Frankfurt, Germany: The high importance of mutual trade and investments between Turkey, Germany and the European Union (EU) was emphasised during the ISH 2017 in Frankfurt, according to a press release issued by the Eurovent Association. The Association, ISKID (Turkey’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Manufacturers’ Association) and the Air Handling Technology Association within VDMA (German Engineering Association) welcomed leading industry representatives from these region to the ‘Turkey in Europe’ Aircontec Reception. Turkey, the press release said, was the official partner country of this year’s ISH.

At the event, industry leaders, the press release highlighted, pledged for a further intensification of industry relations and highlighted the important role of the Eurovent Association in building bridges across borders.

During the event, Friedrich Wagner of VDMA Foreign Trade, Turkey, further emphasised the important trade relationship between Turkey and Germany, revealed the press release. His statistics indicated that in 2016, 10.8% of all Turkish imports came from Germany while 9.8% of all Turkish exports went to Germany.

Dr Thomas Schräder, Managing Director, VDMA Air Handling Technology and host of the reception, said, “Eurovent is the best proof that sometimes the industry is ahead of others in establishing commitment on common standards, independent from existing political borders.”

Emphasising that Turkey is a very important market for HVAC and refrigeration, Dr Hugo Blaum, President, VDMA Air Handling Technology, said that he hoped the company’s cooperation continued with its Turkish partners, despite of all political turbulences. “Energy savings and low operational cost are the main driver for R&D and investment decisions of today,” he said. “For example, solar energy in combination with heat pumps and underground water use results in attractive TCO factors. ISH showcased a lot more solutions which suit Turkish market needs and I do hope that the alignment of the German manufacturers with our Turkish partners will provide benefits for both sides.”

Summarising the economic relations between the two countries, Taner Yönet, President of ISKID, said that the number of German companies in Turkey is more than 6000, with a value of around EUR 10 billion in investments, according to Turkish Ministry of Economy. Commenting on the HVACR sector, Yönet highlighted: “Turkey has strong companies with wide range of high quality products in this field. Germany is the top export market for Turkey. The total value of HVACR products exported on yearly basis accumulates to 400 Million EUR.”

Felix Van Eyken, Secretary General, Eurovent Association, added: “For decades, Eurovent has been a prime example of good cooperation across borders and cultures, with associations and manufacturers from more than 25 countries working together towards common industry objectives. The Turkish industry has been a key contributor to our association since 1999. Over the years, it has shaped many of our industry initiatives, supported the development and application of European standards in Turkey, and contributed to an increase in trade relations.”