TOBB PRESIDENT HISARCIKLIOĞLU PRAISES ETO: "ETO OPERATES LIKE A PROJECT FACTORY"

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu, who visited the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce and attended an expanded council meeting, praised ETO for adding value to the city through its activities and projects.

On Tuesday, June 7, Turkey Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu visited the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce. Before meeting with ETO President Metin Güler, Hisarcıklıoğlu examined an electric vehicle and a universal robot produced by students at Atatürk Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, a TOBB project school. He also visited a stand created by the ESOGU SARTEK Rocket Club and congratulated the students for their impressive work. Following his meeting with ETO President Güler, Hisarcıklıoğlu reviewed several facilities, including the real estate examination organized in collaboration with MEYBEM, ETO's live broadcast and recording studio, and the ETO-METSEM simulator.

President Güler Discusses ETO's Activities

Hisarcıklıoğlu also attended ETO’s expanded council meeting, which included the participation of KGF President Erdoğan Özegen, TOBB Eskişehir Women's Entrepreneurs Council, TOBB Eskişehir Young Entrepreneurs Council, and business representatives from nearby provinces. Before the meeting, ETO President Metin Güler briefly shared information about the chamber's initiatives and projects. Güler emphasized ETO’s commitment to education, personal, corporate, and professional development, noting that ETO Academy operates as a "university for traders" and that, through its collaboration with MEYBEM, ETO has become a leader in vocational qualification exams in Central Anatolia and ranks third in Turkey. He also stated that ETO-METSEM serves in 30 cities across Turkey and that ETO Mediation Center, supported by TOBB UYUM, operates within the chamber.

ETO Provides Resources to the City through Projects

Güler explained that the visa office opens global doors for members, providing long-term visa options, while legal and tax advisory services are offered free of charge. Güler also highlighted that the EU Information Center strengthens connections between Eskişehir and Europe and that ETO’s various projects bring resources to the city. ETO places high importance on entrepreneurship, with Güler noting that they have facilitated millions in support for women’s cooperatives.

Support of 102 Million TL During the Pandemic

Güler discussed ETO’s financial assistance during the pandemic, noting that TOBB supported protocols signed with Ziraat Bank and Halkbank to establish supply chains, allowing members to purchase goods or services without upfront payments. Under initiatives called “Breath” and “Lifesaving” loans, ETO facilitated 102 million TL in credit to its members, working to address the challenges caused by both the pandemic and recent fires.

Permanent Works Serve Members and the City

Güler also highlighted ETO’s projects, such as the Eskişehir Trade and Industry Museum, which has attracted 200,000 visitors. He explained that ETO has taken responsibility for Eskişehir’s 60-year aspiration for an exhibition center, which now hosts international fairs. The Vehbi Koç Congress Center has hosted nearly 40,000 attendees, and the new ETO service building is set to open soon. Güler noted that today’s cost of building the Eskişehir Fair Congress Center and ETO Service Building would be 350 million TL, underscoring ETO’s achievement in delivering long-term assets at significantly lower costs. Güler also mentioned ongoing efforts to add new geographical indications to the city.

Hisarcıklıoğlu Expresses Gratitude to ETO

Speaking at the meeting, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized Eskişehir's importance as a hub for education, tourism, industry, and high technology, noting that Eskişehir leads in producing 54 products in Turkey. He expressed his gratitude to ETO President Metin Güler, Council President Halil İbrahim Ara, the management board, council members, and chamber staff for their dedication to Eskişehir’s growth and development, noting that the city has become a center of attraction in Western Anatolia.