Kahramanmaraş, the epicenter of the earthquake, proudly showcases its determined efforts to erase the traces of the disaster, despite the massive destruction it endured.
The city’s industrial sector, which plays a key role in the region, and the development plans led by the city’s visionary economic actors, along with construction activities aligned with these plans, have made Kahramanmaraş one of the fastest-recovering cities among the earthquake-affected areas. In the city center, container shops lining the roads, hiding the ongoing construction works, have been one of the key practices in restoring the city’s normal rhythm and enabling commercial activities to continue as before.
Among those leading this recovery effort are women entrepreneurs from every sector and scale, from small business owners to manufacturers, who stand out with their resilient efforts. The Eleleyiz project, aimed at strengthening their efforts with new business connections following numerous capacity-building activities, was once again by their side, this time with a supplier-buyer event held in Kahramanmaraş.
We would like to express our gratitude to the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KATSO) and the TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Board (KGK), who have provided endless support from the beginning of the organization process in terms of venue, logistics, and involving local suppliers and entrepreneurs in the event. Special thanks go to Mr. Yunus Atmalı, Secretary General, and Mr. Fehmi Çakıroğlu, Deputy Secretary General, who have taken on the mission of shaping the city’s economic development efforts with their innovative vision, and to Ms. Betül Zabun Kenger, KGK Chairwoman.
We would also like to thank Migros, G2M, and the Coca Cola Eastern Mediterranean Regional Directorate representatives Mr. Gökhan Çopuroğlu, Mr. Muhammed Mavibaş, and Mr. Okan Aktuğ for not leaving us alone at this event and sharing their knowledge and insights with our entrepreneurs from both supply and procurement perspectives.
We hope that the collaboration and solidarity networks we have established for the economic empowerment of vulnerable groups in the earthquake region will continue to grow hand in hand!
