Overseas Trade Fair Supports, are incentive programs that provide a portion of the costs of participation and attendance at international trade fairs for exporters and SMEs in Turkey, using public resources. These supports are mainly implemented by the Ministry of Trade and KOSGEB.
What is Overseas Trade Fair Support?
These are non-refundable supports provided to encourage Turkish companies' participation in international trade fairs held abroad (stand setup) or to visit these fairs. The aim is to facilitate companies' entry into new markets, increase exports, and strengthen brand recognition. Supports may cover items such as rent, stand setup, transportation, transportation, and promotion.
Supporting Institutions
Ministry of Trade
The Ministry of Trade provides support for participation in trade fairs held abroad, including individual participation and national participation organizations. National participation organizations cover collective participation of companies in the same sector through an organizer.
KOSGEB
KOSGEB can provide support for various programs for SMEs, including support for overseas business trips and participation in trade fairs. Application conditions and support rates vary depending on the program.
Steps to Benefit from Support
The general process works as follows: (1) Verify that the fair is eligible for support, (2) make the necessary pre-application submissions prior to participation/visit, (3) complete the organization, (4) submit the expense documents, participation evidence, and application files to the relevant institution within the specified timeframe. In national participation organizations, the process is usually coordinated by the organizer.
Participation in Fairs with Delta Expo
Delta Expo, as a licensed agency (TÜRSAB 3970) in Turkey, offers organization services including flights, hotels, transfers, and fair entry cards for fairs in Germany, Italy, France, the United Arab Emirates, and more than 60 countries. It provides guidance on documentation and planning during the support process. You can access the fair calendar by country here.
Difference between Individual Participation and National Participation
In foreign fair support, there are two basic participation formats. Individual participation is when the company participates in the fair directly with the fair organizer, and the selection and setup of the stand are the company's responsibility. National participation is an organization by a designated organization appointed by the Ministry of Trade, which brings together Turkish companies from the same sector in a joint Turkish national stand.
National participation is generally easier for first-time participating companies as processes such as shipping, customs, stand setup, and support applications are coordinated by the organizer.
Covered Expense Items
Although it varies by program and year, the following items are typically considered for overseas fair support:
- Stand space rental and allocation of empty space
- Stand setup, decoration, and design expenses
- Transportation of products to the fair (freight, customs)
- Transportation and accommodation (within certain limits)
- Promotional, advertising, and catalog expenses
- Complementary supports such as overseas marketing and trademark registration
The support rate and upper limit for each item vary according to the company's status (SME, industrial/commercial), the nature of the fair, and the relevant communiqué. Support rates are generally higher for prestigious/sectoral fairs.
Common Application Errors
The most common errors leading to loss of support include: neglecting the pre-application or notification obligation before the fair, incomplete or irregular expenditure documents (invoice, payment slip), failure to submit documents within the application period, and not verifying in advance whether the fair is included in the support scope list. Therefore, contacting the relevant Exporters' Association or organizer at the very beginning of the process is of critical importance.
Fair Selection and Strategy
Fair selection is strategic to maximize the benefits of the support. Priority should be given to fairs where your target market is concentrated, the buyer profile is suitable for your product, and which are considered references in your sector. Delta Expo provides guidance in identifying fairs suitable for your sector and target market, and in planning the fair calendar.
Country-based fair lists can be accessed from our Germany, Italy and other country pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for international fair support?
Generally, export-oriented companies and SMEs established in Turkey, meeting the conditions of relevant institutions, can apply. Please check the official sources for the exact conditions.
Is fair visit also supported?
Some programs cover only participation, while others also cover visits. The scope may vary from year to year; please check the current announcements.
When should I submit the support application?
Many supports require a prior application before the fair. It is recommended to consult with the relevant institution or organizer before the fair.
What is national participation?
It is an organization where companies from the same sector participate together in a common Turkish stand, coordinated by an organizer, and supported by a coordinated process.
Can support be obtained for individual participation as well?
Yes, individual participation may also be supported under the relevant announcement; conditions may differ from national participation.
Is the support repayable?
International fair supports are usually non-repayable; please check the official sources for conditions.
