# MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 concludes in Istanbul > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/msiad-expo-2026-in-istanbul > Updated: 2026-09-28T08:11:00.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 6. The 21st MÜSİAD EXPO International Trade Fair and the 29th International Business Forum (IBF) concluded at the Istanbul Expo Center, showcasing Turkish industrial capacity across 18 sectors. The event featured 369 companies and attracted over 80,000 visitors, including 400 international buying delegations from 70 countries. During the closing ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of integrating human values into technological advancements like artificial intelligence. He also noted the expansion of the Turkish export sector, stating that the number of exporting companies grew from 33,000 in 2002 to 168,000 in 2025. Trade Minister Ömer Bolat reiterated a year-end target of $410 billion for total goods and services exports. Amidst global participation, specific interest was noted from Qatari investors. Saad Al Dabbagh, Founder and Chairman of the Asia-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), described Turkey as a ‘safe and attractive market’ for Qatari capital. As part of the broader industrial activity in Istanbul, the expo coincided with MAKTEK Eurasia 2026 at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center, which focused on next-generation production technologies, including humanoid robots and VR-based ‘future factory’ simulations. At the MÜSİAD EXPO, the Foundation for Service to Turkish Youth and Education (TÜRGEV) marked its 30th anniversary by showcasing youth development initiatives, such as the AI CRAFT program and the Pusula Talent Management Center. MÜSİAD President Burhan Özdemir remarked that the expo has evolved into a major regional platform, bridging local manufacturers from Anatolia with global markets. ## Claims - Turkey is a safe and attractive market for Qatari investors. (corroborated by 3 sources) - New generation Qatari companies show a preference for investing in the Turkish market. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 International Trade Fair was held at the Istanbul Expo Center from September 23 to 26. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The trade fair saw participation from Asia, Africa, Europe, America, and the Arab world. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-28: Istanbul hosts major industrial and commercial trade fairs Major trade fairs, including MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 and MAKTEK Eurasia 2026, are underway in Istanbul, showcasing diverse sectors from real estate to advanced AI-driven manufacturing technologies. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sinpa-showcases-holiday-home-concept-at-msiad-expo-2026 ### 2026-09-28: TÜRGEV showcases youth development programs at MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 TÜRGEV showcased its 30th-anniversary youth development programs, including AI training and art exhibitions, at MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 in Istanbul. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trgev-showcases-youth-development-programs-at-msiad-expo-2026 ### 2026-09-27: Turkey identified as safe market for Qatari investment Saad Al Dabbagh, head of the Asia-Arab Chamber of Commerce, describes Turkey as a safe and attractive destination for Qatari investors and new generations of Qatari businesses. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qatari-investors-show-strong-interest-in-turkish-market ### 2026-09-25: MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 concludes in Istanbul with focus on Turkish exports The 21st MÜSİAD EXPO in Istanbul concluded with 369 companies and 80,000 visitors. Officials highlighted Turkey's growing export capacity and a year-end target of $410 billion in goods and services exports. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/msiad-expo-opens-in-istanbul-to-showcase-turkish-industrial-capacity ### 2026-09-23: MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 opens in Istanbul with focus on global trade MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 has launched in Istanbul, showcasing 369 companies across 18 sectors to a global audience as Turkey reports record export levels of $405 billion. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/akyap-showcases-commercial-real-estate-projects-at-msiad-expo-2026 ### 2026-09-08: MÜSİAD EXPO targets $5 billion in trade volume MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 aims for a $5 billion trade volume, hosting 300+ companies and 50,000 visitors from 114 countries at the Istanbul Expo Center this September. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/msiad-expo-targets-5-billion-in-trade-volume --- Cite as: MÜSİAD EXPO 2026 concludes in Istanbul. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/msiad-expo-2026-in-istanbul