ETO AND FRANCE RENEW NEW VISA FACILITATION PROTOCOL

The Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce has renewed its visa facilitation protocol with the French Embassy to provide Schengen visas to its members.

The agreement aims to open the doors of Europe for ETO members. The signing ceremony for the protocol, which will provide long-term Schengen visas for business trips, took place at the French Embassy in Ankara. The protocol was signed by ETO President Metin Güler and the Ambassador of the French Republic in Ankara, Isabelle Dumont. Also present at the signing ceremony were ETO Vice President Özgür Alp, Consul Sylvie Magnin, and Economic Counselor Abdenor Brahmi.

Strengthening Relations with France

In his speech during the ceremony, ETO President Metin Güler emphasized that economic cooperation between Eskişehir and France continues to grow, making France the second most important commercial partner for Eskişehir after the United States. Güler noted that ETO maintains strong relationships with France and continues to enhance its communication, stating that members of the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce have participated in 10 fairs and business trips held in France over the past decade.

2,199 Members Granted Visas to Date

Güler mentioned that the Eskişehir EU Information Center also organizes joint events with France, and the ETO is committed to strengthening commercial and cultural cooperation between France and Eskişehir. He highlighted that under the previous visa facilitation agreement with the French Embassy, 2,199 merchants and industrialists who are members of the chamber have been granted long-term business visas. He expressed that the new agreement will facilitate business trips to the EU for ETO member entrepreneurs and thanked Ambassador Isabelle Dumont for her contribution to the agreement.

Pleased to Renew Visa Facilitation Protocol with ETO

In her speech, Ambassador Isabelle Dumont expressed her pleasure in renewing the visa facilitation agreement with the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce. She stated that they closely monitor ETO’s efforts to enhance cultural and economic cooperation with France and will continue to support activities that strengthen the commercial and cultural ties between Eskişehir and France. Dumont expressed her hope that the renewed visa facilitation protocol between ETO and the French Embassy will benefit both Eskişehir and France and contribute to increasing trade relations. She also acknowledged that they recognize Eskişehir's advanced level in engineering and skilled workforce, suggesting Eskişehir to French companies considering investment.