Despite political tensions between the countries, Israel's Kibbutz Industries Association's (KIA) exports to Turkey grew by 12% in the first quarter of 2011 – reaching $28 million in products ranging from irrigation systems, to plastic ware and food products, compared to $25 million in the first quarter of 2010.



KIA's report points to an ongoing trend that began in 2010, during which KIA exported products worth $70 million to Turkey - a 25% rise compared to 2009.



Kibbutz Industries Association Chairman Yonatan Bassi said that "The positive export figures in spite of the political tensions prove that both sides feel a real desire and need to tighten the trade relations."



Israel and Turkey signed a free trade agreement in 2000, making Turkey the first Muslim country to sign a free trade accord with Israel.