The opening speech of the meeting will be made by State Minister Kursad TUZMEN. Other speakers include Gaziantep Governor Lutfullah BILGIN; GAP President Muammer Yasar OZGUL; Gaziantep Metropolitan City Mayor Asim GUZELBEY; President of Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce Mehmet ASLAN; President of Gaziantep Chamber of Industry Nejat KOCER and President of the Association of Exporters in South-eastern Anatolia Abdulkadir CIKMAZ.

The forum will bring together deputies from the provinces of the region, leading figures of the sector of Economics and Finance and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations. The meeting was organised in line with several objectives including assessment of investment opportunities for the transfer of the experience and funds of businessmen to the GAP Region; informing businessmen abroad about the economic potential of the region and consolidating cooperation with businessmen abroad and others active in the country.

The organisation covers about 300 young businessmen active in various countries of the EU as well as 200 others from the region and other parts of the country. The programme of the 1^st day includes, after opening speeches, workshops and bilateral talks covering the sectors of agriculture and foodstuffs, textiles, machinery-manufacturing, construction and tourism. A technical study tour to Sanliurfa will take place on the second day of the meeting.