FRENCH AMBASSADOR MAGRO VISITS ETO FOR COOPERATION

A meeting was held at the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce (ETO) attended by Hervé Magro, the French Ambassador to Turkey, along with his accompanying delegation, to evaluate potential collaborations between Eskişehir and France in the fields of industry, innovation, and agriculture.

ETO continues to facilitate meetings and events aimed at enhancing the foreign trade of its members. The Chamber brought together its exporting members with Ambassador Magro, Sustainable Development Advisor Mafal Thiam, Chief Clerk Joseph Richard, and Sustainable Development Attaché Berat Durmuş. ETO President Metin Güler, the board of directors, and representatives from firms working with France also attended the meeting.

ETO Values Global Connections

During the opening of the meeting, ETO President Metin Güler provided insights into the Eskişehir economy, stating that the sectoral distribution consists of 54% services, 39% industry, and 7% agriculture. He emphasized that the Chamber prioritizes international connections and collaboration to enhance its members' trade, noting that they have established partnerships with 23 countries and that the visa facilitation agreement with the French Embassy continues.

Long-term EU Visas Provided to 1,065 Members

Güler highlighted that, under the Visa Facilitation Protocol, 1,635 members received long-term visas with ETO's reference. He mentioned ongoing discussions with civil society organizations and chambers of commerce in foreign countries, as well as with the EU Turkey Delegation, to boost foreign trade. He also noted that a series of activities are underway to enhance trade relations with France, including facilitating participation for members in trade fairs related to agriculture, sub-industry, automotive, and food sectors held in France.

Ambassador Emphasizes Green Economy Criteria for Industrialists

In his remarks, Ambassador Magro referred to the visa facilitation agreement with ETO, expressing confidence in the strong partnership based on trust between the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce and the French Embassy. He noted the potential for collaboration in industry, innovation, and agriculture between Eskişehir and France. Magro emphasized that, under the Paris Agreement signed by Turkey, industrialists and their sub-industry firms bear significant responsibilities regarding the green economy. He pointed out that attention would be given not only to producer firms but also to their suppliers for every product exported to the EU. He stressed the importance of adapting to this change, indicating that firms doing business with the EU have already begun efforts to comply with these innovations, suggesting that suppliers and sub-industry companies meeting environmental awareness expectations would benefit from this transition.