A delegation from the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KUTSO), led by Chairman of the Board of Directors Esin Güral Argat, carried out a business visit programme within the scope of the 139th Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou, China, from 13 to 20 April. The delegation, comprising Members of the Board of Directors and representatives of member companies, had the opportunity throughout the programme to examine international trade networks on site and to evaluate new cooperation opportunities.

Attending the opening programme of the Canton Fair, which is regarded as one of the world’s foremost trade organisations, the KUTSO delegation met with business representatives from various countries and closely observed the dynamics of global trade. During the fair, contacts were established with companies operating across a range of sectors, and discussions were held particularly with a view to developing export-oriented partnerships. In the course of these engagements, opportunities that would enable member companies to play a more active role in international markets came to the fore.

As part of the programme, KUTSO Chairman of the Board of Directors Esin Güral Argat, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Uğur Kırdar, Board Members Tolga Eskioğlu, Fatih Alkış, Selman Hatipoğlu and Melih Aslan, Secretary General Feyyaz Ebeoğlugil, and Deputy Secretary General Ümran Kertiş paid a courtesy call to Adnan Hayal, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Guangzhou, and Şerife Yıldırım Demirel, Commercial Attaché at the Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye in Guangzhou, at their offices. During the meeting, evaluations were made regarding the Chinese market, export opportunities, and ways to enhance the global competitiveness of Turkish companies.

During the briefing delivered by the Commercial Attaché, such matters as market entry processes in China, city- and region-based trade planning, the selection of appropriate business partners, and the use of reliable trading platforms were addressed. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of formal and robust contracts in commercial relations, while attention was also drawn to the risks of informal processes conducted through digital communication channels.

It was also stated during the meeting that participation in international trade fairs should be planned with a strategic approach. It was noted that targeted business meetings to be held following major events such as the Canton Fair would yield more efficient outcomes for companies, and it was underlined that, rather than attending every fair, turning towards the right organisations suited to actual needs would be a more effective method.

The number of exporting companies in Kütahya and the sustainability of exports were also brought onto the agenda, and emphasis was placed on the importance of ensuring the long-term presence of companies that have entered export markets. In this regard, it was stated that companies need to undertake strategic planning, establish the right business partnerships, and strengthen their institutional structures.

In the closing part of the programme, following the conclusion of the Canton Fair, the KUTSO delegation had the opportunity to observe Guangzhou’s historical and cultural values on site במסגרת the cultural programme organised afterwards. During these visits, where the city’s deep-rooted history and modern structure were observed together, contacts were also made that strengthened cultural interaction.

Source: KUTSO Press