GSD Foreign Trade is the first Turkish example of a specialized foreign trade company model. It was established in 1986 to service the needs of 96 apparel manufacturers. In line with the acceleration of export activities in Turkey in recent years, exports of GSD Foreign Trade have hit US$ 744 million in 2009, commanding a 0.73 % share of Turkey's total exports.

GSD Foreign Trade itself is not engaged in manufacturing, however, it acts as an intermediary for exports on behalf of the manufacturers. The core activities of GSD Foreign Trade are:

• Collection and payment of VAT to exporter customers in a prompt and efficient way
• Financing of VAT in advance, as well as the customers' shipments
• Channeling the demands coming from foreign buyers to GSD Foreign Trade's clientele
• Arranging meetings regularly for executives of participating companies to exchange opinions and views and helping the industry's leading figures to build personal contacts

A unique model of business cooperation The founding aim of GSD was to gather ready-to-wear manufacturers and exporters under the roof of one foreign trade company and combine the strengths and business volumes of individual companies to create economies of scale which would benefit all participants. By specializing solely in the garments industry and following a strategy of direct sales and production autonomy of the manufacturers, GSD Foreign Trade has increased the potential of the Turkish ready-to-wear industry.

From its inception, GSD focused its activities on textile and leather garments, household textiles, and garment accessories. Due to its high volume, GSD was able to benefit from certain financial, commercial, and administrative advantages which it passes along to participating companies. Over the years, these advantages have helped small companies to grow and prosper.

Among the 100 companies cooperating with GSD Foreign Trade, most of them have been working with the Company for more than 10 years. This close and reliable cooperation will serve to maintain GSD Foreign Trade's lead over the competition in the coming years. GSD Holding has a reputable place among textile exporters and manufacturers as a highly reliable, selective, and prudent strategic partner who enables them to excel in their endeavors.

Cooperating with GSD Holding's financial subsidiaries and affiliates, GSD Foreign Trade offers integrated foreign trade services to its customers encompassing a range of financial services as well, including factoring, leasing and commercial banking. This is considered a major advantage over the Company's competitors.

GSD Foreign Trade is wholly owned by GSD Holding.

Below tables show exports volumes, exports destinations and exports breakdown of GSD Foreign Trade:

Our Annual Exports Figures (US$ Millions)

The Breakdown Of Our Exports in 2009