When examined periodically, it will be observed that Laleli has had buyers from many countries over the past decades, and the services provided in terms of service, quality, speed, and innovation vary from country to country. The continuation of this consistency and flexible structure can only be ensured with a young and dynamic population. Being aware of the task that falls upon us in utilizing this power will contribute significantly to our country. As merchants and industrialists, we should be pursuing initiatives that will activate these dynamics of our country by seizing the most suitable opportunities in a fast and optimum manner.
In this regard, last month, we attended many conferences and meetings, making an effort to gain insights into the future of our region. What we have seen in sharing these is that the future will be shaped by companies, or even countries, that have diversified their markets, produced beyond the basic product groups, followed trends, and ensured customer satisfaction in every aspect. From this perspective, our beloved Laleli, with its established infrastructure, knowledge, experience, vision, and mission, truly deserves this. Our only task is to preserve this synergy and take it further. The way to do this undoubtedly involves setting correct, rational, and achievable goals. To set goals, it is, of course, necessary to first imagine where you want to be. Here, inevitably, I am reminded of the famous theoretical physicist Albert Einstein’s words: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
Since the first day we set out, we have envisioned a Laleli that makes a global impact with its projects, maintains a high standard in every aspect, and becomes a brand of international value. During the period we have been in office, we have realized that all the dreams we have built are the very realities that grow and strengthen our power as they are realized. Just as starting is half of finishing, in this process, we have firmly engraved in our minds the truth that imagining is the essence of belief.
As you know, within the month, we inaugurated the new academic year of the Kâtip Kasım Primary School, which we have been sponsoring. Additionally, we rewarded successful students, trying to motivate them both materially and spiritually to prepare for the future. In this context, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all our members for their contributions to our renewed school, as we do every year. In addition, within the month, we gathered the hotels in Laleli and decided to establish a Tourism Commission within our association to reflect the power of unity. I believe that this strong collaboration will be a significant foundation for achieving major projects for both the hotels in our region and LASİAD in the future. Also within the month, as a speaker, we were invited to the conference titled “The Present and Future of Textile,” organized by ITHIB’s first “Technical Textile Competition,” and the conference on “The Future of Bitlis,” attended by the Minister of Economy, Mr. Zafer Çağlayan. All these activities once again highlighted the importance of LASİAD. In all these activities, we gained clear impressions that the future will be built on recycling, natural and environmentally friendly products, and we should focus on markets in Africa and Asia. We also realized the need to properly evaluate the incentivized regions in our country.
In conclusion, I see that the future will be determined by businesses focused on innovation and innovation, and I believe that all our members and regional companies, starting with Laleli, planning from this point will contribute greatly to our country.
Before concluding my words, I would like to wish success to our new District Governor, Mr. Ahmet Ümit, in his newly appointed position and hope that all our tradespeople will have a good and prosperous month.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca.
