Turkish firms eye return to pre-crisis $6 bln exports to Russia

In the wake of a decline amid the global economic crisis, Turkish exports to Russia are now set to return to pre-crisis levels. Turkey's exports to Russia fell from $6 billion in 2008 to around $2.5 billion in 2009, but exporters are hoping to return to 2008 levels this year. Turkey managed to boost its overall exports to $52 billion, a 52 percent increase over the preceding year. Companies are optimistic that they will reach their export target to Russia by year's-end, while more Turkish companies have set their eyes on this giant market than in previous years. The 18th annual Prodexpo, a recent food product fair in Russia, was important in showing the potential for boosting Turkey's exports to Russia. The Aegean Exporters Union alone is working to help 10 new Turkish food exporters enter the Russian market.