The 17th TÜRKÇİMENTO International Technical Seminar and Exhibition was held in Antalya

The International Technical Seminar and Exhibition, held by TÜRKÇİMENTO on a biennial basis, represents one of the most significant gathering points for representatives of the Turkish cement sector.This year marked the 17th such event, held in Antalya under the theme of "Integration of Triple Transformation in the Cement Industry".      

The International Technical Seminar and Exhibition, organized by TÜRKÇİMENTO every two years,  was held in Antalya. This year, the event, where the current developments and future solutions of the sector were discussed, has achieved a phenomenal success once again  

Delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony of the event focusing on several topics including “Sustainability and Innovation”, “Green Transformation in Energy”, and “Decarbonization”, Fatih Yücelik, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of TÜRKÇİMENTO stated that the cement sector in Türkiye support net zero target by 2053 and said: “ We support the concept of Turkey's Green Development Revolution. Our sector recognizes the importance of social transformation through the integration of green and digital transformation processes. In this context, we are revising the twin transformation with a triple transformation approach, which will shape our future strategy. As a cement industry, we are not just industrialists; we are committed to making a positive contribution to the environment, technology and society”.

Stating that the Turkish cement industry is among the world's most important producers with a history of more than 110 years, Yücelik continued his words as follows; “ This year marks the 200th anniversary of the patent of Portland Cement, which has been used in mortars made with different materials since the earliest periods of human history.  This is evidence of the cement industry's long-standing presence in our country. Since the declaration of our Republic, ‘ We are at the foundation of Türkiye’  

The event commenced with addresses by distinguished figures from the cement industry; Koen Coppenholle, the Chief Executive of the European Cement Association attended the event via live stream and said: “Compared to 1990, we see a notable decline of 37% in carbon emission in cement. We anticipate a significant decline in the 2040 roadmap, with a projected 78% reduction. It is anticipated that this rate will reach zero by 2050. Conversely, we forecast that the alternative fuel rate will increase to 60% by 2030 and 95% by 2050.”

Dr. Wang Yutao Secretary General of the China Cement Association and Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of Global Cement and Concrete Association(GCCA)  also attended the opening ceremony of the 17th technical Seminar and Exhibition via video conference. 

In his remarks, Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of Global Cement and Concrete Association said: “As the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), we have adopted the seven universal ways of decarbonisation.   Global cement production reached 4.2 tonnes, with Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and India accounting for 84% of this. North America, Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, and Australia produced 16% of the global cement. Our three priorities are: Developing national roadmaps for cement and concrete production ; Influencing international initiatives to promote and encourage political dialogue;and Providing financial support for decarbonization.”

The event has been organized since 1987 and continues to support the sectoral innovations as a platform where the cement sector meets with national and international suppliers. 

The International Technical Seminar and Exhibition that assured international success in 2022 gathered 629 participants and 224 firms with the national and international cement industries.