Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

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.”