Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Turkish exports to Africa was up in May 2009, experts said on Tuesday.
Turkish exporters are seeking new markets as exports to Europe, United States and Russia were down due to the global economic crisis, and have turned their face to Africa, Gulf and South American countries, experts also said.
Turkey's trade with African countries were up by three-folds in three years, and climbed from 6 to 18 billion USD.
Turkish exports to Africa were up from 2.5 to 9 billion USD in three years.
Although Turkish exports were down 40 percent in May, exports to Africa were up 30 percent. Turkey earned some 3.8 billion USD from exports to African countries.
"African countries are demanding furniture, apparels, durable house products, home textiles, processed food, packaging devices, iron-steel, electrical devices, and construction materials," Rizanur Meral, the chairman of the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists, said.
Meral said Turkey was buying oil, raw material, gold and minerals from Africa.
Also, Meral underlined importance of investing in African countries as there was significant potential in dwelling and construction industries in Africa.
