In an assessment of relations between Turkey and Iran, Nahavandian stated that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to Turkey with a large delegation last week to attend the 25th session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) indicated the importance Iran attaches to Turkey along with the reliance it has on the country. Nahavandian, noting that political and economic relations between the two countries have been enhanced, added, “We have full confidence in Turkey in economic, commercial and international relations, and concrete steps in line with this confidence will be taken in the near future.”
Nahavandian noted that they have set their goal to raise foreign trade volume with Turkey to its actual potential, explaining that at first volume will increase from the current level of $10 billion to $30 billion within the next two years before rising to $50 billon over time.
Underlining that they plan to ensure active cooperation in the banking sector, too, Nahavandian remarked that this will create a suitable environment for the expansion of bilateral trade between the two countries. Iran also wants to boost cooperation with Turkey in transportation, he said, saying that joint companies might be established by the two countries in this sector. The Iranian private sector is determined to improve cooperation with the Turkish private sector in every field, Nahavandian stated. He enumerated the possible sectors for mutual investments as energy, manufacturing, electronics, textiles and tourism.
“Currently, our political relations with Turkey are at their best, why not have the same with economic ties, too?” the ICCIM head remarked, calling on businessmen to make use of this favorable environment.
Work is under way to enable trade with domestic currencies between the two counties, he said.
