merrion street

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore 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.