Citizens of the proposed organization's member-states will also enjoy freedom of movement without the restriction of visas while traveling from one country to another, he said.
In a written statement sharing his assessment of the fifth joint meeting of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) and the Turkey-Syria Business Council, which took place last week as part of the Mersin International Logistics Summit, Narin stated that boosting relations with Syria will have constructive results not only for the two countries but for the entire Middle East.
This century has been an era in which labor and capital have developed through improved international relations, Narin said, and supported his statement with the example of the EU. The countries located around Turkey can achieve the same success Europeans have attained through the EU if they decide to consolidate their capital and power in a common pool, Narin stated.
"Today, in almost every part of the world, countries are mostly trading within their own regions. Therefore, it is necessary for Turkey to improve its relations with the Middle East and Central Asia," he said.
After decades of thorny relations and political tensions, Turkey and Syria are currently enjoying a rapprochement with the removal of visa requirements, agreements to reinvigorate mutual trade and reciprocal steps to improve ties in the political and military spheres.
Recalling that the volume of trade with Syria rose to $1.75 billion at the end of 2008 from its $750 million level in 2004, Narin said there are estimates that the figure will increase to $5 billion by 2012.
