More Turkish firms to join 2nd import expo of China

ISTANBUL- About 100 Turkish companies are expected to attend the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai in November, the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM) announced on Tuesday.

Turkish firms have shown a "very intense interest" in the upcoming CIIE and are planning to sign more trade agreements with their Chinese counterparts, TIM Chairman Ismail Gulle said in a meeting in Istanbul.

A total of 38 Turkish companies participated in the first CIIE in November last year and concluded trade deals worth $620 million, according to the chairman.

"One of our priorities is that Turkish exporters get the share they deserve from China's import volume which is estimated to hit $3 trillion," Gulle was quoted as saying in a TIM press release.

Turkish firms shall showcase their products in an area of approximately 4,000 square meters this year, five times larger than the previous year, said Adil Pelister, the director of board of the Istanbul Chemicals and Chemical Products Exporters Association.

"We will display the quality of Turkish products and the power of our exporters at this giant fair with a wide range of assets, including food, medical equipment and service products," he said, describing China as a "strategic market" that would enable Turkish exporters to achieve their export targets.

A total of 172 countries, regions and international organizations and more than 3,600 enterprises participated in the first CIIE held in Shanghai on Nov 5-10 last year, and deals for intended one-year purchases of goods and services worth a total of $57.83 billion were reached.

The second CIIE will feature larger exhibition area and will be attended by more countries and enterprises, Chinese Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan said days ago.