Esin Güral Argat

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Kütahya ranks among Türkiye’s rising cities thanks to its strong production capacity, deep-rooted cultural heritage, strategic location, and transforming industrial structure. From the very first day I assumed office as Chairman of the Board of Directors of KUTSO, we have been working with full commitment to make this great potential visible, to advance our strengths, and to implement a holistic development approach that prepares Kütahya for the economic, social, and technological dynamics of the future. Our objective is to increase Kütahya’s production capacity, develop a qualified workforce, strengthen the investment climate, support exports, accelerate digitalisation, and transform Kütahya into a highly competitive brand city at both national and international levels. As a committed advocate of development, we are assuming responsibility across a broad spectrum—from production to exports, from increasing women’s participation in the workforce to the institutionalisation of enterprises, and from digital transformation to sustainability—continuing to build our city’s future with courage and determination. While shaping a vision that will carry Kütahya into the future, we are guided by a holistic development resolve extending from production to exports, from education to technological transformation, and from women’s and youth employment to sustainability. In doing so, we are setting out a determined roadmap that prepares our city for both today’s needs and the global dynamics of the future. Today, the world is undergoing the fastest and most comprehensive transformation in history—from technological change and green economy initiatives to digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and from demographic shifts to sustainability imperatives. The cities of the future will be those that enhance their production capabilities, place high value-added industry at the centre, grow through innovation, and equip their human capital with the skills of the future. These global megatrends are reshaping not only the direction of economies, but also the destiny, competitiveness, and development capacity of cities. For this very reason, investments in industry, technology, and human capital are not merely economic objectives; they are among the most critical pillars of cities’ strategies for securing their future. In Kütahya, we are resolutely building an industrial and development vision that does not remain outside this major transformation, but instead turns it into an opportunity in our favour. In line with this vision, we are implementing a multi-dimensional development model in Kütahya that strengthens the economic structure while expanding social and institutional capacity. We are modernising production processes, preparing our SMEs for international markets, reinforcing our export infrastructure, and creating a more attractive ecosystem for investors. In order to accurately analyse our city’s needs, alongside the supply chain meetings, consensus-building gatherings, and sectoral workshops we conduct on a regular basis, we have presented our city’s strengths and areas for improvement through the Kütahya Development Report, based on a data-driven approach. On the basis of these efforts, we have developed practical strategies in the fields of production, employment, tourism, and investment. Through the Kütahya Business Community Member Platform, we have brought our businesspeople together within a single digital network. With the Tourism Master Plan, we have renewed our tourism vision. Through the Advantage Card, we have provided tangible support to economic life. With the Kütahya Export Support Office, we guide our companies in accessing foreign markets, thereby preparing our SMEs for global competition. As a qualified workforce has become the most strategic element for the cities of the future, we are resolutely pursuing a comprehensive human resources strategy ranging from vocational education to technology-focused skills programmes. We are introducing our young people to the professions of the future, while increasing women’s participation in production and entrepreneurship, thereby adding new momentum to Kütahya’s economic dynamism. In this context, the Qualified Workforce Development and Support Project (NİGDEP), which we implemented under the leadership of KUTSO, achieved exemplary success at the local level and was subsequently expanded nationwide by the General Directorate of İŞKUR under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye under the name “Qualified Workforce Training Programme (NİYEP)”. The adoption of this model, originating in Kütahya, as an example across Türkiye is a significant indication that our Chamber’s vision for human capital development has been recognised at the national level. To address one of the most urgent needs of our industry—the development of a qualified workforce—we are working in close cooperation with vocational high schools, universities, and sector representatives. The Virtual Reality Welding Training Project carried out within the scope of SOGEP has become an exemplary model by integrating vocational training with technology and strengthening the competencies of young people. The Women Entrepreneurs Office we established to support women’s participation in production and entrepreneurship provides an important support structure through training, mentoring, and consultancy services, while our designation as a pilot province under TOBB’s “Women’s Touch in Industry” project has further reinforced our pioneering role in this field. The steps we have taken in digital transformation not only enhance the competitive capacity of companies, but also increase our city’s speed of adaptation to technology. Sustainability and green transformation, on the other hand, are no longer a choice but a strategic necessity that determines the future of cities. For this reason, we are developing strong roadmaps together with the business community in the areas of energy efficiency, carbon management, green production, and the circular economy. The successful initiatives we have undertaken while preparing Kütahya for the future are the collective product of shared wisdom, strategic planning, unwavering determination, and forward-looking leadership. Every project we implement and every step we take are components of a long-term development vision focused not only on the present day, but on building a future that spans decades. We have confidence in Kütahya’s potential. As we move forward, our aim is not merely growth, but to make Kütahya one of the leading cities in Türkiye’s development story. In the second century of our Republic, our goal is to prepare Kütahya for the future as a city that adapts to technological transformation, strengthens its export capacity, enhances its social fabric through women’s and youth employment, takes determined steps in digitalisation and sustainable growth, possesses strong institutional capacity, and stands out at both national and international levels. On this comprehensive journey of transformation, I extend my sincere gratitude to all our members, our esteemed Professional Committees, our Assembly, our stakeholders, and everyone devoted to Kütahya who have believed in us, contributed their efforts, and provided their support.