Turkiye-Iraq Trade Delegation and bilateral business meetings organized by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) under the coordination of the Ministry of Commerce were held in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.
Company representatives from Turkiye and Iraq came together at a meeting held in a hotel in Baghdad and discussed new cooperation opportunities.
Speaking at the meeting, Ali Riza Guney, Turkiye’s Ambassador to Baghdad, stated that Iraq is a strong country and said, “Iraq needs to get its power not from oil, but from its highly dynamic human resources, which should be proud of its history. More than 50% of Iraq’s population is youth, and they will build the country’s future.”
TIM Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds and Products Sector Board Chairman Ahmet Tiryakioglu stated that they participated in the bilateral meetings with a delegation consisting of 31 companies and 33 participants.
Tiryakioglu said, “Baghdad is a symbol of beauty in our world of heart. As in the past, Baghdad is our friend, brother and business partner today.”
Pointing out that there has been a significant acceleration in regional bilateral relations after the Covid-19 epidemic, Tiryakioglu said that there has been an increase in exports to Iraq in cereals, chemical materials, furniture, fruit and other areas.
Tiryakioglu stated that they believe that relations with Iraq will continue to develop rapidly during the new cabinet period established under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “We are two countries in need of each other. We do not have enough food and water in Iraq. We do not have the oil and its derivatives, which are abundant in Iraq.”
“Iraq needs to benefit from Turkiye’s experience”
Speaking to AA correspondent, Iraqi young investor and businessman Muhammed Asadi drew attention to the increase in the trade volume between Iraq and Turkiye.
Asadi said, “The trade volume between the two countries has increased between 2021 and 2023. In addition, Iraqi business people come in the third place among the buyers of real estate in Turkiye. There are strong developments in bilateral relations as well.”
Expressing that the role of Turkish companies in the field of construction and reconstruction in Iraq is great, Asadi emphasized that the relations between the two countries have not been affected since the 1990s and therefore the presence of Turkish companies in Iraq is not new.
“Iraq needs to benefit from Turkiye’s experience.” Asadi said that Turkiye is more developed than the Gulf countries, especially in the field of industry and construction.
“Turkiye made great revolutions in agriculture, economy and industry”
Songul Cabuk, a former Iraqi parliamentarian and businessperson, also reminded that Turkiye has historical relations with Iraq.
Quickly, “Turkiye, our closest neighbor to us, should benefit from the stability in Iraq. Of course, Turkiyewill play a major role in the reconstruction of Iraq. Turkiyehas made great revolutions in fields such as agriculture, economy and industry. We should benefit from Turkiye’s experience in the fields of economy and trade.”
Former Baghdad Chamber of Commerce President Cafer Hamdani expressed that the re-election of President Erdogan makes Iraqis happy. Hamdani noted that this will have significant effects on bilateral and strategic relations and the private sector in the new period.
Pointing out that the relations between Iraq and Turkiye are historical, Hamdani continued his words as follows:
“Iraq is a rich country with natural resources, but it needs the experience of countries like Turkiye. Turkiye has great experience in industry, agriculture, health, transportation and all other fields, and we should not miss this great opportunity. Turkish companies and the Turkish private sector are the true partners of investments in Iraq.”
Source: AA / Prepared by Irem Yildiz