ISTE-FeSt: “Those who rule iron and steel with knowledge also rule the world”
Current scientific developments, technologies, problems and solutions relating to the Iron-Steel industry have been discussed by experts at the Iron Steel Festival and Symposium organized by Iskenderun Technical University (ISTE) which blends the principle of “Those who rule iron and steel with knowledge also rule the world” with technoversity vision.
Keynote Speaker, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Selçuk Mıstıkoğlu stated: “Today, we are gathered to discuss the problems of the iron-steel industry following a multi-perspective approach and offer solutions to those problems. We need to develop new production technologies and produce high value-added products in order to increase our competitive power. Therefore, prioritizing R&D practices and collaborating with others has become a must. At ISTE, we are doing our best to collaborate in preparing qualified individuals for this industry’s ecosystem, exploring new knowledge, and transforming such knowledge into new technologies”.
Symposium Chair and the Dean of the Engineering and Natural Sciences Faculty Professor Dr. M. Eyyuphan Yakıncı has underlined that ISTE’s vision is reflected in the Symposium and that ISTE-FeSt will address Iron-Steel industry’s past, present, and future. He added discussions will also focus on issues relating to ‘high quality steel production’. Professor Yakıncı concluded his statement by expressing that ISTE is proud to be able to host this symposium which hosts a total of 369 leading experts from universities and the industry and that he hoped all stakeholders in the iron-steel ecosystem will benefit from the symposium.
Dr. Veysel Yayan, the president of the Turkish Steel Producers Association, did the first presentation in the symposium. In his presentation, Dr. Yayan addressed Turkey’s position in the global iron-steel industry and underlined that Turkey’s importance in this industry will continue to increase as a result of the increases in the country’s capacity to produce high quality steel. He added that the global iron-steel industry continued to develop, but there was still a long way to go. Dr. Yayan explained that China had the biggest share in iron-steel production in the world and, therefore, any move they made would cause tremendous impact around the world. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Yayan expressed that what Turkey should do is to develop the right strategies and reach the goals set for both import and export.
Denis Kvasov, the CEO of MMK Metallurgy, remarked Iskenderun’s importance for the iron-steel industry and talked about the investments made in Turkey in this industry. Denis Kvasov also added: “We have one of the biggest ports in the area. We should be aware of the importance of this port whilst preparing our plans. Our company strives to contribute to Turkey’s economy and create added value by employing local people. We expect substantial increases in our export in the future”.
Later on, Fatih Çıtak from Oyak Mining and Metallurgy answered questions regarding the trends in the global iron-steel industry and their reflections in Turkey. In his speech, Fatih Çıtak expressed: “Steel industry is the first industry to be affected in case of a crisis. Therefore, we should be able to anticipate what could happen in the industry at a global scale. Neither companies, nor individuals should act without a plan. Because of recent crises, Turkey has gained a good level of experience regarding what should be done in such cases. Private companies adapted to the conditions in Turkey and I am sure that we will be able to stand still no matter what crisis takes place. Given equal conditions, Turkish private companies can compete with their counterparts around the world. We expect positive growth in the steel industry in Turkey. We foresee a bright future for the industry and the sustainability of the system will continue so long as we can produce. The global system should ensure employment in order to be able to continue its existence”.