The general assembly of the International Horticultural Producers Association of AIPH unanimously approved Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş. The introduction of Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş, which 56 countries will attend and hosted by the central Onikişubat District Municipality, between 21 April-31 October 2023, was made with the participation of Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli. Speaking at the introductory meeting held in the foyer of the Kahramanmaraş Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Onikişubat Mayor Hanefi Mahçiçek, the host of Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş, said that the main theme of the Expo 2023 is “Nature Friendly City and Sensitivity”. MAHÇİÇEK: WE EXPECT 2 MILLION VISITORS Mayor Mahçiçek stated that Expos are one of the most important international events afetr the world cup and olympics that help the countries and cities develop, increase the awareness of the city both nationally and internationally, provide the public with an experience of training, culture, arts and entertainment, revive the domestic and foreign tourism, create new job opportunities. Mayor Mahçiçek said that: “With the project, we anticipate that 2 million visitors, 1 million in Kahramanmaraş, 600 thousand from the provinces of the region, 250 thousand from nationally and 150 thousand from abroad, will come to the area. The 2023 International candidacy of our Onikişubat was unanimously accepted at the AIPH General Assembly meeting in Padova, Italy on September 18, 2018, provided that no negative votes were cast.” “EXPO, A TOOL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND BRANDING OF THE COUNTRY” Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli said that Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş, which will be implemented on an area of 170 thousand square meters and where the gardens of 56 countries will take place, is very important for the promotion of both Turkey and the city. Pakdemirli, said that: “Expo is one of the largest organizations in the world, after the Olympics and the world cup. Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş has a great importance for our Maraş. It is a basically class B1 expo and a horticultural Expo in the international category. I hope there will be an event that will last 192 days between 23 April-31 October 2023 in Kahramanmaraş. One of the main problems of the 21st century is the globally increasing urbanization phenomenon. The zoning the natural areas for housing with the increasing population and the design of completely human and production-oriented space threaten the future of our world. That’s why the main theme of Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş has been ‘Nature Friendly City and Sensitivity’. Expo has 4 different benefits from the perspective of different segments. Expo is a dialogue platform for collaboration and progress for the international community, Expo is an education and entertainment experience for the public. Expo for the host country is a tool for the branding and development of the country.”