Aykut Goymen, President of the Turkish Pasta Industrialists Association (TMSD), stated that the sector exported $700 million in the 9-month period of the year and that they aim to reach the level of $1 billion by the end of the year.
Goymen reminded the AA correspondent that October 25 was celebrated as World Pasta Day following the proposal submitted by TMSD to the International Pasta Manufacturers Association in 1997.
Stating that TMSD carries out its work in line with the demands and expectations of the sector, Goymen said, “We are proud to lead in today’s celebration because Turkiye is second in the world in pasta production and exports. Last year, Turkiye’s pasta export was around 1 million 350 thousand tons and we will exceed this amount this year. When we look at the 9 months of the year, we had exports of approximately $700 million. Our exports will reach $1 billion by the end of the year.”
Turkiye started exporting durum wheat
Goymen emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Soil Products Office and TMSD are carrying out various studies to increase the production of durum wheat.
Reminding that in previous years, wheat imports were needed for pasta exports, Goymen continued as follows:
“As a result of the studies, the planting areas of Durum wheat have expanded and the results of this have begun to be seen this year. As of two months ago, the previous import requirement was abolished. We now have wheat that can meet our needs both domestically and abroad. In other words, while we imported wheat for pasta exports in the past years, we no longer need to import it. The cost of the pasta we import for pasta production remains in foreign currency for our country. We started exporting durum wheat for the first time in our history. So far, around 750 thousand tons of durum wheat has been exported, and this will go up to 1 million tons. Last year, around 3 million 250 thousand tons of durum wheat harvest was achieved, this year a crop of over 4 million tons was achieved. Dumum wheat exports were allowed because they were over 4 million tons.”
The target of the sector is world leadership
Stating that Turkish pasta is exported to 160 countries, Goymen concluded his words as follows:
“I think that the Turkish pasta industry will move forward if the restrictions are resolved. As Turkish pasta producers, we focus on the whole world. It is possible to see the Turkish pasta industry in all food fairs and this makes us proud. Our goal is to become a leader in the world and exports. As the Turkish pasta industry, we think that we represent our country in the best way in the world. We have the infrastructure, technology and dynamism to produce all kinds of products that will meet the demands, needs and expectations of every country.”
Source: AA / Prepared by Irem Yildiz