Hama delegation visits Kocaeli to study agricultural development

A delegation from Hama, Syria, led by Governor Abdurrahman es-Seheyen and Syrian Chargé d'Affaires Fadı Al-Kasım, visited Kocaeli, Turkey, to examine agricultural and rural development projects.

The delegation met with Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tahir Büyükakın to discuss technical cooperation and experience sharing aimed at the reconstruction of Hama and the enhancement of local government capacity. Discussions covered infrastructure, water and sewage services, industrial investments, and organized industrial zones.

A key part of the visit included an inspection of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Cultivation Project (TABİP) R&D and production site at Kocaeli University's Faculty of Agriculture. The 100-decare site cultivates 41 different species, including rosemary, thyme, melissa, mint, and lavender. The delegation studied the integrated model of production, research, and value-added product development.

Additionally, the group visited the municipality's agricultural academy to observe training programs for producers and learned about the KO-MEK vocational and personal development courses used to support local employment.