The High Advisory Board (HAB), established by our Exchange, held its inaugural meeting.

The meeting was attended by our Assembly President Nevzat Özer, Chairman of the Board Eyyüp Ergan, and Board Members, as well as YİK members Karadeniz Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı and Arsin Organized Industrial Zone President Dursun Ali Sakarya. Other participants included ÇAYKUR General Manager Yusuf Ziya Alim, Black Sea Hazelnut and Products Exporters’ Association President Hasan Osman Sabır, Board Member Edip Sevinç, and Ferrero Hazelnut General Manager Bamsı Akın.

Strategic Vision for Regional Development

Opening the meeting, Chairman Eyyüp Ergan emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to economic development, highlighting that the board’s insights and recommendations will contribute to more effective projects. He stated:

“The esteemed representatives in this board have already made significant contributions to our Exchange’s activities. We have ongoing collaborations with Karadeniz Technical University, particularly in enhancing productivity and quality in hazelnut production. Our key partners, such as the Black Sea Hazelnut and Products Exporters’ Association and Ferrero, have played a crucial role in supporting these initiatives. Similarly, through our partnerships with major companies in Arsin Organized Industrial Zone, we have taken significant steps toward regional economic growth. Additionally, our cooperation with ÇAYKUR, the leading institution in the tea industry, continues to ensure stability from production to consumption. We believe that YİK will provide valuable insights and support for shaping the future goals of our Exchange.”

Assembly President Nevzat Özer also underlined the board’s role in addressing challenges and opportunities for Trabzon’s economic development, stating:

“We have gathered here today to evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing the business community in advancing Trabzon’s economic growth and regional trade. The discussions we hold here will play a key role in shaping Trabzon’s economic roadmap. As public and private sector representatives, our shared objective is to enhance Trabzon’s trade, industry, and employment prospects.”

Key Discussions and Decisions

During the TTB YİK meeting, members emphasized the importance of developing stable, traceable, and sustainable policies for the region’s key agricultural products, particularly hazelnuts and tea, as well as the increasingly in-demand Black Sea salmon industry. The board also discussed the need for enhanced cooperation between the public and private sectors to address diseases and pests affecting agricultural production.

Additionally, a consensus was reached to increase research collaborations with Karadeniz Technical University on sectors such as hazelnuts, tea, fisheries, and dairy products.