The West Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAIB), headquartered in Antalya, Turkey, is a government-affiliated institution operating under the umbrella of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and the Ministry of Trade. Established to facilitate, support, and promote exports from the West Mediterranean Region, BAIB serves as a key coordination and advisory body for over 5,000 member companies across various sectors, particularly in agriculture, food processing, natural stone, and industrial goods.
Core Business and Mission
BAIB’s primary mission is to enhance the export potential of its regional members by providing them with resources, training, promotional activities, and trade facilitation tools. The Association supports exporters in Antalya, Burdur, and Isparta, helping them access global markets, understand international regulations, and boost their competitiveness through sustainable and value-added exports.
Key Services and Functions
BAIB’s portfolio of services encompasses a wide range of activities designed to assist exporters at every stage of their international operations:
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Market Intelligence & Export Data Services
- Regular reporting of regional and global trade statistics
- Exporter guides tailored to sectors and target countries
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Trade Delegations and Buyer Missions
- Outbound trade missions to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
- Inbound buyer programs in collaboration with embassies and trade attachés
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International Fair Participation
- Organization of Turkish national pavilions in trade expos
- Financial and logistical support for SME exhibitors
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Training and Capacity Building
- Seminars on export procedures, digital transformation, sustainability, and EU Green Deal compliance
- Legal and technical support on customs, INCOTERMS, and free trade agreements
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Sustainability & Digital Export Support
- Projects promoting carbon footprint awareness and digital transformation in SMEs
- EU-funded initiatives such as "Green Exporter" projects
Sectoral Coverage and Product Representation
BAIB represents a broad spectrum of regional products and industries, with core strengths in:
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Agricultural and Food Products
- Citrus fruits, pomegranates, cherries, tomatoes, peppers
- Olive oil, dried fruits, packaged foods
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Natural Stone and Mining
- Burdur Beige Marble, travertine, limestone exports
- Processed block stones and cut-to-size slabs
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Industrial and Chemical Products
- Furniture, construction materials, automotive parts
- Chemical derivatives, fertilizers, plastic materials
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Other sectors
- Aquaculture and fisheries
- Textiles and apparel
- Renewable energy and agri-tech products
Export Performance and Economic Impact
According to BAIB's 2023 Export Performance Report:
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Total Exports (2023): $2.67 billion
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Number of Exporting Companies: 5,010
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Top Export Sectors:
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: $910 million
- Natural Stone: $480 million
- Chemical Products: $320 million
- Forestry and Paper: $180 million
- Aquaculture: $160 million
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Top Export Markets:
- Germany, Russia, Iraq, Ukraine, Netherlands, Romania, Israel, UK, Italy
The region's agriculture-based exports are bolstered by Antalya’s greenhouse production capacity and advanced logistics infrastructure, including Antalya Port and proximity to Mersin and Izmir ports.
Strategic Projects and Collaborations
BAIB actively engages in regional development and international collaboration:
- UR-GE Projects (supported by the Ministry of Trade) aimed at clustering SMEs for export capacity development
- European Union Programs: Engagement in Horizon Europe and IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) projects
- Digital Export Platform: Development of an e-commerce gateway for SMEs targeting Europe and MENA
Capabilities
- Exporter Network: Over 5,000 active member exporters across 50+ product categories
- International Trade Event Organizer: More than 40 trade events coordinated annually
- Export Documentation: BAIB is authorized to issue ATR, EUR.1, and Certificate of Origin documents
- Sustainability Expertise: Leading regional efforts in EU Green Deal compliance training
Certifications and Compliance
While BAIB itself is a non-commercial public entity, it ensures member companies meet international export standards by:
- Providing compliance checklists and regulatory updates
- Assisting in obtaining certifications such as ISO, HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., BRC, and Halal
- Organizing pre-certification audits and quality workshops
Testimonials
“Through BAIB's support, our agricultural exports to the EU doubled in two years. Their insights into certification and buyer expectations have been invaluable.”
— Managing Director, Antalya Fresh Produce Co.
“The trade missions arranged by BAIB opened doors to long-term contracts in the Middle East. Their coordination and sector expertise are world-class.”
— Business Development Manager, StoneCraft Marble Exports
Achievements
- $2.67 billion in exports facilitated in 2023 from the West Mediterranean Region
- Ranked among Turkey’s top regional exporters’ associations in agri-food and marble sectors
- Organized over 500 trade missions and buyer events in the past decade
- Launched Turkey’s first digital “Green Export Roadmap” for agriculture sector SMEs
- Strategic cooperation with chambers of commerce, consulates, and logistics firms to streamline export operations
The West Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAIB) stands as a critical enabler of Turkey’s regional export growth, combining regulatory guidance, global market access, and tailored exporter support to empower businesses in Antalya, Burdur, and Isparta for international success.