Turkish exporters aim to soar higher: Association

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish exporters' are aiming to carry monthly records to the next level, the head of a large business association said on Monday.

We march resolutely to surpass exports record of $200 billion, but we were unable to do so, Ismail Gulle, chairman of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM), said at a news conference in capital Ankara where the foreign trade figures for February were revealed.

Turkey recorded its highest February exports figure, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan announced Monday.

Last month, Turkish exports based on the special trade system reached $13.6 billion and based on general trade system $14.3 billion, Pekcan said.

Stating that exports picked up last year by the second half of January, Gulle said: "We reached an export level of over $3.5 billion on a weekly basis, up from $3 billion, and this upward trend will also continue in March.

"Our goal is to exceed $16 billion at least in a month this year while carrying weekly exports figure over $4 billion."

Gulle pointed out that the automotive sector tops exports with $2.5 billion, followed by chemical products ($1.6 billion) and apparel ($1.4 billion).

Ship and yacht, chemical products and jewellery sectors posted the highest increase among industrial products rising 35 percent, 30 percent and 28 percent, respectively, Gulle stated.

He noted that the most remarkable increase were seen in Turkey's exports to Malta which showed a more than ten-fold increase.

Turkish exports to Libya doubled in the month, he said.

Quantitatively, Turkey's exports rose nearly 20 percent to hit 11.3 million tons, Gulle said.

He added that the number of countries that Turkey exports to in Turkish liras reached 175 with exports worth of 4.3 billion liras ($816 million).