04.03.2016 Ankara
Stating that Iran is both our neighbor and natural trade partner, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The most recent change which draws attention in Tehran is the abundance of foreign delegations. It is impossible to book hotels. When we were there, delegations from Italy, Romania and Australia were also present in the city.” The visit, which proved positive, also received a message that, “We must work together,” from Iran.
The Turkish business community has mobilized for cooperation with Iran
which has garnered global interest with the lifting of its international
embargoes.
Led by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)
President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, the TOBB delegation visited Iran and
delivered the message that, “As the business community of Iran’s neighboring
country, we are committed to increased economic cooperation.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Iran is both our neighbor and natural trade
partner. Turkey and Iran firms can trade, invest and cooperate in third
countries. The potential is there. I have made a series of contacts to this
end.”
- Road map being drawn
Reporting that the focus of the previous day’s meetings was on the
development of bilateral economic relations, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We focused
on the steps necessary to increase the private sector in Iran. The necessary
changes for Turkish and Iranian firms to trade, invest and cooperate in third
countries were discussed.”
Emphasizing the plans for a strategic partnership between TOBB and the
Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining and Agriculture (ICCIMA),
Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “We want to draw a road map. To this end, TOBB Board
Member Memiş Kütükçü will lead a delegation to Tehran. Meeting with ICCIMA
representatives, they will form a detailed business plan.”
- No vacancies in Tehran hotels
Recalling that the first leader to visit Iran following the lifting of
international embargoes was Chinese Preisdent Xi Jinping, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that many countries are signing new agreements with Iran.
Stressing the importance of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu’s visit to
Iran, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The most recent change which draws attention in
Tehran is the abundance of foreign delegations. It is impossible to book
hotels. When we were there, delegations from Italy, Romania and Australia were
also present in the city. All of these delegations are after economic
cooperation and opportunities; they’ve all directed their attentions to this
country.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu went on: “Iran is one of the richest countries in the
region in regards to energy resources. Turkey-Iran economic cooperation will
gain momentum with the lifting of economic sanctions. We have various investments
in the Iranian economy ranging from textiles to automobiles; from the
subsidiary industry to food to furniture. Turkish firms will increase their
business volumes in these fields. Many new markets will surface including
construction. Looking at it logistically, Turkey has the fastest access to
Iran. Turkey holds the geographical advantage. Additionally the Turkish
business community has its dynamism behind it. Turkish industrialists will be
more venturesome in investing in Iran. Turkish businesspeople will begin this
race with a head start and I believe that they will carry their success to many
other countries.”
- Iran: We must work together
Stating that the Iranian delegations he’s met with are in agreement in
regards to the necessity of further developing economic relations with Turkey,
Hisarcıklıoğlu summarized their approach: “Turkey and Iran are two friend
nations. Turkey’s assistance in times of economic sanctions has strengthened
friendship and solidarity. That is why, with the end of sanctions, we must
continue to work together. Just as during the times of economic sanctions,
political pressure was unable to keep us apart, it should not prevent us from
working together despite differing views on various issues concerning the
region. Iran and Turkey have no issues between them. It would be unacceptable
for the problems stemming from third parties to affect bilateral relations.”