TAITRA Helps Generate US$12 M. in Business with Turkey

Taipei, Sept. 26, 2011 (CENS)--To actively explore the emerging markets, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) recently organized 161 trade meetings between 115 domestic manufacturers and 14 Turkish buyers, estimated to generate business opportunities exceeding US$12 million or about NT$358 million.

The Turkish buyers are mostly leading enterprises and purchased a variety of products, including rubber & plastic items, machines, medical equipment, auto parts, computers & peripherals, electronics, from Taiwan during their stay.

TAITRA says Turkey is full of natural resources and has a big labor force with a population of 73 million, coupled with land 22-times as big as Taiwan. In 1996 the nation entered European Customs Union and per capita income reached US$12,000 in 2010, hence the world's 17th largest economy.

Turkey is Europe's major supplier of white home appliances and has in recent years become the a favorite market for leading multinationals as Coca Cola, Microsoft and Intel to establish headquarters.

Last year Taiwan's exports to Turkey totaled US$1 billion or about NT$29 billion, for an annual growth of 12.9%.