Cebu strengthens trade ties with Turkey

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu business community hopes to strengthen its trade relations with Turkish businesses, following the recently concluded 10-day mission in Turkey organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

"We hope that cultural exchange and understanding between our people will be enriched.  Cebuano businessmen can now have easier access to explore trade opportunities in Turkey, following the Turkish government's commitment to forge stronger link with Cebu," said CCCI president Ma. Teresa Chan.

Thirteen Cebuano businessmen and women went to Turkey last October 15 to 25 (2015) to explore trade opportunities in the parliamentary republic in Eurasia--Turkey.

"The delegates met with about 100 serious manufacturers/ businessmen on one on one business matching from various industries, solar energy, construction, cooking, ingredients, cosmetics, dairy products--mozzarella cheese, textiles, etc., who are leaders in market size and resources in Turkey and other countries around the globe," said Tan.

In his recent visit to Cebu, Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Esra Cankorur officially cemented both country's trade relation with emphasis on tapping the active business players in Cebu, saying Cebu’s dynamic business environment and the booming economy of Turkey is something that can bring positive trade exchanges between both governments.

The Republic of Turkey is the 17th biggest economy in the world.

The trade volume between Turkey and Philippines amounted to US$ 306 million in 2012. In the same year, the Philippines was Turkey’s 99th export partner and 79th import partner.

Turkey’s exports to the Philippines amounted to US$ 148 million with an increase of 47 percent from 2011. The top export products were in the categories of wheat and flour, cereal preparations, tobacco, metal, textile yarn, fabrics; made-up articles, medicinal and pharmaceutical products.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s imports from Philippines totaled US$ 158 million in 2012 with an increase of 29 percent from 2011. The top import products were in the categories of transport equipment, electrical machines, apparatus and appliances, office machinery, automatic data-processing equipment, vegetables and fruit, and rubber.

In recent years, enhanced economic and commercial relations paved the way for the Philippine business circles to increase their interest in the Turkish economy. (FREEMAN)