Nazilli Chamber of Commerce Continues Its 2026 Member Meeting Series in Buharkent

The Nazilli Chamber of Commerce (NTO) continued its 2026 Member Meeting Series with a gathering in Buharkent, bringing together Chamber members, local officials, and business representatives to discuss regional development, economic priorities, and the needs of the local business community.

The meeting was attended by Buharkent Mayor Mehmet Erol and members of the Chamber. Guests were welcomed by NTO Chairman Nuri Arslan, Board Member Serkan Saygılı, Assembly Member Akın Döken, and Committee Member Ferdi Aktaş.

Mayor Mehmet Erol: “We Appreciate the Chamber’s Contribution to Buharkent’s Development”

In his address, Mayor Mehmet Erol commended the Chamber for its continued engagement with the local business community.

“I congratulate and thank the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce for bringing its members together on a regular basis, identifying common challenges, and strengthening communication among businesses. These member meetings also serve as an excellent example of cooperation and solidarity among local institutions. I wish Chairman Nuri Arslan continued success in his valuable work.”

“The Chamber Is Wherever Its Members Do Business”

Chairman Nuri Arslan emphasized that the Chamber serves businesses throughout Nazilli and the six surrounding districts without distinction.

“Our jurisdiction covers Nazilli and six neighboring districts. Regardless of distance or location, we strive to provide equal services to every member. We continuously listen to our members, record their requests, and work to develop projects and investments that will improve the prosperity and economic well-being of our entire region.”

Need for an Affordable Financing Mechanism for Chamber Members

Chairman Arslan reiterated one of the Chamber’s long-standing priorities: establishing a financing system comparable to the Artisan Credit Guarantee Loan Program for businesses registered with chambers of commerce.

“For many years we have consistently raised this issue with the relevant authorities. Businesses registered with chambers of commerce, despite operating in the same sectors and at the same scale as those registered with artisans’ chambers, cannot benefit from the low-interest public financing provided through Halkbank.

We therefore continue our efforts to secure either legislative amendments or the establishment of a new financing mechanism that will provide equal financing opportunities for our members.”

Creating New Industrial and Commercial Investment Areas

Mr. Arslan stressed that the region urgently requires additional industrial and commercial land to support economic growth.

“Today, entrepreneurs who are ready to invest with their own capital often cannot find suitable land. This challenge cannot be solved by the Chamber of Commerce alone. It requires comprehensive urban planning that creates not only residential areas but also new industrial and commercial zones.”

He also reaffirmed the Chamber’s strong support for the Nazilli Second Organized Industrial Zone (Nazilli 2nd OIZ).

“The Second Organized Industrial Zone is not only important for Nazilli but represents one of the most significant regional development projects for the entire area. Once completed, it will generate substantial added value through new investment, production, and employment opportunities.”

Preparing the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow

Chairman Arslan also highlighted the growing need for qualified technical personnel.

“Every sector of manufacturing and services requires young people with technical and vocational education. If we are to achieve sustainable prosperity, we must use our limited resources efficiently through productive investment.

The entrepreneurs and business leaders of tomorrow will emerge from today’s vocational and technical education system. At present, the greatest need of our manufacturing sector is well-trained young professionals who have completed vocational education.

Unfortunately, the number of vocational high schools remains insufficient. Efficient production is only possible with skilled and specialized personnel. We must continue to produce, innovate, and export.”

Restoring the Historic Sümerbank Factory

Chairman Arslan emphasized once again the importance of revitalizing the historic Nazilli Sümerbank Textile Factory, one of Türkiye’s first industrial facilities, inaugurated by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1937.

Although the factory remained in operation until 2002 and produced the iconic Nazilli Printed Cotton Fabric (Nazilli Basması), the site now requires extensive restoration and structural reinforcement.

Mr. Arslan explained that if approximately 63,000 square meters of the currently unused factory site were allocated to the Chamber, the area could be transformed into:

• A modern exhibition and fair center,
• The Sümer Industrial Museum,
• A textile factory dedicated to reviving Nazilli Printed Cotton Fabric,
• Sales and exhibition areas for geographically indicated local products,
• And several additional projects designed to stimulate regional development.

“Our Members’ Expectations Are Our Highest Priority”

Concluding his remarks, Chairman Arslan stated:

“The expectations and requests of our members are always our highest priority. That is why we have chosen Buharkent as the venue for the fourth meeting in this year’s Member Meeting Series.

We are here to meet our members face to face, exchange ideas, and better understand your needs. Please never hesitate to share your concerns with us.

I raise the issues and expectations of our members at every meeting held with TOBB and the relevant ministries in Ankara. You can be assured that your voice is heard on every platform.”

Following the speeches, Chamber members thanked the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce for its continued efforts to address the common challenges facing the business community.

The meeting concluded with a commemorative group photograph.