NEWS FROM TÜRKİYE

Hurriyet Daily News - The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) is getting ready to organize the largest Turkish export products fair in Qatar. The move is part of the Chamber’s “Gulf Expansion” projects, initiated by members as ITO attempts to expand its presence by entering new markets. The event is expected to be the largest of its kind and will remain open between October 3 and 6. ITO previously organized similar, smaller-scale fairs in Jordan, Oman and Kuwait. Some 200 representatives of the Turkish private industry, ranging from furniture to cosmetics, will participate in the First Qatar Turkish Products Fair, which will be set up over a 15,000 square-meter area. “Our Chamber first reached out to the Gulf countries back in 1999, when it launched the first Turkish products fair in Bahrain”, said ITO Chairman Murat Yalcintas. “The fairs attracted great interest in Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. The fact that 200 Turkish companies are participating in this fair in Qatar, amidst the global economic crisis, is proof of the Turkish private sector’s dedication and strength.”