With support from the USAID AgBiz project, eight Macedonian firms, members of the Macedonian Association of Processors (MAP) participated in a study tour to Turkey, including the 2008 Food Technology Fair in Istanbul. As a result, the participants signed pre-contracts worth $140,000, made five contacts with raw material suppliers, and learned from Turkey’s advanced food processing experience.

“We learned a lot,” said MAP Executive Secretary Saso Ristevski. ”The USAID AgBiz project helped us to understand how modern technology affects processing and competitiveness.”

Driven by the rapid growth of food industry in the region, Turkey is recognized as the leader in food processing. But modern markets demand new technologies and highly productive machinery to help companies increase their product range and business efficiency. Recognizing this, Turkish processors are undertaking big investments focused on research and product development. During the study tour, Macedonian participants had a unique opportunity to visit three leading Turkish companies and learn about their technological advances, new products and best business practices. A return visit is planned by one of the Turkish firms to sign additional contracts and explore new business opportunities in Macedonia.