Machinery sector strives for awareness
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Hürriyet Daily News
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Haziran 12, 2009 00:00
ISTANBUL - The machinery sector is eyeing new opportunities to expand its presence in both domestic and global trade. As part of this effort, the Machine Presentation Group, or MTG, an association set up as part of the Central Anatolian Machinery and Accessories’ Exporters Union, has launched a new promotion program to boost the sector’s potential.
"Since the past decade, Turkey has developed a lot in terms of exports, and machines used in construction and mining are among the most exported goods," MTG Chairman Ali Rıza Oktay said at a press conference Thursday. "Compared to the previous year, exports increased by 18.2 percent, to $10.9 billion, in 2008, while imports saw an increase of 0.2 percent, to $23.3 billion."
The Turkish machinery sector exports 80 percent of its products, Oktay added, noting that "imports are still more than exports."
Annual turnover of the sector has reached 50 billion Turkish Liras, said Adnan Dalgakıran, the co-chairman of the MTG, which aims to develop the sector with new campaigns. "Most of the Turkish firms do not prefer to use Turkish machines," he said. "This has got to change."
The MTG aims to encourage spending on research and development and increase academic support for the sector. The group also plans to set up a machine development fund.
The Turkish machinery sector exports 80 percent of its products, Oktay added, noting that "imports are still more than exports."
Annual turnover of the sector has reached 50 billion Turkish Liras, said Adnan Dalgakıran, the co-chairman of the MTG, which aims to develop the sector with new campaigns. "Most of the Turkish firms do not prefer to use Turkish machines," he said. "This has got to change."
The MTG aims to encourage spending on research and development and increase academic support for the sector. The group also plans to set up a machine development fund.