This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2025 shows a themed-decoration of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
Ahead of the 8th China International Import Expo, Turkish companies are preparing to tap into China's evolving consumer trends and growing demand for high-quality and healthy products -- opportunities that could help them strengthen their position in global markets.
ISTANBUL, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Turkish companies are preparing to tap into China's evolving consumer trends and growing demand for high-quality and healthy products -- opportunities that could help them strengthen their position in global markets.
Jak Eskinazi, coordinator chairman of the Aegean Exporters' Associations, told Xinhua that China has become one of the main engines of global economic growth over the past three decades, and continues to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the world economy.
The eighth edition of the CIIE, the world's first import-themed national-level annual fair to be held in Shanghai this November, "attracts extensive international participation," Eskinazi said.
He emphasized that the fair offers Turkish companies a valuable platform to showcase their brands and to engage in productive business meetings.
Jak Eskinazi, head coordinator of the Aegean Exporters' Association, speaks at a promotion for the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Istanbul, Türkiye, on July 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Omer Kuscu)
With rising per capita income, Chinese consumer behavior has been changing rapidly, Eskinazi noted. "Generation Z ... plays a major role in shaping these consumption trends," he said. "They are willing to pay more for products once considered niche, showing strong interest in unique and premium goods."
Turkish exporters must adapt their product portfolios to meet these evolving expectations, he added.
Turkish manufacturers from various sectors have already taken steps in this direction.
An executive from Proff Plastik, an Istanbul-based producer of household plastic goods and cleaning supplies, told Xinhua that entering the Chinese market poses both challenges and opportunities.
"China's production capacity is enormous, and its prices are highly competitive," the executive told Xinhua. "The only way to succeed in this market is to thoroughly understand Chinese consumers' habits and expectations, and to customize products specifically for Chinese buyers."
Mehmet Ali Isik, chairman of the Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters' Association and owner of Isik Tarim highlighted the dynamism of China's consumer market.
"Adapting to China's changing consumption demands and the current policy environment can open new trade opportunities and cooperation channels for Turkish companies," he said.
To attract Chinese consumers, Turkish firms organize a range of promotional activities and interactive events at their CIIE booths each year. Visitors are offered small gifts and invited to experience products in engaging ways. Many companies also collaborate with popular Chinese influencers to reach wider audiences through live-streaming sessions.
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