Esin Güral Argat, Vice Chairperson of Gürok Group, shared insights into the company’s proactive expansion strategy in Syria with its Lav brand and its growing luxury hospitality footprint in the Maldives with JOALI. Argat emphasized that instead of taking a wait-and-see approach, the company has assembled a team to assess the Syrian market immediately.
Additionally, she highlighted Gürok Group’s commitment to sustainability, revealing that Lav now operates the world’s most water-efficient production facility.
Proactive Approach to the Syrian Market
Speaking at a press conference, Esin Güral Argat discussed Türkiye’s economic landscape, the company’s strategic goals, and upcoming projects. She stated that Lav, a leading global table glass manufacturer, had previously exported significant volumes to Syria before operations were halted. Now, a new opportunity has emerged, and Gürok Group is preparing to re-enter the market with a proactive strategy.
“We are not taking a ‘wait and see’ approach. Instead, we are sending a team immediately to understand the market firsthand,” said Argat.
World’s Most Water-Efficient Glass Production Facility
Lav, the world’s fifth-largest table glass manufacturer, exports 85% of its production under branded sales and is present in 200 countries worldwide.
Argat underscored the company’s commitment to sustainability, revealing a major global achievement:
“In 2022, we used 4.4 glasses of water to produce a single glass. By 2024, we have reduced this to 1.9 glasses, making Lav the world’s most water-efficient glass manufacturer. Through R&D and innovation, we have developed our own machines, securing a competitive advantage.”
Pioneering Leadership: Türkiye’s First Elected Female Chamber of Industry President
As Türkiye’s first and only elected female president of a Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Esin Güral Argat leads the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry and serves on the TOBB High Coordination Board. She is also a Board Member at Fenerbahçe Sports Club, overseeing Fenerium operations.
Describing herself as a development advocate who embraces responsibility in challenging times, Argat stated that she founded JOALI in the Maldives during the pandemic, overcoming major challenges to build a global luxury brand.
JOALI’s Rise in the Ultra-Luxury Hospitality Sector
Gürok Group has successfully positioned JOALI among the world’s top ultra-luxury resorts, competing with global hospitality giants.
“Our investment in the Maldives was a bold decision. We meticulously built the brand from the ground up and launched it in the most challenging period—the pandemic,” said Argat.
Today, both JOALI resorts, situated on two exclusive islands, have won prestigious global awards, ranking among the best hotels in the Maldives and the Indian Ocean.
“As a Turkish woman, I take immense pride in achieving this global success in the Maldives,” Argat added.
“When the Music Changes, So Does the Dance”
Discussing global economic shifts, Argat highlighted the rapid transformation across industries and international markets. She stated:
“The neo-liberal economic model previously dismissed industrial policies, but now, even the U.S. and the EU are prioritizing them again.
My father always told me, ‘Industry is life.’ We have never strayed from that path, even in tough times.
The world is undergoing a major shift in economic balance. Future trade and investment relations will be more regionally concentrated, while distant economic blocs will see weakened ties.
Türkiye must analyze its key trade partners’ policies and develop long-term industrial strategies accordingly. To achieve this, development agencies must be strategically integrated under the Budget and Strategy Directorate to support regional project development effectively.”
“It’s the Best and the Worst of Times”
Argat concluded her speech by emphasizing the importance of digital transformation, sustainability, and gender diversity in leadership within Gürok Group. She closed with a famous quote from Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Drawing parallels to today’s complex global landscape, Argat stated:
“These words perfectly define our era. The challenges we face are global, but so are the opportunities. Now is the time to analyze trends correctly, act decisively, and seize major opportunities.”
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök