In 2004, Turkey’s leather footwear, handbags and accessories exports totalled approximately $150 million and apparel exports were $7.5 billion. In the same period, Turkish leather footwear, handbags and accessories exports to the Middle East were $40 million. Exports to the UAE have grown by 200 per cent, with lucrative contracts signed during MOTEXHA directly contributing to the increase.

Aziz Ercan Çeliki, deputy secretary general, AEGEAN Exporter’s Association (Undersecretariat for Foreign Trade), commented, “For Turkish companies targeting the Middle East fashion market, Motexha is regarded as the ‘must attend’ event to market their products to the greater Middle East and to develop business opportunities in this region.

“The Middle East has a growing share of Turkey’s leather, textile and apparel exports. We expect this to increase four to five fold within the next five years.”