The evaluation of export performance of Turkish small and medium scale enterprises operating in the food and drink sector based on trade relationship between Turkey and republic of Benin: A study on sales values between 2010-2016

On the 9th of July 2012, a trade agreement was signed between the Republics of Turkey and Benin to improve commercial cooperation. Based on this trade agreement, the study evaluated the export performance of Turkish Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the Republic of Benin in the foods and drinks sector. The objective of the study is to understand whether Turkish SMEs that attend trade fairs and trade missions organized by the foods and drinks sector in Benin record positive or negative export performance. To achieve the stated objectives, a six (6) hypothesis conceptual model was tested. The research applied a random sampling method to select SMEs in the exporters association based in Istanbul operating in the food and beverages sector who once exported to the Republic of Benin. Using a survey technique, 332 questionnaires were sent to Turkish SMEs by email. Of the 332 SMEs to whom the surveys were sent, 172 (52%) responded and used as the final sample for the research. Pearson Chi-square test, Histogram (descriptive), İndependant T-test and One Way ANOVA were used to test the research hypotheses. After testing the hypotheses, the study found no relationship between Turkish SMEs which have English and French speakers, and their presence at to trade fairs and missions in the Republic of Benin. The study also found that Turkish SMEs operating in the foods and drinks sector that attend trade fairs and trade missions in Benin recorded positive financial and non-financial export performance.