Kibbutz exports to Turkey up 12%

Israel's Kibbutz Industries Association's (KIA) exports to Turkey US$28 million in products ranging from irrigation systems, to plastic ware and food products, despite political tensions between the countries
 
Despite political tensions between the countries, Israel's Kibbutz Industries Association's (KIA) exports to Turkey grew by 12% in the first quarter of 2011 – reaching US$28 million in products ranging from irrigation systems, to plastic ware and food products, compared to US$25 million in the first quarter of 2010.
 
KIA's report points to an ongoing trend that began in 2010, during which KIA exported products worth US$70 million to Turkey- a 25% rise compared to 2009.
 
Kibbutz Industries Association Chairman Yonatan Bassi said that "The positive export figures in spite of the political tensions prove that both sides feel a real desire and need to tighten the trade relations".
 
Israel and Turkey signed a free trade agreement in 2000, making Turkey the first Muslim country to sign a free trade accord with Israel.