IZMIR BILIMPARK WILL ILLUMINATE SCIENCE
Fikri Işık, Minister of Science, Industry, and Technology, attended a ground breaking ceremony for the already in progress construction of Izmir Science and Technology Park, Technology Development Zone (Izmir Bilimpark) which was established under the leadership of Izmir University of Economics and Izmir Chamber of Commerce. The Minister also attended the opening ceremony of 107 factories, and the building of Izmir Bilimpark was named after Minister Fikri Işık.
Minister Işık, who made a speech at the administration building at ITOB Organized Industrial Zone, stated that they provided 5th region incentives for companies that produce high technology in Izmir and he said, “Izmir has always been an important centre. Today, Izmir needs to produce, and get involved in high quality production. It should focus more on productions produced by human resources. We are working on a new incentive mechanism. We need a breakthrough. Piling it high and selling it cheap does not work. What we need to do is clear. That is to produce high value-added products. Turkey needs to get engaged in technological transformation. We worked on a study that provided 5th region support for companies that produce high technology products. Qualified people are the most important key in advanced technology products. And Izmir is a place where this can be achieved easily. We need to generalize this system, production culture to every aspect of our life. Sustainable growth will not be achievable otherwise.”
The importance of private entrepreneurship was first mentioned at Izmir Economy Congress reminded Minister Işık and he stated the following:
“I would like to extend my gratitude to all entrepreneurs who make production by trusting their country, their nation. Our duty is to serve you. Services we provide are not favours, but our duty. In fact, we need to be thanking you. The importance of private entrepreneurship was a reality that was presented at Izmir Economy Congress. The factories will be in full production at Izmir Chamber of Commerce Organized Industrial Zone. And we will remove the obstacles. Both you and Izmir and Turkey will win. Our duty is to support you. But motivate you initially. Then you will feel our moral and financial support.”
Minister Işık stated that they shared the joy and excitement at ITOB Organized Industrial Zone, he said, “Mr. Demirtaş indicated that they did not get a penny from the government. We want to congratulate them. We provide support but Mr. Chairman did not need it. He should at least know that we support them and share their joy. We will be supporting you and helping you with any kinds of problems. We will back you up to come up with solutions. We wish good luck to all brothers working in those factories and to customers using those products. I wish them plentiful and auspicious income.”
‘IŞIK BUILDING’
Chairman Ekrem Demirtaş pointed that they established ITOB with private sector funds entirely. He said, “We reserved lots starting from one thousand square meters. We have treatment plants with the most advanced technology. 107 factories are in operation. 4 thousand employees are working. We follow the instructions of the Ministry. We will have full capacity by 2016. We wanted to have a symbolic opening for 107 factories today. We will be opening the 200th factory three months later. Izmir had only one Techno Park for many years. We’ve established Izmir Bilim Park. Today, by driving a screw, you also put an effort in the foundation figuratively. We would like to name the building after your name, Işık Building with your permission. And we will name the production centre as “nar (pomegranate).”
Chairman Demirtaş, said that they established Izmir Bilimpark under the leadership of Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Izmir University of Economics, ITOB OIZ, Izmir Commodity Exchange Market, and Aegean Exporters Association with shareholders on 30 January 2013 and started the construction. Demirtaş stated the following:
“We are using steel construction. Space allocations have started. We have 80% occupancy right now. But I believe that we will start with full occupancy. I would like to invite you to the opening ceremony ahead of time. We’ve already started working on projects designs of other buildings. The second phase will include the construction of production department. We will simultaneously start the construction of laboratory. We will name the production centre “Nar” (pomegranate) as a symbol of abundance and prosperity. We will allocate a space for “production” to reveal knowledge produced and the production. There isn’t an organized industrial zone with such features in Izmir. And none of the 13 organized industrial zones have a technopark. We are making a breakthrough.” After the speeches, Chairman Demirtaş presented Minister Işık a handwoven carpet from Tekeli Village.
