GÜLER DISCUSSES THE CHAMBER'S ACTIVITIES AT THE NOVEMBER ASSEMBLY MEETING

ETO President Metin Güler provided information about the activities and projects of the chamber during the November ordinary assembly meeting, sharing his views on the economy.

The November ordinary assembly meeting of the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce was held on November 30. The meeting began with the remarks of Assembly President Halil İbrahim Ara, where agenda items were approved. A short video showcasing ETO’s activities in November was also presented during the meeting. Following a request from bakery operators and pastry producers, it was decided that the price of a 200-gram loaf of bread would be set at 2 lira, and a 100-gram simit would cost 2.5 lira. In his address, ETO President Metin Güler noted that the year is almost complete and mentioned that it has been an extraordinary year in many respects.

New Service Building to Be the Fourth Permanent Structure

Güler announced that the tender process for the completion and opening of the new ETO Service Building has begun, marking it as the fourth permanent structure to be added after ETO MÜZE, the Vehbi Koç Congress Center, and ETO TÜYAP Fair Center. He acknowledged the collective efforts of all members of the chamber's organs, from the assembly to the board, in bringing these projects to life and thanked past presidents who contributed to the chamber. Güler also shared data regarding the Eskişehir 2nd Building Fair held at ETO TÜYAP Fair Center, noting that nearly 70 firms had stands at the event, which attracted approximately 20,000 visitors from 13 countries.

While Growth Figures Are Encouraging, Currency Fluctuations Cause Concern

Güler highlighted that foreign purchasing delegations closely followed the fair, emphasizing its contributions to the city and the industries involved. In his economic assessment, he expressed satisfaction with the announcement by TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute) that the Turkish economy grew by 7.4% compared to the same period last year. He noted that while the industrial sector grew by 10%, agriculture shrank by 5.9%, and construction contracted by 6.7%. Güler pointed out that while the growth rates are pleasing, the shocks in currency exchange rates raise concerns for merchants and complicate future planning. He stressed the need for a balance between inflation, interest rates, and currency exchange rates. Güler concluded by stating that, despite all challenges, merchants and industrialists will continue to work and produce, striving to contribute to the country's economy and employment.