December 21 - The fifth transport logistics exhibition, Logitrans held this month in Istanbul, has exceeded the expectations of its organisers, with more than 12,000 visitors, which represented an increase of 37 percent over 2010.

"This good result clearly demonstrates the importance of Turkey for the international shipping industry and logistics. Its function as a bridge to Asia is also very important for the European market, as confirmed by the increase experienced by the volume of visitors and exhibitors, especially from Germany and Italy, "said Gerhard Gerritzen, a member of the board of Messe Munich, co-ordinator of the event.

The percentage of international visitors was 21 percent of the total. The number of participating countries increased from 13 to 23 and Italy, Germany, Latvia, Czech Republic and Austria bought clusters of their logistics services under the umbrella of their national pavilions. According to the regional director for Istanbul the Turkish Ministry of Transport,Hamza Demirdelen, transport and logistics is gaining a "position each increasingly strategic "in Turkey. "Every step taken to improve the logistics sector also helps to position our country as a 'hub' for international trade logistics," he said. The next edition of Transport Logistics Exhibition Logitrans will take place from 15 to 17 November 2012 in Istanbul .

Oliver Ward, who attended on behalf of Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International Magazine said "unsurprisingly there were many companies on display deeply involved in the management of industrial projects. Not only is Turkey still investing in important energy and infrastructure projects itself, but its position as a gateway to the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Central Asia and the northern Middle East means that many Turkish companies can play an important role in facilitating the smooth and safe delivery of valuable, time sensitive, oversized cargoes to some of the most challenging and remote destinations on earth. Their ability to perform these extraordinary movements was on display for all to see."

HLPFI is producing an analysis of the Turkish market in its Jan/Feb edition. If you wish to advertise your services to our influential readership please contact Oliver at oliver@heavyliftpfi.com