1. 9th Silk Road Mayors Forum Serving Governance for the New Inter-Regional “Silk Road Economic Belt”

3. Antalya, with its history that dates back to 2nd century BC, its natural beauties and its different cultures, is one of the most beautiful cities both in Turkey and the world. Cradle of Civilization: Antalya

4. Antalya: Capital of History, Culture and Tourism Antalya, also known as “Tourism capital of Turkey”, is one of the world's most visited cities. We host at least 13 million tourists every year. In terms of tourist facilities, Antalya is extremely well-equipped and has more than 400 5-star hotel. With this feature, Antalya holds the title of “the city with the most five-star hotels in Turkey”. We have 550 thousand bed capacity for tourist and this is one of the important indicators of Antalya’s tourism potential.

5. Another main actor of Antalya's economy is agriculture. 20 percent of the Antalya surface area consists of arable land. Antalya, with an average of 300 sunny days per year and fertile soils, a temperate climate, is the market leader with 5,2 million tons of fresh vegetables-fruits production. The fresh vegetables-fruits exports reach 500 000 tons and our major market is Russia. In this context, Antalya can significantly meet the fresh fruits and vegetables need of all Silk Road countries -primarily China-. 3 seasons Spring, 1 season Summer.

6. Antalya has an increasing industrial production and exportation. The companies in Antalya Industrial Zone and Antalya Free Trade Zone mainly operate in food, agro-chemistry, materials, marble, and yacht production. In recent years, Antalya received also Chinese companies who invest mostly in mining or marble sectors.

7. In the Seljuk Empire period, many caravanserais were built in Anatolia to ensure the safety of life and property of Silk Road traders. Two of these caravanserais are in Antalya. Antalya’s relationship with the Silk Road is quite old. Alara Caravanserai - Antalya

8. Besides, Antalya has undertaken the mission of connecting the Silk Road to Europe. Silk Road traders delivered their products to Europe via Antalya port. Today, Antalya Free Trade Zone, located in Antalya port, currently operates in an area of 607,130 square meters. In other words, Antalya continues to be a "Marine Silk Road” connection for the historical Silk Road.

9. The desire of our citizens is that Antalya, without falling into the trap of unplanned industrialization, should continue on its way as a “producer city” by protecting the environment and natural resources.

10. While managing our city, we do not only get local citizens’ opinions we also have the foreign residents’ opinion. Therefore, we are establishing “Foreigners Advisory Assembly” and “Children and Youth Assembly”. Foreign residents, who have chosen to live or trade in our city, will have the right to speak and express their opinions in the Metropolitan Municipality Assembly.

11. As the city of Antalya, we are willing and ready to contribute our best to Silk Road and to be one of the major intersections of Silk Road as always. Throughout the history, the Silk Road has not only carried the commercial products, it has also carried culture, art and friendship. I firmly believe that the world, we live in, needs the Silk Road more than ever.

12. The solidarity and dialogue, shown by Silk Road countries and cities, is the most important proof of being ready to return to the old glory days of the Silk Road.

13. Thank you. Menderes Türel Mayor of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality