The Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association, of which 96 % of members are producer – exporters, is ready to adopt a new understanding that is innovative and creative in all kinds of competitive conditions.
Mevlüt Kaya, who was elected as the Chairman of the Aegean Mineral Exporters ‘Association for the period of 2018-22 by winning the General Assembly held on April 27, 2018, hosted a press conference in the Aegean Exporters’ Associations together with the members of EMİB Management and Supervisory Board together and the TİM General Assembly Delegates. Kaya and his team gave information about the studies they will undertake during the 4-year period. Kaya stating that the URGE Committee will be established within EMİB, emphasized that designing should be given priority in order to increase the market share.
URGE committee are being established
Kaya stating that the Ministry of Economy is very enthusiastic about processed products and design, said: “We will establish an URGE Committee within EMİB. We must concentrate on the production of processed products and making design in order to increase our share in the $ 20 billion natural stone income worldwide. Today we must do what the Italians did 30 years ago. We can only earn what the Italians earn by selling 100 kg of natural stone, by selling 1,000 kg of natural stone. Thus, we make the same money by selling 10 times more product. The marble deposits in Iran resembles to those in Turkey. Today, we have to do what Italy did in the past. We can only reach the export figure of 15 billion dollars that we put forth for 2023 by following the strategies of Italy.”
“The Past is the Past”
Evaluating the process of the General Assembly of the Aegean Mineral Exporters Association, Kaya stated that they acted very sensitive during the election period as there were 3 lists competing for the Presidency. Kaya leaving the past behind, expressed his desire to work together with all rivals for the sake of the sector. Kaya continued as follows; “We left the election day behind. We are the members of a huge family who come together at festivals, weddings and fairs. We will work together to solve the problems of the domestic and national mineral industry. All of our members are important for us. I will give priority to solving the problems of our members who were my rivals during the election period.”
Communication with the sector will be strengthened
İsmet Bektaş, a Member of the Board of Directors of EMİB, noted that they maximize the benefits by using the existing resources in optimum efficiency in the mining sector. He added that by doing 1-2 workshops each year, they will strengthen communication with the sector and strive to solve the problems.
“Mineral Sector Pay High Prices”
İbrahim Alimoglu, a Member of the Board of EMİB, stating that a mining company should obtain permission from 8 ministries, 92 laws and 87 regulations, 16 international contracts and 21 different institutions to be able to start operation, said: “We foreign exchange and employment opportunities to our country by exporting natural resources. However, a mineral producer has to pay tax over 21 processes. Even if you handle all these, a village mukhtar can stand on your way. They blame us of excavating the soil all over our country. However there are 3.150 stone pits in our country but there are not 3150 marble quarries in Turkey.”
Youth Academy to be established
Faik Tokatlıoğlu, Member of Board of Directors of EMİB, who informed that they will make an effort to move from traditional management to modern management approach in mining sector said, “We will try to transform the traditional management concept that exists in many places into a modern and technological business mentality that also considers work safety and health. We aim to share our experiences, most importantly to encourage future generations to develop knowledge and skills in “Mineral and Natural Stone Sector”. We want to increase solidarity among the new generation sectoral representatives. We will establish a “Youth Academy”, which will improve the knowledge and skills of the young generation and increase solidarity in the sector. In this academy, we will educate the young people between the ages of 25-32 and bring up industry leaders of the future. ”
3 mineral companies to attend Turquality support program
Remzi Boncuk, EMİB Member of the Supervising Board, drawing attention to Turkey’s role in the world natural stone market said: “Although, we are organizing the world’s third biggest natural stone fair İzmir MARBLE, Turkey is still one of the countries that undersell natural stone. Such nonrenewable natural resources should not be sold under their value. We need to make precise planning to sell our resources on their value. We will do our best to enable our members to get the maximum benefit from URGE Project along with the other Government Supports. We will work hard at least three mineral producer companies to participate in the Turquality Support Program.”
Intensive Working Period
The Board of Directors of Aegean Mineral Exporters Association have announced that they will work intensively on subjects such as Cooperation and Effective Dialogue with the Official Organizations, Cooperation with the Sectoral NGOs, Promotion of Sectoral Social Image, Development, Change, Training and Solidarity Studies, Working Principles and Sectoral Meetings. between 2018-22 period.
Transparent Management
EMİB Executive Board Member Melike Alpay stating that EMIB will adopt a transparent management approach based on ethical values said that EMİB members will carry out activities in the cities they are located. EMİB Board Member Önder Öztunalı stated that EMIB would work towards making Turkish natural stone preferred throughout the world.