The 8th Paper Week Symposium in Çeşme, Türkiye, held from September 18 to 20, 2023, was an unprecedented success, bringing together paper industry experts from around the world. The event saw over 100 companies and 200 distinguished participants from 27 countries establish connections, strengthen cooperation and exchange fundamentally important information on the state and prospects of the international paper industry.
For three engaging days, paper business leaders from different corners of the world came together for a unique blend of negotiations, entertainments and friendship. The Symposium served as a hub for sharing knowledge, exploring innovations and cultivating long-term relations.
This prestigious gathering began with opening speeches from Chairman, Al Furat Group – Mr. Tarek Fakkas and General Manager Ms. Işıl Bandakçıoğlu, setting the stage for an enriching and collaborative event.
This year’s Symposium featured an impressive line-up of sponsoring companies. Industry leaders such as Akkim Kimya, Caran Kimya, Crown Paper Mill, Disan, Eczacıbaşı Consumer Product, Ittıhad Paper Mill, Kawasaki Gas Turbine Europe GmbH, NCR Biochemical, Process Miner, Projet B.V., SOLENIS, ST Machine, SVECOM-P.E., Toscotec, TTO BMA and Yürekli Kağıt took to the stage with insightful business presentations highlighting the latest trends, breakthroughs and visionary strategies in the paper industry.
Special highlight of the Symposium was the presentation of the upcoming global paper exhibition – Paper One Show which will be held at Expo Center Sharjah, UAE on April 16 to 18, 2024. Being the largest international platform, this exhibition plays a crucial role in the paper sphere. The event also witnessed the Global President’s Meeting, which brought together the international paper industry’s most influential leaders. This meeting facilitated strategic discussions and provided a platform for key decision-makers to chart the industry’s future course. Not only that, the Symposium also hosted a number of B2B networking sessions that provided fertile ground for nurturing new relations and forging powerful collaborations. Here, the exchange of ideas resulted in many deals and contracts signed, confirming the Symposium’s position as catalyst for real business growth.
Special awards were presented by the Chairman Mr. Tarek Fakkas to the honoured guest, Mr. Sami Safran, on the occasion of his appointment as the President of the Arab Federation for Paper, Printing and Packaging Industries and to Mr. Abdullah Al Khateeb, recognized as one of the Global 200 Inspirational Leaders 2023.
And to celebrate this gathering of industry leaders and professionals, an After-Party was organized with the sponsorship of Caran Kimya. Captivating folklore dances added a cultural flair to the event which allowed the attendees to revel in the spirit of partnership. Sports enthusiasts among the attendees were treated to exciting volleyball, football and table tennis tournaments where skill and determination reigned supreme. The winners of these competitions received well-deserved recognition, adding to the spirit of competition and unity.
The grand crescendo of the event was undoubtedly the Gala Dinner sponsored by the Akkim Kimya where participants enjoyed a night of enchanting live music. It was a befitting celebration of the connections made and knowledge shared during the Symposium.
Participants were also treated to a rare and enlightening opportunity – a visit to the Eczacibasi Consumer Products Paper Mill in Manisa. This visit allowed participants to gain a first-hand understanding of the intricate processes related to paper production, enriching their industry knowledge and expertise.
In conclusion, the 8th Paper Week Symposium in Çeşme, Türkiye, was a great success, a celebration of the confluence of global paper industry experts, innovation and the spirit of collaboration. As the Symposium closed, it left a lasting legacy of partnerships, inspiration and the promise of a brighter future for the paper industry.
