Esteemed Members of our Board of Directors, Distinguished Chairpersons of our Professional Committees, Honourable Members of the Assembly and Professional Committees, Dear Citizens of Kütahya,

I extend my warmest greetings to you all and convey my belated holiday wishes to you and your families.

It is always particularly meaningful for me to come together in this hall. Because we are not merely holding a meeting here; we are gathering as individuals who care deeply for our city, who contribute to it, and who take ownership of its future. Experiencing this shared भावना each time is a great privilege.

Today, I will both address several important matters concerning our Chamber and share some truly exciting developments for our city. Before moving on to those announcements, however, I would like to touch upon a few issues—because accurate information always provides the most solid foundation.

In this context, I would like to provide clarification regarding our construction project on the Eskişehir road, which has recently been brought to the agenda. Our building located on parcel 2528 in Çalca District has occasionally been described as “halted” or “neglected.” However, this process began in 2013 through a fully transparent tender procedure. The land was allocated to our Chamber under a revenue-sharing construction contract signed before a notary between Kütahya Municipality and our Chamber on 25 October 2013. The structural works were carried out through multiple tenders and in accordance with decisions taken by our Assembly and Board of Directors.

The renewal of the building permit took place during my tenure as Chairman, on 19 April 2024, under permit number 2024/201. This permit remains valid until 5 July 2029. Therefore, the legal framework of the building is being maintained in full compliance. Situated on a 12,601 m² plot with a construction area of 6,750 m², the building is located at the entrance of the 30 August Organized Industrial Zone (OSB), opposite Kütahya Design Technopark and the Eskişehir highway. To date, our Chamber has invested approximately USD 2.55 million in this project.

There is a specific background to why the construction halted at the structural stage. The building was originally designed to host an engineering faculty affiliated with TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ) in Kütahya. Since 2013, numerous official applications have been submitted—from the Presidency to the Council of Higher Education, from our Members of Parliament to the TOBB Presidency.

In 2015, the land allocation within the Organized Industrial Zone was cancelled, and TOBB ETÜ did not proceed with the project. Nevertheless, alternative solutions continued to be explored until 2019. Ultimately, as the function of the building could not be finalised, construction was suspended. This is not a matter of neglect; rather, it reflects the uncertainty left behind by a project that was pursued diligently for years but could not be realised.

We have neither sold this building nor abandoned it. Its ownership remains with our Chamber, its permit is valid, and its value is preserved. It should not be forgotten that this building has been realised through the contributions of our members. Therefore, every decision, intended use, and step concerning this structure must generate tangible value primarily for our members and our Chamber. We will determine the future of this building together.

As you know, I used to meet with you every November. This time, it was delayed—there were some family-related developments, and life sometimes takes precedence over our plans. I must admit that I feel somewhat regretful for the delay, as I would have preferred to meet earlier. Fortunately, April has arrived. We have worked hard, grown tired, and produced much over the past year—now it is time to take a breather, relax together, and enjoy some pleasant moments.

Between 2–5 April, we will be together with all our principal and substitute Assembly members. I would like to sincerely invite you all to this wonderful organisation. Your participation would give me great pleasure.

And now, I would like to share the main good news.

You are all aware of the importance I attach to sporting activities in our city, particularly Kütahyaspor. In this regard, I recently met with the President of the Turkish Football Federation. The meeting was highly productive, and three concrete matters concerning Kütahya were discussed.

Firstly, the stadium project. We brought the issue of strengthening Kütahya’s sports infrastructure directly onto the agenda, and it has now begun to be addressed on an official level.

Secondly, the Women’s League final. We have initiated efforts for the final match of the Turkish Women’s Football League to be held in Kütahya. Hosting such a prestigious event would represent a significant gain for our city in terms of both sport and promotion.

Thirdly, a panel invitation. We exchanged views on organising a comprehensive panel in Kütahya on the financial sustainability and brand value of football, and I invited the President of the Federation to attend as a speaker. Hosting such a panel would demonstrate to the whole of Türkiye that our city is a centre of thought and initiative.

In addition, this past Monday—just two days ago—I met with our Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, at his office in Ankara. I requested his support for a cultural centre and a library, both of which are needed in our city. I will continue to follow up on this matter.

Finally, I would like to convey greetings to you. During my visit to Ankara, I paid a holiday courtesy visit to the President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), Mr Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu. He stated that he closely follows our work and conveyed his greetings and regards to Kütahya.

Thank you for your attention.