The General Directorate of Agricultural Reform, IPARD Managing Authority, held a meeting in Gaziantep to introduce and inform about the IPARD III Programme.
Prior to the meeting, the Ministry delegation visited the Gaziantep Governorship and the Gaziantep Municipality.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Hasan Hüseyin Han, Head of the Department of Managing Authority for EU Structural Adjustment, emphasized that IPARD III addresses a much wider audience than previous periods. Mentioning that the programme, previously implemented in 42 provinces, has been expanded to all 81 provinces, Han stated that a large number of projects are expected, particularly in Gaziantep province, and that IPARD offers great opportunities for supporting rural development, modernizing the agricultural sector, and strengthening the local economy. Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber, speaking at the meeting, noted that while the city is a model in industry, the support provided by the IPARD Programme should be utilized effectively to ensure that agriculture does not lag behind. In addition, ARDSI President Dr. Ahmet Antalyalı and Gaziantep Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Sağlam also gave speeches highlighting the programme's contributions. At the meeting, Gökhan Çengel from the IPARD Managing Authority also gave a comprehensive presentation outlining the sectors supported under the programme. The event attracted significant interest from Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Arif Seçkin, Presidential Communications Directorate Gaziantep Regional Director Mücahit Taşkın, İpek Yolu Development Agency, KOSGEB Gaziantep Directorate, and presidents of producer associations, university representatives, farmers, investors, professional chambers, public institutions, and media organizations.