Congratulations to the Singapore Fruits & Vegetables Importers and Exporters Association (SFVA) on the publication of the 2010/2011 edition of its Members’ Directory, which continues to be a valuable resource for the fruits and vegetables business in Singapore and in the partner countries.

Given this opportunity, it is my distinct pleasure to share some facts about Turkey, its products, and the available opportunities with regards to fruits and vegetables trade between Turkey and Singapore.

As the 6th largest economy in Europe and 16th largest in the world, Turkey has been transforming its economy and emerging as the new global economic player. Having sustained a 4.3 per cent annual average real GDP growth in the last 7 years, Turkey promises to be one of the fastest-growing economies among the OECD countries for the years 2011-2017 with an expected GDP growth rate of 6.7 per cent.

Turkey is one of the unique countries in the world of agricultural production as well. Except for some tropical products, almost every kind of agricultural product can be produced on a large scale in Turkey, especially fruits and vegetables. Turkey is the most important dried fruit exporter in the world, providing almost 15 % of world dried fruit exports to more than 100 countries. Turkey’s export drive in the recent years also have resulted in a drastic increase in its fresh fruit produce being shipped to more than 50 countries throughout the world, including Singapore.

It is my pleasure to witness more Turkish fresh products entering into the Singapore market in recent years in addition to its dried fruits such as dried apricots, figs and raisins. Turkish lemons, apricots, grapefruits, figs and cherries now can be found at Singapore market with the help of SFVA member companies. Between the production and export capacity of Turkey and the import needs of Singapore, it must be said that there is a multitude of opportunities between our two countries waiting to be tapped.

My Office will be pleased to provide all necessary information and assistance to SFVA members who are interested in Turkish products.

Once again, congratulations to SFVA. We look forward to developing even closer relations with SFVA and its members.

Office of the Commercial Counsellor
Embassy of the Republic of Turkey
2 Shenton Way SGX Centre 1 #10-03
Singapore 068804
Tel : (65) 6533 3385
Fax : (65) 6533 3382
Email: singapur@dtm.gov.tr
Website: www.counsellors.gov.tr