23.09.2014 Ankara
Hisarcıklıoğlu and a delegation of 17 including Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Federation President Jaafar Rasool Al-Hamadani and Baghdad, Basra, Kirkuk and Kerbela Chambers of Commerce Presidents convened at TOBB in order to revitalize trade.
TOBB M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Turkish companies are being
subjected to various difficulties in Iraq said, “During this difficult period
in which we could define our shared destinies, during which we should be in
closer cooperation than ever, the situation we are faced with is unacceptable.”
Stating that they are closely following the developments in Iraq as the
Turkish business community, Hisarcıklıoğlu expressed their conviction that Iraq
will overcome this difficult time. Emphasizing that they put great importance on
the territorial integrity of Iraq, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “As the Turkish
business community we stand with our Iraqi brothers throughout this process.”
Drawing attention to the important roles taken on by Turkish private sector in
the rebuilding of Iraq, Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that Turkish contractors have
undertaken 853 projects totaling a worth of 20.8 billion USD and that
investment firms have provided employment to approximately ten thousands of
Iraqis.
- “Bilateral trade volume with
Iraq is 12 billion USD”
Stating that Iraq is the second most important trade partner after
Germany, Hisarcıklıoğlu said:
“Turkey’s total exports have increased by three-fold while our exports
volume to Iraq has increased by 14 times. Iraq, with 12 billion USD in trade
volume, is our second most important trade partner following Germany. The
negative developments in Iraq since June have caused a sharp decline in trade,
reaching so far as 40%. The latest situation in Iraq shows that 300 Turkish
companies have had to stop operations due to safety concerns, having had to
evacuate 7,000 employees. Turkish companies have been made to transport their
goods through Iran following the closing of some roads in July as well as being
subjected to late delivery charges; the number of deals taken by Turkish
companies decreasing as a result. During this difficult period in which we
could define our shared destinies, during which we should be in closer
cooperation than ever, the situation we are faced with is unacceptable.
- “Bilateral trade will increase
to 20 billion USD”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that in order to increase peace and prosperity in
the region, the bilateral trade and investment relations between the two
countries need to be raised to the highest level, pointing out that there are
very important duties which fall to the private sectors of both countries. The
Foreign Capital Legislation to be reviewed by Iraq after it has overcome
current issues will make Iraq into a country in which Turkish entrepreneurs
want to invest more in reported Hisarcıklıoğlu and stated that there is much to
do which TOBB stands ready to do its share for.
Expressing their desire to set a new goal during this meeting, aiming to
raise bilateral trade to 20 billion USD within 2 years, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that they would be signing a cooperation agreement for the establishment of a
workgroup for the development of cooperation between the two countries by TOBB
and the Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Federation.
- Iraqi Chambers of Commerce
Federation President Jaafar Rasool Al-Hamadani
Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Federation President Jaafar Rasool
Al-Hamadani said, “I congratulate the Turkish people in government in the
rescue of 49 Turkish citizens from their captivity by gangs.”
Stating that over 600 Turkish companies had pulled out of Iraq within 24
hours following attacks by ISIS, Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Federation President
Jaafar Rasool Al-Hamadani reported that within 2-3 months all gangs would be
cleared and Iraq would be secure, resulting in an explosion in Iraq’s budget
with the lion’s share going to Turkey.
Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Federation President Jaafar Rasool
Al-Hamadani emphasized the need to establish new customs gates due to the
compromised security of the present ones.
“Iraqi-Turkish relations must remain friendly so that we may protect our
investments. Let us cooperate so that Turkish companies can come to Iraq,
invest and build factories in order to form the cooperation we both desire.
Iraq and Turkey will form the best economic cooperation among Islamic
countries.”
Following the speeches, the workgroup agreement was signed between TOBB
and Iraqi Chambers of Commerce Federation.