ISTANBUL - The number of brands supported by state funded Turquality programme reached 55.
A press release issued by the programme on Thursday said the amount of direct financial support extended to these companies reached 17 million YTL (1 USD equals 1.28 YTL).
67 shops and 107 outlets in foreign countries, belonging to Turkish companies operating in sectors ranging from garment and apparel to durable goods, from industrial machinery to automotive, received support under the programme, it was reported.
The favorite destinations of the participating brands were the U.S, the EU, and Russia. The exports by these companies rose by 38 percent in 2007.
Under the programme, market research and analysis service is provided to participating companies in cooperation with AC Nielsen. This firm provides data on household textiles, apparel, jewellery, personal care products, food sectors in 19 countries ranging from Greece to Russia, and the U.S. to China.
Turquality is a government funded brandization programme, aiming at encouraging Turkish companies to creating stronger brands and helping increase their market share abroad.
(OZG-ULG)