Cemil Tugay Opens Door to New Business Collaborations for İzmir in Kazakhstan

İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay embarked on a working visit to Kazakhstan, aiming to bolster cultural, tourism, and trade relations between İzmir and Kazakh cities. The delegation, including İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Council Members and representatives from the West Anatolian Industrialists and Businesspeople Associations Federation, visited Almaty, Çimkent, and Turkistan.

The visit marked a significant step with the launch of the first direct SunExpress flight between İzmir and Almaty on July 31, 2026. During his time in Almaty, Mayor Tugay held extensive meetings to transform this new air bridge into economic, cultural, and local governance collaborations. The delegation also visited the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Almaty and met with Turkish business representatives to explore investment and trade potential.

In Çimkent, Mayor Tugay and his delegation met with Çimkent Akimi Syzdykbekov Gabit Abdimazhitovich. This meeting aimed to advance the cooperation that has been in place between İzmir and Çimkent since 2004. Both sides expressed a mutual desire to elevate their 22-year partnership to a sister city status. They agreed to develop joint projects in trade, industry, tourism, culture, and agriculture.

Mayor Tugay acknowledged that the cooperation, initiated in 2004, had not reached its full potential. He emphasized that the new direct flights would increase mutual visits and significantly contribute to trade and economic ties. He extended an invitation to the Çimkent delegation for the 95th İzmir International Fair, scheduled from September 5-13, 2026. Tugay also proposed establishing joint working groups and regular exchange visits.

During his Çimkent visit, Mayor Tugay toured the historic Citadel Old Settlement Area. He shared his initial impressions with the Kazakh press, noting his admiration for the city's organized structure, green spaces, wide boulevards, and vibrant urban life. He highlighted the city's historical significance as a Silk Road stop, drawing a parallel to İzmir's connection to the ancient trade route.

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The Silk Road extends to İzmir. The ancient road that connected us yesterday, today...