The opening ceremony of the 16th Agriculture, Agricultural Technologies, and Livestock Fair (GAPTARIM) was held with the participation of Gaziantep’s local protocol.

Organized in cooperation with the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) and Akort Fair Organization, and supported by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce (GTO), Gaziantep Commodity Exchange (GTB), Gaziantep Chamber of Agriculture, Gaziantep Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, and Tabit, the fair opened its doors to visitors at the Middle East Exhibition Center (OFM).

The fair aims to increase the region's potential in agriculture, ag-tech, and livestock, bring industry stakeholders together, develop new collaborations, and elevate national and international trade volumes.

Key Statements from the Opening

Kemal Çeber, Governor of Gaziantep: Governor Çeber emphasized the fair's importance for regional development:

"GAPTARIM is a vital platform not just for Gaziantep but for the entire region. Introducing our producers to innovative applications will enhance quality in agricultural production. Such organizations strengthen the sharing of knowledge and experience, contributing to a more sustainable and competitive industry."

Adnan Ünverdi, Chairman of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO): Ünverdi highlighted that recent global developments have underscored the critical importance of the agriculture and food sectors. Pointing to the impacts of pandemics, wars, and disasters, he noted that regional tensions—specifically the USA-Israel-Iran axis—have global consequences.

"In a world where power is at the forefront, being self-sufficient in food and energy has become the top priority for survival. Despite economic challenges and regional conflicts, we are determinedly continuing our fairs to add resilience to our sector while fairs are being canceled in many other cities."

Halil Uğur, Deputy Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality: Uğur drew attention to the strategic importance of agriculture for the local economy, stating that the municipality remains committed to supporting farmers to ensure sustainability and rural development.

İbrahim Sağlam, Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry: Sağlam focused on the technological transformation in the field:

"Productivity in agriculture is now only possible through technology. This fair allows producers to meet modern irrigation systems, smart farming applications, and next-generation equipment."

Orhan Akkaya, Board Member of Akort Fair Organization: Akkaya expressed pride in hosting the event, noting that the fair features approximately 200 brands and thousands of products, ranking among the top three agricultural fairs in Turkey.

Event Details and Participants

Following the opening speeches and the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the protocol members toured the exhibition area. Additionally, a cake-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Akort Fair Organization.

• Dates: The fair will remain open to visitors from April 1–4, 2026.

• Notable Attendees: The ceremony was attended by Governor Kemal Çeber, Deputy Mayor Halil Uğur, Rector of Gaziantep University Prof. Dr. Sait Mesut Doğan, Provincial Police Chief Celal Özcan, TRNC Consul General Kerem İzmen, GSO Assembly President Adil Sani Konukoğlu, GSO President Adnan Ünverdi, GTB President Mehmet Akıncı, and GAİB President Ahmet Fikret Kileci, along with various sector representatives.