According to Mustafa Satici, the chairman of the Western Mediterranean Exporters Union (BAIB) if the outcome of talks with Chinese companies are positive, Turkey could become the world’s number one fruit and vegetable exporter.
As a result of the breakdown in relations with Russia, Turkey has been looking at alternative markets, and has hence held meetings with several Chinese companies. Annually, China imports 5 billion dollars of food and agricultural products. A meeting was held in Antalya with an 8-person delegation of officials from these Chinese firms.
The delegation said they want to buy cherries, lemons, pomegranates, nuts, dried figs and dried apricots from Turkey.
Satici gave the delegation information about Turkey's fresh fruit and vegetables production and exports. "Turkey ranks 13th in the world for fresh fruit and vegetable exports. If deals are made after the talks with the Chinese companies, Turkey's fresh fruit and vegetable exports will rise to the first position," he said.
In the last 20 years, Turkey's fresh fruit and vegetable production and exports have increased significantly noted Satici, stating that they export to over 100 countries. He also noted the need to sign a quarantine agreement to develop trade between Turkey and China.
Chairman of the China Agricultural Products Marketing Association and Beijing Xinfadi Inc., Zhang Yuxi visited Turkey for 5 days and said they would carry out investigations.
Concerning the agreement made at the G20 summit, Yuxi said:
‘’We’ve come to see and buy your agricultural products. Our imports will start with Turkish cherries. I sell fruit and vegetables in Beijing, I buy from 30 countries and I hope Turkey will become number 31.’’
