"I am speaking on behalf of 1.3 million Turkish businessmen. We have to admit that we make very little progress in bilateral economic relations," Hisarciklioglu, who is also the chairman of Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), told the 7th Turkish-Iranian Business Council meeting held in Tehran.

"The level of bilateral economic relations between Turkey and Iran is far behind the capacity of the two neighboring countries," he stated.

Hisarciklioglu said Iran is expected to become the 16th biggest economy in the world by the year 2025, noting that Iran and Turkey have to take immediate steps to improve economic relations for further success in economy.

Recalling that trade volume between the two countries reached 8 billion USD last year, Hisarciklioglu said, "unfortunately, it was not a healthy growth because there is a significant imbalance. Iran's export to Turkey is 5 times larger than Turkey's export to Iran. We, as Turkish businessmen, expect support to equalize that imbalance."

Stating that Turkish businessmen have been facing difficulties in Iran, Hisarciklioglu listed them as high tariff rates on consumer goods, very often changes in tariff rates, delay in import permits, price differences in fuel oil and long waiting time at customs.

He also asked Iranian government to allow Turkish banks to open branches in Iran.

Hisarciklioglu said Turkey and Iran have strong historical ties and added that "now, we have to turn it into prosperity and richness."


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Güncelleme Tarihi: 12 Mart 2008, 11:57