Iran and Turkey Urged to Focus on Joint Investments
TEHRAN (Iran News) Samad Hassanzadeh, the President of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that the volume of relations between Iran and Turkey is insufficient and needs to be strengthened. He added that the embassies of both countries, in collaboration with the chambers of commerce, must work hard and plan to enhance the level of relations.
He noted that despite the pressures and restrictions caused by sanctions, both domestically and in relations with countries like Turkey, they have tried to maintain a path for strengthening ties in all areas. Particularly in the 14th administration, efforts have been made to engage in commercial and social relations with all countries.
Hassanzadeh, citing the existing capacities in Iran and Turkey, stated that by leveraging the strengths of both countries, they can cooperate to improve the well-being of their people. Today, Turkish investors have entered the Aras Free Zone in Azerbaijan, Iran, and are respected by the Iranian government. Additionally, conditions are such that Turkish investors can jointly participate in projects in Iran’s petrochemical, oil, and food industries.
He also noted that the necessary support for foreign investors has been defined by the Iranian government, and sectors like copper, steel, and pharmaceuticals are suitable for this purpose. In collaboration with the government, 10 major projects in various fields have been identified, with the plan to use foreign investors for their implementation. Some European countries have already expressed their readiness to participate in these projects, as they anticipate sanctions pressure will decrease in the near future.
The President of the Iran Chamber of Commerce believes Turkey, due to its geographical location, can serve as a good route for connecting Iran and Europe. He also considers the presence of Turkish trade delegations in Iran to be effective so that Turkish traders, industrialists, and economic activists can become familiar with Iran’s potential.
Hassanzadeh criticized the imposition of certain tariffs on the import of some Iranian goods into Turkey, calling it discriminatory and urging a reconsideration of this policy.
Ali Reza Guney, Director General of Iran and Iraq from Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, evaluated the level of relations between Iran and Turkey as different from other countries. He said the nature of Iran-Turkey relations is distinct from Turkey’s relations with other nations, although the level of cooperation is far from ideal, which is due to external factors. He expressed hope that with the establishment of the new government in Iran, this gap would narrow.
He stated that Iran is rich in minerals and underground resources, but its most important asset is its human resources. If external pressures on this country are lifted, we will witness an economic boom in Iran. Currently, 2.5 to 3 million tourists travel from Iran to Turkey, and some buy property there for living, but the trade volume between the two countries is not satisfactory.
Guney suggested that preparations should be made for a time when sanctions against Iran are lifted, but before that, transportation corridors should be diversified, and the borders between the two countries should be turned into gateways for trade, maximizing the benefits of neighborhood.
The Director General believes that effective cooperation between Iran and Turkey will yield extraordinary results, though relations should not only be viewed through a commercial lens. Joint investments should be the focus.
He noted that if predictable conditions are created, Turkish investors will enter the Iranian market, bringing employment and mutual benefits. Unfortunately, Turkish investors in Iran face challenges, and he hoped that the Iran Chamber of Commerce, as the most important player in Iran’s trade sector, would play a constructive role.
Hicabi Kırlangıç, Turkey’s Ambassador to Tehran, described the role of the embassy as a facilitator of relations between the two countries. He stated that strengthening trade relations is one of the embassy’s defined priorities, and he hopes they will be successful in this area.
Yousef Najafi, Senior Advisor to the President of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, pointed to the historical relations between Iran and Turkey, describing their relationship as long-standing and strong.
He emphasized that the level of trade relations between Iran and Turkey is low. He noted that the Iranian president has a positive approach toward strengthening relations with Turkey. On the other hand, it is understood that investment requires security and a stable economy, and with the groundwork that has been laid, these conditions are within reach. The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the chambers of commerce can also facilitate investment opportunities.
Morteza Miri, a member of the board of the Iran-Turkey Joint Chamber, identified building relations with Turkish associations as a priority for the chamber. He believes there is potential for joint cooperation between the two countries in the field of knowledge-based companies and startups. He also suggested that specialized exhibitions could be held to enhance relations.
This economic activist deemed the imposition of trade tariffs as a necessary strategy for the development and continuity of relations.
At the end of the meeting, they discussed a memorandum of understanding that is expected to be signed between the Iran Chamber of Commerce and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) on the sidelines of the Iran-Turkey Joint Commission.”
