Southeastern Exporters Target $12 Billion in Exports

Gaziantep generated the highest exports of USD 7.9 billion from the region comprising 8 provinces under GAİB, which shipped products to 193 countries and free zones.

Southeastern exporters earned USD 2.3 billion from cereals, legumes, oilseeds and their products, USD 1.8 billion from carpets, USD 816 million from fabrics, USD 687 million from yarn, USD 587 million from pasta, and USD 240 million from dried fruits and their products. The region's largest exports went to Iraq at USD 2.3 billion, the United States at USD 1 billion, and the United Kingdom at USD 400 million. GAİB Coordinator President Ahmet Fikret Kileci stated: "The USD 10 billion target for our leading city Gaziantep is no longer a dream. For our region in 2021, we expect growth parallel to Gaziantep's figures, and we have an export target of approximately USD 12 billion. We offset the decline experienced in the Middle East in 2019 with exports to Europe, Africa, and particularly North America, especially the United States. Our 2021 target is to further increase our exports to these countries and country groups and strengthen these markets. Turkey's 2021 export target was set at USD 184 billion. In line with Turkey's target, we will continue to enhance the record contribution of our Southeast export family of USD 9.278 billion in 2020 and provide strength to our country."   Source: Milliyet