THE INTERNATIONAL RIZE TRADE AND ECONOMY CONGRESS & SUMMIT COMMENCED WITH WIDE PARTICIPATION

Organized by the IKSAD Institute and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, under the auspices of the Governorate of Rize, and in cooperation with the Rize Municipality and RIDEVA, the International Rize Trade and Economy Congress & Summit was held on October 22–23, 2025, with broad national and international participation.

In his video message to the congress, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 🇹🇷 emphasized that this international event, bringing together researchers and academics from 22 different countries 🌎, holds great significance in promoting Rize’s economic potential on a global scale. The President expressed his gratitude to all contributing institutions and participants, underlining that the congress provides a valuable platform for international cooperation and scientific exchange.

The opening session featured remarks by:

Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Durmuş Ünüvar,

Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan,

Rector of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Prof. Dr. Yusuf Yılmaz,

Governor of Rize İhsan Selim Baydaş,

Mayor of Rize Rahmi Metin,

AK Party Deputy Chairman Hayati Yazıcı,

Chairman of the High Advisory Board of MÜSİAD Mahmut Asmalı,

Deputy Chairman of the Great Union Party Sultan Selim Şimşek,

President of RIDEVA Recep Albayrak,

Chairman of the Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ahmet Arif Mete,

Chairman of the Rize Commodity Exchange Mehmet Erdoğan,

and Chairman of the Summit Executive Board Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öksüz.

Throughout the sessions, experts addressed key topics such as investment and logistics opportunities, international trade linkages, digital economy, financial technologies, e-commerce, and global economic transformation. Participants highlighted that Rize’s strategic position in the Black Sea basin offers significant opportunities for regional development and sustainable trade.

Over the course of the two-day event, numerous presentations and panels laid the groundwork for new collaborations and projects, positioning Rize as a growing economic hub both nationally and internationally.