ATO LAUNCHES EXPORT INITIATIVE FOR THE FURNITURE SECTOR

ATO VICE PRESIDENT TEMEL AKTAY: "TURKISH FURNITURE ADORNS HOMES AND OFFICES IN OVER 200 COUNTRIES"

"WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS A $12 BILLION EXPORT TARGET"

18-02-2025- The capital's furniture sector gathered at the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) to meet with procurement delegations from Morocco, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan.

With the support of the Ministry of Trade, the buyer delegation meeting was organized by ATO's 27th Committee for Carpet, Furniture Manufacturing, Decoration, and Retailers and was held at ATO's Duatepe Service Building.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, ATO Vice President Temel Aktay highlighted the achievements of the Turkish furniture sector. Describing furniture as one of Turkey's most well-established and rapidly growing industries, Aktay stated, "The furniture sector, which utilizes a high percentage of domestic resources, is among our most valuable industries, generating high added value through branding and making significant contributions to employment." He further emphasized that R&D and technology-driven, innovative designs enhance the sector's competitiveness.

Discussing collaboration opportunities within the industry, Aktay noted that Turkey's furniture exports, reaching $4.5 billion, have positioned the country as the seventh-largest furniture exporter globally. "Turkish furniture, predominantly produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, now decorates homes and offices in more than 200 countries. In 2002, our share in global furniture exports was 0.5%; today, this figure has risen to 2.1%. This achievement is a source of great pride for all of us," he stated.

Aktay also underscored the sector's increasing competitiveness, adding, "We firmly believe that we will soon reach our $12 billion export target, and we are working diligently towards this goal."

The ATO-hosted meeting brought together businesspeople from Morocco, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan as part of the buyer delegation, while Ankara's furniture sector representatives actively participated. Following the opening session, international and local companies engaged in one-on-one meetings to establish business connections.

Among the attendees were Murat Kopan, Chairman of ATO's 27th Committee for Carpet, Furniture Manufacturing, Decoration, and Retailers and ATO Assembly Member; Yunus Altuntaş, Vice Chairman of the Committee; Committee Member Saadettin Ensoy; and various industry representatives.