Nearly 200 Chinese companies participated in KOMATEK, presenting a wide range of products, including new-energy equipment, intelligent machinery and high-end industrial solutions.
ISTANBUL, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese construction machinery manufacturers are strengthening their presence in Türkiye, showcasing advanced technologies and expanding market influence as they pursue global growth opportunities.
The 18th International Construction Machinery, Technology and Equipment Trade Exhibition (KOMATEK 2026) opened on Wednesday at the Istanbul Expo Center. As Türkiye's largest and most influential trade exhibition for the industry, the event has attracted exhibitors from across the world, ranging from construction machinery and mining equipment to aerial work platforms, green energy technologies and intelligent construction solutions.
Nearly 200 Chinese companies participated in KOMATEK, presenting a wide range of products, including new-energy equipment, intelligent machinery and high-end industrial solutions.
"China has evolved from a technology follower to a technology developer and industry leader. There is little doubt about that today," said Levent Baykal, general manager of KOMATEK 2026. "Being able to share these technologies, recognizing China's important role in the construction machinery industry, and introducing those innovations to the Turkish market is of great value to us."
Baykal noted the growing role of Chinese companies in the sector. Of the 395 exhibitors participating in the exhibition, roughly half are from China, he said.
"We view Chinese companies as partners. We don't see them as competitors here, nor as companies seeking to dominate the Turkish market," Baykal said. "They are a very important part of the construction machinery sector in Türkiye. They have an ever-increasing presence. This cooperation will increase even further in the future."
Chinese equipment maker Zoomlion brought around 40 products covering infrastructure construction, urban development, mining operations, aerial work platforms, concrete machinery, material handling and smart construction site management.
Among the highlights at the company's booth were a compact electric excavator and the Z01 humanoid robot, designed for applications such as industrial collaboration, intelligent guidance, and research. Demonstrations of the robot drew large crowds throughout the day.
Abdukeyyum Abduwaki, deputy general manager of Zoomlion International Trading Company, said the company has spent years expanding its footprint in Türkiye through a localized, end-to-end operating strategy.
According to Abduwaki, several of the company's product lines, including earthmoving machinery, mobile cranes, tower cranes and foundation construction equipment, now rank among the market leaders in Türkiye. Overseas business has also become an increasingly important growth driver, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the company's total revenue last year, with operations extending to more than 170 countries and regions worldwide.
Another major Chinese manufacturer, Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., displayed its full range of flagship models currently available in the Turkish market, including compact excavators, medium- and large-sized excavators, and wheel loaders. The company also showcased electric loaders, responding to rising fuel costs in Türkiye and growing demand for energy-efficient solutions.
Wang Xiaohui, deputy general manager of the company's international business division, described Türkiye as a strategic gateway connecting European and Central Asian markets, as well as an important market in its own right for construction machinery.
He said Chinese manufacturers have significantly narrowed the technological gap with established global competitors and have gained advantages in electrification, automation, and intelligent equipment. Strengthened local operations and overseas warehousing networks have also helped improve delivery efficiency and responsiveness to market demand.■
