Pictured L to R: John McSweeney, Head of Innovation at ESB, Serdar Bilgic, Head of Energy Generation at Unit, and Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore in Istanbul at the announcement that ESB International has won its First contract in Turkey

In April, twenty four Enterprise Ireland client companies were given an opportunity to showcase their products and develop new business opportunities with Turkish partners during a four-day trade mission led by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore TD.

ESB International announced its first major deal in the Turkish market. Worth €30 million over the next five years, the company will operate and maintain a power station in conjunction with Turkish provider Unit Group.

Monaghan-based forklift manufacturer Combilift also signed a new a deal for new orders bringing total business with Turkish partner company Cuhadaroglu to € 1 million.

It followed the announcement of a joint venture by Meath-based steel fabricator Kells Stainless to develop biomass technology with Turkish partner UMDE.

Speaking in Istanbul, the Tánaiste said: "Trade between Turkey and Ireland has risen by 20 percent over the past three years thanks to the initiative of innovative Irish exporters who are driving that growth. This visit has been about supporting their efforts as they continue to make inroads into what is one of the fastest-growing markets in Europe. The deals they are doing here are translating into jobs at home".

During the mission, the Irish Exporters Association also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Turkish Exporters Assembly aimed at doubling bilateral trade over the next ten years.

At an event held at the Turkish Jockey Club in conjunction with animal feed producers Connolly's Redmills, the Tánaiste endorsed the Kilkenny-based company's work in the area of equine nutrition and welcomed the Jockey Club's continued interest and investment in the Irish bloodstock industry.