Last year, according to BCStats, $98.6 million worth of B.C. products were exported to Turkey with the vast majority of that being coal and fuels made from coal. That makes Turkey the 21st top destination for B.C. exports.
There were no comparable numbers for the value of Turkish products that B.C. imports but Turkey exported nearly $1.3 billion worth of products to Canada in 2015.
Part of Turkish Consul General to Vancouver, Anil Bora Inan, job is to help stimulate trade between the two countries. If successful, that will fuel more demand for air travel – particularly business travel, which is more lucrative for airlines than is economy seating.
This move may not mark a milestone for Turkey in global area. However it should be seen as a part of strategy where Turkey wants to increase the influence not only in its region but globally.