9 February 2010 / ŞABAN GÜNDÜZ , ANTALYA
Nearly 43 million cut flowers will be exported to Western Europe, particularly England, the Netherlands and Germany, for Valentine’s Day, the chairman of the Antalya Union of Cut Flower Exporters, Osman Bağdatlıoğlu, said on Monday.
Bağdatlıoğlu, speaking to Today’s Zaman, noted that the cut flower sector throughout the world was adversely affected by the global economic crisis. “Exports from Turkey to Western Europe increased by 20 percent this year; however, the number of cut flowers exported to Ukraine and Russia decreased by 30 percent. With the upcoming Valentine’s Day, we are so happy. We will export nearly 43 million cut flowers, and we expect $6 million in currency flow to Turkey following the exports,” stated Bağdatlıoğlu, noting that Antalya is regarded as a center of cut flower production.Stating that the export of roses for Valentine’s Day increased considerably, Bağdatlıoğlu said the sector is seeking to take advantage of this increase in demand for roses and that Valentine’s Day gives the sector a considerable boost. Noting that Turkish flowers are well liked in European countries, Bağdatıoğlu added that people should show their love not only with roses but also other flowers.
