The Russian Export Center (REC), part of VEB.RF, has doubled the volume of REC-supported exports to Turkey. Over the first 11 months of 2024, the group facilitated foreign trade deals exceeding $3.5 billion, according to Timur Safin, the REC representative in Turkey.
“Despite challenges in Russian-Turkish trade in 2024, REC-supported exports more than doubled, reaching over $3.5 billion,” Safin noted.
He highlighted that sectors with the greatest potential in Turkey include agriculture, forestry, chemicals, metallurgy, and unique goods from other industries. To promote Russian agricultural products, the REC organized a national exhibition, Made in Russia, at the 2023-2024 World Food Istanbul event. This showcase featured 36 Russian producers of grains, beverages, confectionery, food ingredients, packaging, and equipment for the food industry. Additionally, over 40 companies from the Rostov region and Krasnodar Krai participated. Some exhibitors’ products are already available in Turkish retail chains, while others are preparing to enter the market.
“Turkish partners have shown interest in agricultural raw materials, specific confectionery items, and alcohol. Contracts have been signed, and the exhibition provided Russian exporters with access to major buyers from the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia,” Safin stated. He emphasized that World Food Istanbul is the region's second most important food exhibition after Gulfood in Dubai, offering better accessibility for market participants.
To strengthen ties, the REC has also opened a demonstration and tasting pavilion in Istanbul, showcasing products from around 50 companies under the Made in Russia and Good Food Russia brands. The REC supports direct connections with leading Turkish importers and retail chains to promote these products.
Safin credited the growth in REC-supported exports to coordinated efforts by the Russian Export Center Group, the Russian Embassy, the Trade Mission, regional export support structures, and business associations. “We expect that this integrated and proactive approach, along with intensified efforts to promote Russian products under the Made in Russia brand, will further boost exports in the coming year,” he added.
About the Russian Export Center (REC)
The REC has been operating in Turkey since 2020, facilitating trade and attracting Turkish businesses for joint projects. A state institute for non-commodity exports, REC provides financial and non-financial support across all stages of market entry. As part of its efforts under the national project International Cooperation and Export, REC includes the Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment Insurance, ROSEXIMBANK, and the Export School.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Moscow-Live/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS