Tariff Reforms Essential to Boost Iran–Turkey Trade

TEHRAN (Iran News) Hamed Asgari, Vice President for International Affairs at the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), described the current level of economic ties between the two neighbors as “unsatisfactory” and called for new tariff policies and streamlined cooperation to accelerate trade.

Speaking at the meeting, which also included Sama Farkhondehnejad, ICCIMA’s Director for European Affairs, Asgari noted that the annual trade potential between Iran and Turkey could reach $15–20 billion.

“Iran has significant comparative advantages in energy and competitive products for the Turkish market, but these opportunities remain underutilized due to tariff barriers and restrictions. Cement and clinker are prime examples,” he said.

The Iranian official emphasized that with support from the Turkish Embassy in Tehran and the revision of tariffs, the two countries could significantly expand bilateral trade.

He also stressed the need for quick, non-bureaucratic links between Iranian and Turkish companies, highlighting opportunities in steel, petrochemicals, and other industrial sectors.

Asgari invited Turkish officials to raise the concerns of their businesses so that “appropriate solutions can be developed.”

He also reaffirmed ICCIMA’s readiness to send trade delegations to Turkey and to enhance institutional cooperation between the chambers of commerce of both nations.

On the Turkish side, Bilge Dönmez, the new Commercial Attaché at the Turkish Embassy in Tehran, underlined the importance of resolving misunderstandings in trade relations.

Orhan, another Turkish commercial attaché, stressed that removing trade barriers is critical, pointing out that Turkey serves as a gateway for Iran to European markets and that a large Iranian community resides in Turkey.

He also highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in oil and energy, adding that chambers of commerce play a key role in this process.

The Turkish officials referred to progress in recent joint commission meetings, high-level councils, and customs talks between the two countries, announcing that negotiations on a preferential trade agreement will soon resume. “Iran–Turkey”

They acknowledged that while dozens of Turkish companies already operate in Iran, trade-related challenges persist.

In response, Asgari stressed the commitment of both governments and their chambers of commerce to resolving such issues.

“The Iran Chamber of Commerce, as an advisor to the government, advocates for the private sector and welcomes collaboration with the economic section of the Turkish Embassy to devise practical solutions,” he said. “Iran–Turkey”

He reaffirmed the significant opportunities for cooperation—especially in the steel industry—and proposed holding regular follow-up meetings with specific agendas involving private-sector representatives from both countries.

The meeting concluded with a call by Orhan for greater exchange of expertise and best practices between the chambers.

Dönmez, introduced as the new commercial attaché in Tehran, announced that regular technical and expert-level meetings with ICCIMA will be held to advance bilateral trade.