About 265 foreign companies join natural stone fair in western Turkey

IZMIR (A.A) - 23.03.2011 - Around 265 foreign companies are joining a natural stone and technologies fair in the Aegean province of Izmir.
The Izmir International Marble, Natural Stone and Technologies Fair (Marble 2011) opened its doors to visitors for the 17th time on Wednesday.
"The mining exports were up to 6 million tons from 280,000 tons in 16 years," Izmir Mayor Aziz Kocaoglu said during the opening ceremony of the fair at the Izmir Culturepark Fair Ground. 
Also speaking in the ceremony, Selahattin Onur, the chairman of Turkish Marble, Natural Stone and Machinery Manufacturers' Association (TUMMER), said they aimed to become a world leader in natural stone exports in 2023 and raise their exports to 4 billion USD by 2015.
Considered among the top three natural stone fairs in the world in regard to number of participants, the Izmir International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair is hosting 265 foreign and 1,160 local companies from 42 countries.
The fair will stay open till March 26.
Last year, 54,220 people, including 4,281 foreigners, visited the fair. 
Some 55,000 people are expected to visit the fair this year.