized by the Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters Association, 27 companies that exported the most carpets in 2023 were awarded.

The “Stars of Carpet Export” award ceremony was attended by Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber, Gaziantep Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin, Şahinbey Mayor Mehmet Tahmazoğlu, Şehitkamil Mayor Av. Umut Yılmaz, Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce President Adnan Ünverdi, Organized Industrial Zone President Cengiz Şimşek, Carpet Sector Board President and TIM Board Member Selahattin Kaplan, Istanbul Carpet Exporters Association President Ahmet Hayri Diler, guests, and industrialists.

“We expect solutions to the problems of the carpet sector”
In his opening speech at the ceremony, Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters Association President Zeynal Abidin Kaplan condemned the treacherous terrorist attack on TUSAŞ. In his speech, President Kaplan provided information about the history of the Gaziantep carpet sector and drew attention to the problems experienced in exports. He stated that the Gaziantep carpet sector stands tall despite everything, saying, “Neighboring countries, among others, are applying anti-dumping measures on our carpets, which we previously exported without issues. Iraq is the third country we export the most to. In addition to the customs duties we pay on exports to Iraq, we have not received payment for the goods we sold three months ago. With the support of our ministry, we are organizing trade delegations to all countries. However, we cannot get past the customs gates. Almost all countries are imposing customs on us. They are imposing high taxes. There is war everywhere, and doors are closing. Last year, our union exported $2.8 billion worth of carpets. We can do much more than this. We have that potential. The carpet sector is the flagship of the Gaziantep economy. The problems faced by the carpet sector affect all sectors. Everything is interconnected in a chain. Therefore, we expect solutions to the sector’s problems,” he said.

“We must treat the carpet sector as our precious asset”
Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber also emphasized the importance of the carpet sector to the city’s economy in his speech at the ceremony, saying, “We all share the same concern. They say troubles bring people together. Just as we succeeded in becoming Gazis, and later made this city one of the most important industrial and trade centers in the country, we can solve the difficulties we are experiencing today. The carpet sector drives this city. We must treat it as our precious asset. We must resolve its problems. We have such potential that we can overcome the issues. As long as we are united and in solidarity, we will succeed again.”

“We are at the service of the producers and weavers”
Gaziantep Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin, in her speech at the ceremony, explained the efforts regarding the city’s infrastructure problems, particularly in housing and transportation. Mayor Şahin stated, “First of all, I thank President Abidin Kaplan for such a ceremony. Talent deserves praise. We are a city that transformed the Silk Road into a path of development. Together, we can solve all problems with the Gaziantep model. In the Organized Industrial Zone, 300,000 people are employed. We are carrying out significant projects to solve the transportation and housing problems of OSB workers. In this regard, I thank OSB President Cengiz Şimşek, Şehitkamil Mayor Umut Yılmaz, and Şahinbey Mayor Mehmet Tahmazoğlu.”
Mayor Şahin also expressed the need to establish a carpet museum in Gaziantep, stating, “The carpet is an important sector. This sector needs to grow; it should not stop. We are at your service. We are at the service of the producers and weavers.”

“Gaziantep should not lose its competitive power”
TIM Carpet Sector Board President and TIM Board Member Selahattin Kaplan also pointed out in his speech that Gaziantep has become a city that has lost its competitive power in recent years. President Kaplan said, “First of all, I condemn the terrorist incident that occurred two days ago. I pray for our martyrs. I want to address the issues Gaziantep is facing. Our city was once a center of attraction in the world. I don’t know what happened now. We have become the most expensive city in the world. Even London is cheaper than us. What happened to this city? Everyone should reduce the cost of the services they provide. Housing and rent are significant issues. For example, when we organize a fair, hotels ask for 10,000 lira per night. They charge 40 lira for a bottle of water. The producer’s goods are worthless, and the consumer buys at a very high price. These situations reduce the city’s competitive power. No one is satisfied with their situation. The minimum wage does not cover rent. The city’s competitive power has weakened. We must increase this.”
After the ceremony, a group photo was taken to commemorate the day.