As part of university-industry collaboration, Mehmet Sekmen, the Mayor of Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak, the Rector of Erzurum Technical University (ETU), and Ibrahim Erguder, the President of the Taiwan-Turkish Businessmen's Association, visited universities, business representatives, and technology companies in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, to exchange ideas on projects planned for implementation in Erzurum.

The delegation, which went to Taipei with the aim of discussing cooperation with Taiwan's technical universities and implementing high-tech investments in Erzurum, met with officials from National Taiwan University. The discussions focused on topics such as student/faculty exchange programs and the implementation of joint high technology projects between the two universities. The delegation then met with representatives from the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA), where experts presented the Smart Cities Project. Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, and CIECA decided to initiate a joint effort to implement the Smart City project in Erzurum. The delegation also visited the Taiwan Science Park, which houses many internationally active technology companies, to conduct inspections. Additionally, OME Technology Company officials briefed the delegation on their R&D processes during their meeting. Lastly, the delegation held a meeting with Theodore M.H. Huang, the CEO of TECO Group, which operates in various fields ranging from electrical equipment to information technology, smart technologies to financial investments, discussing the company’s products and potential collaborations.

Upon returning from Taiwan, Rector Cakmak assessed the visit, stating: "During our visit to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, we held important meetings. We had previously consulted with Mr. Mehmet Sekmen, Mayor of Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, and Mr. Ibrahim Guder, President of the Taiwan-Turkish Businessmen's Association, about establishing factories in our city for the production of high-tech products as part of university-industry collaborations. As a result, we held numerous meetings in Taipei. We gained insights into R&D activities at the universities. We met with representatives of companies competing on the international stage. We signed protocols to conduct joint R&D activities. Our city has all the necessary facilities to implement the projects we envision, which involve the production of high-value products. Our university's technological infrastructure and human resources are highly qualified. I believe that these projects will come to fruition in the near future, providing significant added value to both our city and our country. I would like to thank Mr. Erkan Yılmaz, Representative of the Taipei Turkish Trade Office, who did not withhold his hospitality from us during our visit, and all the Taiwanese delegation."

Corporate Communication Directorate, 15.08.2024