Turkish natural stone sector, was shaken by the internment of 4 Turkish natural stone exporters at the last day of Xiamen Stone and Technologies Fair, to which the sector had participated with 150 companies.
The Chairman of the Board of İstanbul Mineral Exporters Association (İMİB) Aydın Dinçer and the President of the Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association (EMİB) made a statement regarding the issue which had happened during Xiamen Natural Stone and Technology Fair.
The Chairman of İMİB, Aydın Dinçer stating that İMİB and EMİB had acted immediately after the incident and informed Turkish Embassy, said: “We, the Assemblies, with the feeling of responsibility, have decided not to share any information regarding the issue in order not to give any harm to individuals, since the content of the subject cannot be fully understood. İMİB President Dinçer said: “Ever since the first moment of the incident, İMİB and EMİB informed the related authorities such as the Embassy of Turkey in Beijing, the Consulate General and the Commercial Attachee. At this stage, when the judicial and legal process is being operated, Turkish Ambassador immediately started to engage in high level negotiations. In this process, which is important is to ensure the safe return of Turkish exporters to our country. Our top officials are following the issue closely. We have given all the information we can do to the authorities and we also shared with the families the contact information of English speaking lawyers in Xiamen. In this context, I strongly recommend that you do not respect the unconfirmed information published in the press or social media.”
“We hope this incident does not harm the Turkey-China relations”
EMİB Chairman Mevlüt Kaya, stating that Turkey’s Ambassador in Beijing, Mr. Abdulkadir Emin Önen had assisted the Turkish Delegation since the first moment said: “Mr. Ambassador immediately sent Turkish Consul general in Guangzhou, Mr. Melih Bora Kerimoğlu to Xiamen. The Embassy is alert for any improvements on the subject. We are hoping that this distressing situation, does not give any harm to trade relations between Turkey and China. China will continue to be the primary export market for the Turkish natural stone industry.”
We had a very successful fair
EMİB President Kaya further said: “Chinese police did not have any disturbing attitude against the companies in the exhibition area during the show. Turkish companies did not have any problems in terms of security. China is the biggest export market of Turkish natural stone industry. Hundreds of Turkish companies have been exporting natural stone that worth billions of dollars to China and will continue to export. We believe that this event will not harm our trade relations in the Chinese market. We continue our preparations in order to host our Chinese customers at the Izmir Marble Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, which will be held on 27-30 March 2019 in Izmir. “