The Trabzon Real Sector Platform, comprising our Exchange, Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TTSO), Trabzon Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESOB), Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association (DKİB), and Of Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OFTSO), expressed its concern over long-term sales events under the guise of fairs, festivals, and discount days. The platform emphasized, “We request that such events be conducted within reasonable durations.”
A press conference was held at the Trabzon Journalists Association (TGC) with the participation of our Chairman Eyyüp Ergan, TTSO President Erkut Çelebi, TESOB President Metin Kara, as well as representatives from tradesmen and craftsman chambers across Trabzon and its districts.
Speaking on behalf of the platform, TESOB President Metin Kara stated:
“Tradespeople, merchants, and industrialists are the backbone of the country's economy. The economic turmoil since the pandemic has put businesses in difficult situations, causing many to shut down or struggle with high-interest loans. Despite these challenges, tradespeople and industrialists in Trabzon continue their investments, production, employment efforts, and exports with great sacrifice.
While these efforts persist, an event titled the '1st International Trabzon Brand Products Fair' began on December 13, lasting until January 26. Following our interventions, the term 'fair,' used without permission, was removed from the event's title. Additionally, the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality assured us the event duration would be reduced, yet no announcement has followed.
As the Trabzon Real Sector Platform, we support Trabzon's goal of becoming a fair city. However, this event has deviated from the essence of a legitimate fair. International standards define fairs as lasting between 3 to 7 days. A 45-day event is nothing short of turning the venue into a seasonal mall.
This event not only fails to benefit the city but also undermines tradespeople in all districts. Furthermore, plans to hold another long-term furniture sales event in January are alarming. Such initiatives negatively impact Trabzon's production, employment, and export capacities, which are already upheld with great effort.
If planned collaboratively with local tradespeople, discount events can benefit both the public and the local economy. However, the exclusion of local tradespeople in this particular event raises serious concerns. The outflow of local capital exacerbates the city's economic challenges.
We oppose such long-term sales events outside the fair concept and call for the ongoing event to end as promised. We also request the cancellation or adjustment of the furniture event to a lawful and reasonable duration. Going forward, we urge consideration of Trabzon's business community's sensitivities.”
Statements from Leaders
Chairman Ergan: “Consider Trabzon’s Dynamics”
Our Chairman Eyyüp Ergan emphasized the importance of accounting for Trabzon’s dynamics, stating, “We are not against such events, but they must align with Trabzon’s interests. Events that cause harm lose their meaning. We hope future events will consider Trabzon’s dynamics and its tradespeople.”
TTSO President Çelebi: “A 1.5-Month Fair is Unrealistic”
TTSO President Erkut Çelebi clarified that they are not against fairs, stating, “Fairs are beneficial, but this long-term event harms local tradespeople and industrialists. A fair lasts three to five days, not 1.5 months or more. Such events should involve local tradespeople and industrialists, enabling them to offer discounts on their stock. Allowing outsiders to sell low-quality goods harms local businesses. We must tread carefully.”
TESOB President Kara: “Our Goal is the City’s Prosperity”
TESOB President Metin Kara emphasized the importance of the business community, saying, “We represent 30,000 tradespeople and craftspeople, and no one can dismiss us. We are a big family. Our goal is to contribute to the prosperity and growth of our city and country.”
