EXPO 2016 will be held for the first time next year in Antalya. Coordinated under the theme of children and flowers, EXPO 2016 was introduced at the Eurasia Plant Fair/Flower Show in Istanbul. International firms, producers, exporters, professionals and gardening enthusiasts convened at the CNR Expo Center to show their floral devotion, and visitors had the opportunity to view and compare Mediterranean plants, indoor and outdoor ornament plants, uniquely seasonal plants, colorful floral cuts, seeds, flower bulbs, peats and perlite, packaging materials, garden accessories, tools, decorations, garden plants, arrangements, decorative tools, exotic and miniature trees, fertilizers and chemicals, plant care products, landscaping and garden architecture, pots and baskets, greenhouse-related materials, watering and sprinkler technologies and playgrounds for children.Working meticulously under the motto, "Cultivating a Green Life for Future Generations," a press conference was held at the EXPO 2016 and hosted a number of foreign and national press members, as well as the president of the Ornamental Plants and Products Exporters Union and promotion group, Osman Bağdatlıoğlu, the assistant secretary general of the EXPO 2016 Antalya Agency, Levent Murat Danışman, and Floraholland representative Monique Heemsque. After the press conference, the assistant secretary general spoke to Daily Sabah, stressing the importance of Expo 2016 Antalya for the development of the Turkish horticulture sector. "We, as producers and exporters, have a wonderful occasion to introduce our production to the entire world. However, the tension between Russia and Turkey has had adverse effects on our sector. Russia is denying entry of our trucks and is imposing an embargo on our flower imports. I hope that flowers, the symbol of peace, will bring tranquility with Expo 2016 Antalya," Bağdatlıoğlu said. In addition, professional horticulturists and floriculturists said they are anxious due to the fear of getting lost in the sector. The Eurasia Plant Fair/Flower Show will run until Nov. 29.