Head of the Congress Prof. Mahmut Tekçe, who made his speech of the Congress on behalf of Regulatory Authority, sent “Welcome”’s wishes, and informed on organizations of the Congress to the participants. Marmara University Director of Regional Development Applications and Research Center (MABKAM) Fatma Dogruel Ph.D. gave information about MABKAM’s organization, functions, and goals. Then, Dean of Faculty of Economics Esen Yıldırım Ph.D. talked about the strategic importance of regional development studies for both our university and Faculty of Economics. Finally, Chairman of Turkish National Committee of Regional Science and ITU Faculty Member Prof. Tuzun Baycan Ph.D. informed about BBTMK and conveyed her thanks to Marmara University and Mebkam, who organized the Congress.

The Honorary Quest and Quest Speaker of the Congress, Lecturer of English Economics Department of Faculty of Economics of Marmara University Prof. A. Suut Dogruel Ph.D. made a presentation titled “Problems in Regional Science Studies” in the opening sitting, which Prof. Tüzin Baycan Ph.D. made its coordinators. 18th National Regional Science and Regional Planning Congress will be continued on May 11 and May 12, 2018.