Dear guests,

Allow me to start by extending my appreciation to Simay Dinç and Michael French, among others,for their valuable collaboration in making this reception possible.

The "Women in Games" initiativeled by Ms. Simay is particularly inspiring. The goal to support women entrepreneurs in tech is commendable. Simay Hanım, congratulations.

Michael French, thank you for being with us today as the Director for the London Games Festival, which has been instrumental in bringing together professionals from across the industry.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to representatives from the gaming industry. Thank you all for being here.

London is already a major hub for this dynamic industry.Therefore, I am pleased to host the first reception at the Turkish Residence on the occasion of the London Games Festival, which is a major highlight, bringing together games professionals from around the world.

Hosting professionals from the digital realm, including the gaming industry, is always inspiring. It allows usto feel the pulse of this creative and transformative field.

This industry offers unique advantages. Gaming companies can be established with relatively low budgets and achieve substantial growth in a short timeframe.

We have a representative of a Turkish gaming unicorn here, Akın Babayiğit, and we always feel proud with their successes.

The Turkish Government recognises this potentialandprovides support for the gaming sector.

Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology has supported many game initiatives and game-related centres throughScientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye(TÜBİTAK), the Agency responsible for SMEs - Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization of Türkiye (KOSGEB), and Development Agencies.

Turkish Ministry of Tradealso offersmany direct government grants specific to the gaming industry, from employee expenses to marketing costs.

Let me share with you some figures to show you the size of the local market. Vibrant gaming ecosystem in Türkiye consists of 740 active game studios, 12 game incubation centres, 21 acceleration programs, 2 game clusters, and 8 game-only investment funds.

Türkiye is the country with the highest number of game studios in Europe after the UK, while Istanbul is the second largest European city in this industry after London.

Here in London, we witness firsthand the expanding network of Turkish entrepreneurs in the gaming sector.

Just yesterday, I was at the opening of the London branch of a vibrant technopark from Turkiye, YTU Yıldız Technopark, which will offer various services to Turkish startups.

As the Turkish Embassy in London,we will continue to foster a strong and dynamic Turkish business ecosystem in the UK.

I hope tonight's reception will give way for new connections with the British and wider international gaming community.

I now invite you all to enjoy the evening and engage in fruitful conversations.