Maritime Cooperation Between İzmir and China on the Agenda
İzmir Metropolitan Municipality hosted a delegation from the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, China. During the visit, potential collaborations in maritime transport, solid waste management, and environmental initiatives were discussed.
Deputy Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır, welcomed Vice Governor and Party Committee Member of Zhejiang Province, Mr. Ke Jixin, and his delegation at the Egemenlik House Meeting Hall. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Secretary General Övünç Özgen, İZDENİZ Chairman Dr. Işıkhan Güler, İZDENİZ General Manager Gökhan Marım, Head of Foreign Relations Selin Sayın Kapancı, and Dr. Saygın Can Oğuz from İzmir Development Agency (İZKA).
“We closely follow developments in China”
Expressing his satisfaction with the visit, Dr. Yıldır stated: “Every opinion and experience you share is of great importance to us. We have a competent and knowledgeable team. We closely follow developments in China and recognize how rapid and significant they are. There is strong public sympathy towards China in our society. İzmir is a highly suitable partner for future cooperation. Currently, our priorities are solid waste management and water supply. We would be pleased to evaluate solution-oriented proposals from your side and hope to meet again soon.”
Ke Jixin: We aim to strengthen bilateral relations
Vice Governor Ke Jixin emphasized the importance of enhancing strategic cooperation in transportation and logistics between İzmir and Zhejiang. “Our main goal is to explore strategic partnerships in transport and logistics and strengthen ties between our cities. Although limited, there is already direct maritime transport from Zhoushan Port to İzmir. Understanding İzmir’s infrastructure and logistics systems is crucial for us. The purpose of this visit is to explore how we can advance our existing cooperation,” he said. Jixin also highlighted the potential for strong collaboration, especially in port development, maritime routes, and transportation infrastructure.
İzmir’s maritime transport and port capacity presented
Dr. Saygın Can Oğuz from İZKA and Dr. Işıkhan Güler from İZDENİZ gave presentations on İzmir’s ports and maritime transport systems. Dr. Güler shared details about the city’s maritime inventory and future plans for boat docking areas in the Gulf of İzmir. Dr. Oğuz provided insights into Alsancak Port, Aliağa’s cargo terminals, and other regional ports, emphasizing the potential for increased cooperation and utilization.
