One of the biggest and most important groups was a 200-strong delegation from Turkey that included high-ranking parliament officials, small and medium-sized enterprises, associations and chambers of commerce.

Most of the businessmen came from Turkey's second-largest commercial city, Izmir, and was led by its mayor, Aziz Kocaoglu.

"This is a learning trip for us," said the mayor, explaining that the group had come to learn about Ratchaphruek's grand and impressive expo facilities.

"Chiang Mai is a lot like Izmir, with its lush attractions and modern facilities."

Izmir, with its bays, gardens, monuments and many attractions, is known as the Pearl of the Aegean.

Turkey's third-largest metropolis is in the running to be the venue for the 2015 World Expo. Extra flights and hotel beds and large infrastructure projects are all in the works.

The mayor spoke of US$700 million (Bt24.65 billion) worth of trade between Turkey and Thailand annually, with a trade deficit of $300 million in favour of Thailand. He said machinery was the major Turkish export item.

Tourism is another important industry. The mayor met with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to discuss increasing the number of flights between the two countries.

"This will help Thai businessmen use Istanbul and Izmir as gateways to trade with Europe," said Kocaoglu.

The mayor said the recent formation of the Thai-Turkish Business Council would give a boost to trade relations between the two countries.

He hoped that like the 2,000-square-metre permanent Turkish garden created in Chiang Mai for the Ratchaphruek expo, trade links between the two countries would be long-lasting.

The theme of the 2015 World Expo will be "Health for All", and thus the trip to Chiang Mai's floral exhibition was especially significant.

When the World Business Expo Council meets in Paris next year to decide the venue for the event, Izmir hopes to be chosen and finally find its place in the sun.

Lekha J Shankar

Special to The Nation