The Department of International Trade and Logistics at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences held a press conference to announce two major steps that will shape the city's economic future. 

In the meeting attended by the Head of the Department of International Trade and Logistics, Prof. Dr. Erol Tekin, and the Deputy Head of the Department, Assist.Prof.Dr. Nazlıcan Dindarik, the details of the comprehensive "Evaluation of Kastamonu's Transportation and Logistics Potential" Report, covering 19 districts, were shared, and the announcement of the 15th National Logistics and Supply Chain Congress, which will make the city the center of the sector from May 14-16, 2026, was made.  

At the meeting, it was emphasized that logistics is not just a transportation activity for Kastamonu, but a key to comprehensive development.  

"Logistics is Not Just Transportation"

In the meeting, Assist.Prof.Dr. Nazlıcan Dindarik, who emphasized the mistake of seeing logistics merely as "transportation," expressed that the concept is at the very center of life with the following words: “ Logistics refers to the two-way movement within the supply chain from supplier to customer. If we can buy a loaf of bread from the supermarket today, it is thanks to logistics.”

Stating that logistics is one of the largest cost items for a business, Dindarik emphasized that 40% to 60% of business costs come from logistics, saying, "If we make the necessary investment in logistics and analyze it correctly, we can reduce this cost." Stating that they have examined the 19 districts of Kastamonu from a geographical and strategic perspective, Dindarik highlighted the importance of the İnebolu Port on the trade axis.

Arguing that a center like the Filyos project in the neighboring province of Zonguldak should also be established in Kastamonu, Dindarik supported the need to transfer road freight to rail with the following technical analysis: "Exporting forest products by road instead of rail, although the initial investment cost is high, will reduce costs in the long run." A railroad line from Inebolu to the center will strengthen trade with Central Anatolia despite the slope difficulties, making this a trade axis."  

"The Report Should Not Gather Dust on Shelves; It Should Be a Roadmap"

The Chair of the 15th National Logistics and Supply Chain Congress and also the Head of the International Trade and Logistics Department, Prof. Dr. Erol Tekin, stated that the prepared report should go beyond being an academic study and called on local dynamics: Many publications are produced in academia; what matters is how much they can be transformed into practice and how beneficial they are to the industry. We have made an effort to draw a roadmap.

We won't say, let the report sit in a corner; let those who read it read it. We must make this process sustainable. We will not allow academic reports to gather dust on the shelves. Come on, let's put on our boots; let's tackle this together in the mud, rain, and snow. Let's turn the potential of Kastamonu into a comprehensive file and deliver it to the necessary authorities.   

Türkiye's Logistics Giants Will Meet in Kastamonu

Emphasizing the importance of the congress to be held on May 14-16, 2026, Prof. Dr. Tekin summarized what this organization, hosted by Kastamonu, would contribute to the city as follows:

The main theme of the 15th National Logistics and Supply Chain Congress will be 'Forest Products Supply Chain.' The boards of directors of LODER and LOJİDER, the two largest logistics associations in Türkiye, will be here. Perhaps these business people will find an area in Kastamonu where they can invest in logistics.

Additionally, at the congress, future technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart transportation systems, logistics 4.0, and autonomous systems will be discussed with more than 60 scientific papers. In the opening session, we will discuss "Kastamonu's Logistics Future." We expect not only academics but all stakeholders at the opening on May 14th.

The full text of the report can be accessed from the "Kastamonu Reports" section on our university's website; details of the congress can be found at ultzk2026.kastamonu.edu.tr.