The opening session of the program, which focused on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market, trade and investment opportunities, and potential areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, was attended by H.E. Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Ankara; Adnan Ünverdi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO); Başar Küçükparmak, Vice Chairman of the Board; Melike Yüksel, Member of the Board; Yusuf İzzettin İymen, Secretary General of GSO; Dr. Moza Alhosani, Deputy Ambassador of the UAE to Ankara; Saeed Saqer Al Muhairi, Consul General of the UAE in Istanbul; members of the UAE business delegation; and representatives of Gaziantep-based companies.

ADNAN ÜNVERDİ, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GSO

Delivering the opening remarks, Adnan Ünverdi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO), emphasized that relations between Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates have advanced significantly in recent years. He stated that GSO aims to further elevate these relations through stronger business partnerships established from Gaziantep.

Highlighting Gaziantep’s robust manufacturing capacity and long-established commercial heritage, Ünverdi noted that the city possesses the production capabilities to meet the full spectrum of supply chain requirements. He stated:

"As the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry, we are committed to strengthening the friendship and commercial ties between our city and the United Arab Emirates. We firmly believe that the bilateral business meetings to be held with the participation of both sides will make a significant contribution to this process. As one of the region’s leading industrial, export, and trade centers, Gaziantep is well positioned to contribute to this partnership. Our strongest production and export sectors include agro-industry and cereals, food processing and packaging, carpets and textiles together with their raw materials, chemicals and plastics, machinery and equipment, construction materials, medical manufacturing, and the footwear and slippers industry."

Mr. Ünverdi concluded by expressing his appreciation to H.E. Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the UAE to Ankara; Dr. Moza Alhosani, Deputy Ambassador; Saeed Saqer Al Muhairi, Consul General of the UAE in Istanbul; and the accompanying UAE business delegation for their participation, while expressing his hope for the continued development of bilateral cooperation.

H.E. SAEED THANI HAREB AL DHAHERI, AMBASSADOR OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO ANKARA

In his opening address, H.E. Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Ankara, emphasized that further strengthening the economic and commercial partnership between Türkiye and the UAE presents significant opportunities for both countries.

Drawing attention to the UAE’s investor-friendly business environment and its strategic position within global trade networks, Ambassador Al Dhaheri highlighted the extensive investment opportunities available in sectors such as logistics, energy, industry, and technology. He noted that combining Türkiye’s manufacturing strength with the UAE’s financial and commercial capabilities creates a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.

Ambassador Al Dhaheri also underlined Gaziantep’s significant industrial and export potential, describing it as a valuable economic hub for the region. He stated that increasing direct engagement between the business communities of the two countries, together with the continuation of B2B networking events, would contribute to the development of sustainable commercial relations.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Al Dhaheri thanked the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry for hosting the event and expressed his confidence that the forum would make a meaningful contribution to further strengthening the economic relations between the two countries.

Following the opening speeches, a comprehensive presentation was delivered on the economic structure of the United Arab Emirates, its investment environment, priority sectors, and the trade and cooperation areas targeted for further development with Türkiye. The presentation also highlighted opportunities to deepen existing economic relations and explore the potential for joint investments between the two countries.

UAE COMPANIES AND GSO MEMBER COMPANIES HOLD B2B MEETINGS

The program continued with bilateral business-to-business (B2B) meetings between UAE companies seeking to source products from Gaziantep and member companies of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry.

The meetings focused on sector-specific requirements, reciprocal supply opportunities, and potential areas for investment cooperation.

The B2B sessions are expected to facilitate the establishment of new commercial partnerships while further strengthening existing business relations between the two countries.