Turkish Olive Oil Producers Turns Attention To Chinese Market

BEIJING (CIHAN) - The Turkish olive oil producers have turned their attention to world's most populous market China for exports.
The Aegean Olive and Olive Oil Exporters delegation have carried out seminary and promotion trips in Chinese capital Beijing to boost the olive oil exports to China which has largest consumption potential in world with its 1,3 billion population.
The Turkish delegation carried out bilateral talks and tried to find business partners.
Aegean Olive and Olive oil Exporters Union Chairman Deniz Ataç said that Turkey with its annual 200 thousand tons of olive oil production has important place in world in the olive oil production sector. "We desire to enter the Chinese market." Atac said that they invited Chinese entrepreneurs and businessmen to arrive in Turkey agreements and promotions.
Turkey is the fourth biggest olive oil producer in world with 200 thousand tons behind Italy, Spain and Greece.
Turkey has exported 50 tons of olive oil in first two quarters of 2004. Last year, Turkey had exported 32 tons of olive oil to China. However, the amount exported from Turkey just constitutes one thirtieth of entire olive oil brought to China from abroad.
The trade volume between Turkey and China was $ 2,6 billion in 2003, which was 89 percent higher than 2002. In first five months of 2004, China has sold $ 1,42 billion worth of good while Turkey just exported to China $ 332 million worth of goods.
Turkish exports during the first six months of 2004 rose by 35.5 percent to 29 billion 367 million dollars. Turkey is hoping to achieve $60 billion in total exports for 2004. Last year, Turkish exports broke their all-time record hitting 48 billion dollars.