With the volume of Turkish exports to the UAE having grown by a phenomenal 700 per cent in the past five years up to 2007, companies at the Turkish national pavilion have a lot to look forward to at the Big 5 show.

The organisers and members of the pavilion are confident that their participation will further strengthen the strong economic relationship between the two countries.
The Turkish contingent at the Big 5 show comprises 69 prominent firms participating at the country’s national pavilion, which covers an area of 1,332 sq m in Hall 7 and Sheikh Maktoum Hall. The participation is organised by the Export Promotion Center of Turkey ((Igeme).and Istanbul Minerals and Metals Exporters’ Association (IMMIB).
The construction sector has become a key sector of the Turkish economy over the past decades, with exports of building materials having reached $16 billion in 2007.
Says a spokesperson for the pavilion: “Advanced technology, on-time delivery, quick response, high quality standards and use of reasonably-priced Turkish labour and goods, equipment and building materials at international standards have enabled the Turkish construction and building materials sectors to compete throughout the world.”
In Hall 7, 50 prominent Turkish companies will be exhibiting their wide range of products including metal decorative items, gaskets, valves, aluminium and PVC decoration profiles, PVC, PE, PE-X PPRC pipes and fittings, pipe systems, polyethylene foam pipes and sheets, bathroom and kitchen accessories, block-making machines and accessories, glass-cutting lines, concrete batching plant, iron pipe fittings, rebar cutting machines, submersible pumps and motors, door locks and accessories, resin-bonded cutting discs, modular cabins, prefabricated buildings, wire rope hoists, welded panels, modular water tanks, polyurethane panels, formwork systems and accessories, roof tiles, roof components, expansion vessels, PVC window and door systems, insulation plasters, safety helmets, decorative glasses and other construction materials and machinery.
Turkey has one of the world’s richest resources of natural stone, especially marble. In Sheikh Maktoum Hall, 19 reputable companies will be presenting their new stone products comprising handcrafted tile panels, mosaics, marble, limestone, travertine and other natural stones. In addition, marble and granite processing machinery and stone maintenance chemicals will also be promoted.
Commenting on Turkey’s rich heritage when it comes to marble and natural stone, the spokesperson says, “Turkey is one of the oldest marble producers in the world with a history of 4,000 years in marble production. It’s not surprising that Turkish stones and marble can be found in the buildings and sidewalks of 152 different countries.”
Natural stone exports from Turkey have grown rapidly in the last 10 years, with more than one-third of exports going to the US. The other important trading partner with a share of 18 per cent is China followed by the UK, Spain, Canada and Italy. The total value of natural stone exports reached $1.2 billion in 2007.
Turkey’s total exports of miscellaneous goods and services crossed over $107 billion in 2007, recording an increase of 253 per cent over 2006. Its foreign trade volume reached $277 billion, an increase of 23.2 per cent compared to the previous year.
The volume of Turkish exports to the UAE grew by a phenomenal 700 per cent from $457 million in 2002 to $3.2 billion in 2007.
The role of Igeme in promoting Turkish exports has become more prominent with the country’s growing international presence. Established in 1960 with the goal of being a leading, first stop agency in the field of foreign trade development, the organisation has gained a wealth of experience in assisting foreign enterprises in doing business with Turkey, while also supporting Turkish entrepreneurs in their efforts to increase exports.
The IMMIB helps its members to increase exports by organising and supervising their export activities, as well as participating in international and domestic exhibitions and conferences.