24.11.2015 Ankara
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that there is an abundance of opportunity for bilateral direct investments with Iran just like bilateral trade opportunities, “TOBB and the Iranian chambers should work more closely. We are ready to take on endeavors to bring Turkey and Iran closer.”
Speaking at the cooperation meeting between TOBB and Iran Chamber of
Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized
the friendship between Turkey and Iran.
Drawing attention to the economic, political and social upheavals
throughout the world, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the situation in Iraq and
Syria is a source of risk for both countries. Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that,
in addition to financial difficulty posed by the situation, there is also a
significant security risk and refugee crisis.
Stating that the situation makes the cooperation between the region’s
countries even more valuable, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “It is heartening to see
Iran maintain its stability and peace. The increasing cooperation between our
countries is of the utmost importance for our region. To this end, the agreement
which ended the sanctions against Iran has been met with great joy by the
Turkish business community. We are excited by the prospect of our future trade
and investment between our countries. As our President has said, we want to
reach a trade volume of 30 billion USD.”
- We must guide our companies
Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that there are many agreements between the two
countries but stated that implementation has been problematic. Underlining the
fact that problems regarding foreign trade, banking and land transportation can
be overcome, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that representatives of the business
community must relay the demands of the business world to the country’s
leaders.
Stressing the need to bring such agreements as the Economic Cooperation
Organization Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and Trade Preferential System among the
Member States of the OIC (TPS-OIC), Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that, with the
necessary legislative infrastructure already in place, the same level of
abundance is present for bilateral direct investments.
Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out the necessity of facilitating the
revitalization of the Silk Road and customs gates in regards to the exchange of
goods.
- ICCIMA Chair Jalalpour
ICCIMA Chair Mohsen Jalalpour stated that the Iranian and Turkish
economies are complimentary.
Jalalpour stated that they have, after years of adversity, they have created
robust institutions which have begun to form parnterships with friendly and
neighboring countries. He reported that there are significant opportunities in
the fields of energy and industry.
Jalalpour stated that the chamber unions of both countries are very
interested in cooperation.
Following the meeting attended by the Iranian commerce chambers
presidents and members, Hisarcıklıoğlu and Jalalpour signed the founding
agreement of the Turkey-Iran Business Committee.
- TOBB’s structure and activities
Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Chair Mohsen
Jalalpour and the delegation accompanying him attended a meeting hosted by TOBB
Board Member Memiş Kütükcü.
During this meeting, the delegation received information in regards to
TOBB’s structure and its activities.
Speaking at the meeting TOBB Board Member Memiş Kütükcü, stated that
this visit would contribute significant to Iranian – Turkish relations.
Stating that these developments would bring prosperity to the Iranian
people, Kütükcü said, “These positive develpments in the Iranian economy will
bring a new and wider perspective for bilateral financial relations. We are
excited for the future of our trade and investment relations.”