Turkey conference delivers in Istanbul

The International Cranes and Transport Turkey Conference, held at the Wow hotel in Istanbul on 5 June, was the first event of its kind in the country.

Organised by KHL Group and APA Publishing, the one day event was held in a country at the centre of a region where the crane and transport sector is looking forward to strong growth in the infrastructure, industrial and energy sectors.

Asaf Savas Akat, professor of economics at Istanbul Bilgi University, set the pace wıth with a valuable insight into the challenges faced in the country and the surrounding region. Despite requirements for a higher skilled workforce and improved education system, however, the cornerstones are in place politically and privately to overcome these issues, among others, he said.

In his presentation Cüneyt Divriş, president of Turkey construction machinery association IMDER, added that Turkey was the fourth biggest construction market in Europe and the 11th biggest in the world.

Richard Peckover, regional director of heavylift and transport specialist ALE, gave an overview of the sector and the challenges faced, for example, underdeveloped roads and other infrastructure.

Hanifi Gürbüz, president of Turkey-based lifting services giant Sarilar, said the industry should get together to solve problems, including a confusing permit system, training, and the need to use newer equipment. He added that working in some surrounding countries, for example, Turkmenistan, can be difficult, particularly when it comes to chasing payment following the completion of a job.

The conference was followed by an evening networking event.