Sheikh Hasher bin Juma Al Maktoum opens record breaking 'Made in Turkey' trade fair

Welcomed by a display of traditional Turkish costumes government officials from both Turkey and the UAE, including Obaid Al Tayer, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) oversaw the first day of the three-day show at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The delegation spent time with many of the 270 companies - a record breaking number for Turkey in the country's biggest exhibition to date. The construction, machinery, decoration and fashion industries have displays stretching across four halls making it one of the largest exhibitions for an individual country at Dubai's International Convention Centre.

'The response has been staggering with participant figures almost double what was originally expected,' said Bülent Erten, managing director of Expotim International Fair Organisations Inc., the exhibition organisers.

'Our main aim through staging this inaugural trade fair is to generate business. We're currently in an era of major growth and there is vast potential for the future,' he added.

Turkish exports to the UAE are expected to rise 53% by the end of the year following a forecasted increase from $1.3 billion (dhs4.8 billion) in 2004 to $2 billion (dhs7.3 billion) in 2005. The two countries are now in pursuit of free trade agreement to further ease business links, such as those being sought at the 'Made in Turkey' expo.

'Having enjoyed extensive success in the west through a free trade agreement with the EU, Turkey now aims to strengthen its ties in the East with which it shares so many cultural values,' said Harun Kocak, Turkey's commercial attaché, who joined the political delegation.

With 113 exhibitors the construction contingency has the strongest presence at the show and includes Turkey's largest construction materials companies who will play a major role after setting their sights on major growth in the Middle East.

Displays from the construction sector, which accounts for 5% of the country's GNP and is the third largest industry after foodstuffs and textiles, include a vast array of products from building materials to decorative goods such as ceramic tiles.

Machinery businesses have been the driving force of industrialisation in Turkey, according to the country's economic reports, and they will be represented at 'Made in Turkey' by 67 leading national names such as Anet Teknik, a company which exports its factory machines to 800 companies in 27 countries worldwide.

The fashion industry will also have a strong presence with 83 participants ranging from high street to haute couture brands showing off their wares. Two daily fashion shows, preluded by traditional displays from Sabanci Women's Technical Education Institute, will feature exclusive collections designed for the Middle East market.

Other VIP visitors to the first day of 'Made in Turkey' included Turkey's consul general to the UAE Ihsan Yucel and representatives from the DCCI.

Authorised by the undersecretary of foreign trade, 'Made in Turkey' was organised by Expotim International Fair Organizations Inc., a Turkish events management company.