Turkey offers comprehensive government support programs for companies participating in overseas trade fairs to boost exports. Companies that effectively use these supports can cover a large portion of their fair costs through government funding. This guide covers the Ministry of Trade, KOSGEB, and TİM programs in detail, including application processes and key points to watch out for.
Ministry of Trade Overseas Fair Support
The Ministry of Trade's overseas fair support is the most comprehensive and widely used support program for Turkish exporters. Supported expenses under this program include:
Stand rental and construction/decoration: Stand space rented at overseas fairs and decoration expenses for that space are supported. For individual participation, support is provided for up to 25 square meters per stand.
Shipping expenses: Transportation costs for samples, machinery, and equipment transported for the fair are covered. International shipping, insurance, and customs expenses can be included.
Promotion and advertising expenses: Printing and production costs for brochures, catalogs, posters, and digital promotional materials prepared specifically for the fair are supported.
Travel expenses: Airfare and accommodation expenses for fair visits, limited to a specified number of people per company, may be included in the support scope.
Support Rates and Upper Limits
Support rates vary depending on company size and type of participation:
Participation within national participation organization: Companies participating in national participation organizations organized by the Ministry of Trade or exporters' associations benefit from higher support rates compared to individual participation. The support rate can range from 50% to 75% of total expenses.
Individual participation: For fairs attended through the company's own organization, the support rate is generally around 50%. This may vary by sector and country.
SME advantage: Support rates for small and medium-sized enterprises are generally set higher. SME-status companies can also benefit from additional supports.
Application Process
1. Pre-Registration and Approval
To benefit from overseas fair support, you must apply to the Ministry of Trade or the affiliated exporters' association before attending the fair. Applications cannot be made after attending the fair — this is one of the most common mistakes. Complete the pre-application as early as possible, preferably at least 2 months before the fair.
2. Required Documents
Documents needed for application include: Trade Registry Gazette, tax certificate, signature circular, export documentation (recent period), stand rental agreement or participation confirmation signed with the fair organizer, technical information form about the fair. Always check the Ministry of Trade's official website for the current document list, as it can change by program and year.
3. Implementation and Expense Documents
After attending the fair, document all your expenses: original invoices, payment receipts, shipping documents, and participation certificate if available. Missing or irregular documents can result in rejection of support. Inform your accounting department in advance and ensure all payments are documented.
4. Support Payment
After complete document submission, support payment is generally deposited within 2–4 months. The process can sometimes take longer; therefore avoid planning fair expenses in a way that strains your cash flow.
KOSGEB Overseas Fair Support
KOSGEB offers a separate overseas fair support program for Turkish companies with SME status. Overseas fair participations can be supported under KOSGEB's Internationalization Support Program. Support amounts are subject to annual upper limits per company; check current limits on KOSGEB's official website.
To benefit from KOSGEB support, you must first be a registered SME in KOSGEB's system. Support applications must be made before the fair and approved as a project. KOSGEB and Ministry of Trade supports can sometimes be used together — but beware of the double financing prohibition.
TİM (Turkish Exporters Assembly) National Participation Organizations
TİM and affiliated exporters' associations organize national participation at the world's leading trade fairs every year. Joining these organizations provides many advantages:
Higher support rate: Participation within national participation frameworks benefits from higher government support than individual participation.
Ready stand infrastructure: In TİM organizations, stand design, installation, and dismantling are generally managed centrally. This provides great convenience in terms of both cost and logistics.
Shared Turkish pavilion: Being under the same pavilion increases Turkey's visibility on the international platform and attracts visitors' attention.
Interpretation and support services: Many national participation organizations provide additional services such as on-site interpreters, protocol management, and legal support.
Stay in regular contact with your relevant exporters' association to follow national participation organizations. Quotas are limited and may fill up early.
Tips for Getting the Most from Support Programs
Plan Your Timeline Well
The biggest pitfall of government supports is the requirement to apply before the fair. Determine the fairs you plan to attend at the beginning of the year and create your application timeline accordingly. Mark the application period for each fair in your calendar.
Get Expert Consulting
Government incentive legislation changes frequently. To access current information, prefer your exporters' association's support unit or consulting firms specializing in this area. Getting professional support to avoid losing support due to incorrect applications or missing documents can be much more economical in the long run.
Benefit from Multiple Sources
Ministry of Trade, KOSGEB, and some municipal/development agency supports can be used together for the same fair across different expense items. Keep records of which expense item is covered by which support to prevent double financing risk.
Reporting and Documentation
Document every expense at the fair — no matter how small — with invoice and payment documents. Photographic documentation (stand setup, event moments) is accepted as additional evidence in some programs. The evaluation report you prepare upon return is a valuable resource for both support applications and future years' planning.
Conclusion
Turkish companies that effectively use government supports can cover a significant portion of overseas fair costs with government contribution. These supports provide a major competitive advantage, especially for SMEs attending international fairs for the first time. With proper planning, timely applications, and complete documentation, it is possible to take advantage of these opportunities.
Visit FuarSorgu for overseas fair calendars and participation planning. Discover fairs suited to your target market and begin your export journey!
