International Business advice/suggestions please

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Hello Everyone!

I am a Canadian who is looking at starting a business in Turkey and eventually expanding internationally. I have managed several small businesses before but this will be my first time in a foreign country and with my own capital and assets on the line. I am looking for any advice/insights/suggestions you have to offer.

Also, if anyone has the time and interest in seeing a new venture like this succeed I would love the opportunity to learn from you!

Here is the background:

Many people in Urban Turkey are looking for a more holistic approach to life. Anything imported into Turkey usually costs 5x the amount of Turkish goods because of the high taxes imposed by the government. There are many small companies in Turkey producing herbal goods (supplements, food products, oils etc) but have no way of distributing in the major cities. I have several contacts with full product lines that need a distributor in the major cities. My partner and I have the facilities needed to become a distributor so it is a matter of switching fields. My partner is currently selling coal which is not sustainable or profitable.

Eventually the goal would be to start distributing internationally as there are strong markets for foreign flavors and natural health products in the US and Canada.

Besides these established product lines I would also like to focus on products made by the woman in Eastern Turkey, possibly expanding into textiles or other products that they make. The woman in rural Turkey are very resourceful but live extremely difficult lives, and there is little to no government support, I would like to offer an outlet for the products they make and give them the option of a little independent income.

Our goal is to make the transition in a year’s time, and there is so much to do! If you could offer any help I would be very grateful! Thank you!