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Tánaiste concludes trade mission to Turkey as ESBI announces €30 million deal

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., has concluded a four-day trade mission to Turkey during which 24 Enterprise Ireland client companies were given an opportunity to showcase their products and develop new business opportunities with Turkish partners.

ESB International announced its first major deal in the Turkish market. Worth €30 million over the next five years, the company will operate and maintain a power station in conjunction with Turkish provider Unit Group.

Monaghan-based forklift manufacturer Combilift also signed a new a deal for new orders bringing total business with Turkish partner company Cuhadaroglu to € 1 million.

It followed the announcement of a joint venture by Meath-based steel fabricator Kells Stainless to develop biomass technology with Turkish partner UMDE.

Speaking in Istanbul, the Tanaiste said:

"I am delighted that this week we made important progress in developing new markets in Turkey for Irish business. With over 30 million in contracts signed we have helped to create and support jobs in Ireland, while laying down important foundations for Ireland's economic relationship with this emerging and ambitious economic power."

"Trade between Turkey and Ireland has risen by 20 percent over the past three years thanks to the initiative of innovative Irish exporters who are driving that growth. This visit has been about supporting their efforts as they continue to make inroads into what is one of the fastest-growing markets in Europe. The deals they are doing here are translating into jobs at home."

Wednesday's deals were preceded by a series of high-level political meetings led by the Tánaiste in Ankara, where Turkish minsters for the Economy, Energy & Natural Resources and Science, Industry & Technology welcomed the presence of Irish exporters in the Turkish market.

During the mission, the Irish Exporters Association also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Turkish Exporters Assembly aimed at doubling bilateral trade over the next ten years.

At an event held at the Turkish Jockey Club in conjunction with animal feed producers Connolly's Redmills, the Tánaiste endorsed the Kilkenny-based company's work in the area of equine nutrition and welcomed the Jockey Club's continued interest and investment in the Irish bloodstock industry.