Internatıonal Brands and Strategıc Sectors Meet
With the "International Turkish Franchising and Trade Agencies Conference" organized within the scope of the forum, many distinguished company representatives from Saudi Arabia were hosted at IGU. Alkan Kotro, Vice Director of the IGU International Student Directorate, who took part in the organization of the event, stated that they aim to contribute to the career development of students by offering internships and job opportunities at the international level. At the forum, where strategic sectors ranging from food and beverage to health, beauty and fashion come to the fore, it was aimed to establish new partnerships through one-on-one business meetings, expert sessions and digital promotional platforms.
“Thıs Meetıng Is Also An Expressıon Of Spırıtual Solıdarıty”
Speaking at the event, Abdülkadir Gayretli, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Gelisim University, emphasized Türkiye's responsibility and need for unity in the Islamic geography and made the following evaluations:
“Today, we are going through a period when the Islamic world needs unity and solidarity more than ever. As a country that has always demonstrated its historical leadership in this geography, Turkey again assumes responsibility and leads the way.
This meeting is not only an economic but also an expression of spiritual solidarity. Together, we have to walk to a better future and improve ourselves every day.
For me, this activity is not only an organization, but also the realization of a personal dream. My dreams of Türkiye assuming a more visible, more effective and stronger role in international platforms, which I established in my high school years, come to life today through our university.
All my struggle is for our children, our grandchildren and the youth of this country to have a better future.”
After the event, Asst. Prof. Mahmoud Él Harbi from Taibah University drew attention to the importance of the conference with the following words:
“This conference, the second of which we organized, is of great importance in terms of revealing Türkiye's commercial role and strategic position at the regional and global level.
In this way, it is extremely valuable for our students to have the chance to communicate one-on-one with companies from abroad, to have an internship opportunity and to develop commercial collaborations with domestic and foreign companies.
At the same time, such organizations make a great contribution to our international students' career opportunities in their own countries.
As Istanbul Gelisim University, we once again demonstrate our quality of education at both national and international levels with such activities.
The fact that we are in the 1001-1200 band of THE (Times Higher Education) World Universities Ranking clearly shows that universities can emerge from Turkey on a world scale.
Istanbul Gelisim University has become a strong actor representing Turkey in the international arena with its quality in education, innovative approach and global vision."
Asst. Prof. Mahmud Él Harbi mentioned the support given to the conference by Abdülkadir Gayretli, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Gelisim University:
“The IFEFA Conference was actually born as an idea at Istanbul Gelisim University. The main supporter, founder and permanent sponsor of this conference is Abdülkadir Gayretli. He believed in and embraced the project as a dream, and today that dream has become a reality. We hope that this project, which was initiated at Istanbul Gelisim University, will spread not only in Saudi Arabia but all over the world."
Deputy Mınıster Of Commerce Gurcan: "We Need To Establısh Stronger Tıes"
In his speech at the forum, Deputy Minister of Commerce Mahmut Gürcan emphasized the importance of developing the economic dimension of the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia:
"Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are two sister countries that are close to each other in terms of history and culture, have strategic partnerships but still have steps to be taken in terms of commercial and economic cooperation.
Strengthening our strategic partnership through tighter trade and investment ties is essential given where the world is today.
It is one of the most concrete steps of the importance our countries attach to each other and the effort to improve relations in the events that bring us together today.
On this occasion, I would like to thank our hosts for their kind invitation to the International Turkish Franchising and Trade Agencies Forum.”
"Stay Developıng, Keep Growıng"
Speaking at the second session, Istanbul Gelisim University Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli, on the other hand, made the following evaluations about the branding journey of the university:
“We're honored to host here today. Istanbul Gelisim University is now one of the most important brands in Türkiye. Our university, which was founded in 2008, gained university status in 2011. I joined this journey in 2015.
Since then, our number of programs has almost quadrupled. While expanding our physical areas, we are working to make our university an even stronger brand by expanding our human resources.
One of the most important steps was accreditations. We register our programs with the world's leading accreditation organizations.
Branding is based on standardization. If you have a brand, if you standardize it and introduce it to the world with the right vision, then that brand is sustainable.
In line with our motto ’"Stay Developing, Keep Growing', we continue to take steps to improve people and education. Our main goal is to protect brand value, increase awareness and share it with the world. On this occasion, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this event and took part in its organization."
From Internatıonal Collaboratıon To Global Impact Platform
More than just an economic gathering, the International Turkish Franchise and Trade Forum drew attention as the product of a multi-layered vision that combines education, culture and social responsibility. The forum, where concrete gains were achieved for both domestic and foreign participants through developing sectors, entrepreneurial spirit and investment-oriented sessions, created a permanent platform that strengthens economic and cultural ties between Türkiye and the Arab world.
This event, hosted by Istanbul Gelisim University, once again demonstrated that universities can guide not only knowledge production, but also global dialogues, sustainable business models and humanitarian responsibilities.
