KUTSO AUGUST 2026 PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEES MEETING HELD

The August Professional Committees Meeting of the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KUTSO) was held with the participation of Chairman of the Board of Directors Esin Güral Argat, Assembly and Board Members, Professional Committee Chairs and Professional Committee Members. The meeting was moderated by Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors Fatih Alkış.

The meeting began with the presentation of certificates to newly registered members. As part of the “A Voice from Within” session, Mehmet Ocak, Vice Chairman of the 10th Professional Committee, delivered a presentation on educational institutions. Secretary General Hüseyin Feyyaz Ebeoğlugil also provided updates on the Chamber’s activities, improvements to its facilities and forthcoming events.

Speaking at the closing of the meeting, Chairman of the Board of Directors Esin Güral Argat began her remarks as follows:

“Distinguished members of our Professional Committees, dear colleagues, I extend my warmest greetings and respect to you all. You are at the very heart of this Chamber’s work. These committees are where decisions, requests and projects first take shape. Let me begin with some good news. Our Board of Directors has been strengthened with new colleagues:

• Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors, Fatih Alkış,

• Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mustafa Selman Hatipoğlu,

• Board Member responsible for the Professional Committees, Melih Aslan,

• Board Member, Bekir Melih Karaaytaç,

• Board Member, Reşit Dürrüoğlu.

Our team is now larger, stronger and more determined. And let me make one thing clear: I will never abandon any colleague with whom I have embarked on this journey. For me, loyalty is not merely a word; it is a matter of character.”

Addressing economic developments, Güral Argat continued her assessment as follows:

“Allow me to begin with the economy. Following a prolonged period of tight monetary conditions, we are finally seeing signs of easing in interest rates. This offers an important degree of relief for us all and could pave the way for greater investment and production. Yet we also know that the future of a city cannot be left solely to fluctuations in interest rates. The real challenge is to build an economy capable of remaining resilient regardless of macroeconomic headwinds. That is why I say that Kütahya’s economy must grow, deepen and diversify. We have no alternative.”

Highlighting the strategic projects currently under way and KUTSO’s vision, Esin Güral Argat stated:

“So how are we turning this vision into reality? Through concrete action. In Altıntaş, we are working to transform agriculture into a high value-added industry. We envisage a strong ecosystem where lavender, thyme, saffron, active pharmaceutical ingredients and cosmetic raw materials are cultivated; where seed development takes place; and where R&D, universities and processing facilities come together — creating a new sector that enables young people to build their future on their own land.

“For our companies seeking to expand, we are working on an SME Organised Industrial Zone cooperative model that would provide businesses with modern production facilities on premises of their own. And perhaps the most exciting step towards diversification is integration into Türkiye’s domestic and national defence industry. Kütahya’s location and industrial expertise make it exceptionally well suited to this field. We have discussed this matter at the highest levels, including with the President of the Presidency of Defence Industries, and our work is continuing.

“Another area I would like to highlight is health technologies, where the rate of domestic production is rapidly increasing. The medical industry represents a major opportunity for Kütahya. In terms of sustainability, we are positioning the green transition not as a burden on our members, but as a gateway to finance and new markets. And remember: these projects were not conceived behind a desk; they emerged directly from these committees and from what we have heard from you.”

Sharing an important development of both national and international significance, Güral Argat continued:

“And before I conclude, I would like to share a development that fills us with pride. I mentioned it at our most recent Assembly Meeting, but I would like to reiterate it here. Within the framework of the COP31 climate process, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) has entrusted KUTSO with the co-chairmanship of the ‘SMEs and Emerging Economies’ working group.

“COP31 is the United Nations climate summit — one of the world’s largest forums, where almost every country comes together each year to discuss the future of the climate and the global economy. This year, it will be held in Antalya in November with the participation of more than 100 countries. In other words, Kütahya will now represent the voice of SMEs at one of the world’s most important climate forums. For a chamber from Anatolia, this is a historic responsibility; through KUTSO, Kütahya is beginning to make its mark on the global stage.”

Concluding her remarks with an emphasis on unity and solidarity, Chairman of the Board of Directors Esin Güral Argat said:

“This is a relay race. Our responsibility is to carry the baton one step further. On this journey, I need the contribution, insight and commitment of each and every one of you. I sincerely thank you for the trust you have placed in us. May our path ahead be clear, and may Kütahya continue to prosper.”

The meeting concluded after participants shared their wishes and remarks.

News: KUTSO Press Office