The Turkish business neighborhood seems to be extensively targeted on the outcomes of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s upcoming go to to Iraq, anticipated to form relations not solely by way of political, diplomatic and safety points but additionally in its financial dimensions.
Halit Acar, chairperson of the Türkiye-Iraq Business Council on the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), mentioned in his interview with Anadolu Agency (AA) on Friday that Iraq stands among the many international locations with which Türkiye conducts essentially the most commerce, mentioning that commerce quantity exceeded $20 billion final 12 months.
He additionally highlighted that Iraq holds vital potential for varied investments, significantly in building.
After a pause as a result of native elections, President Erdoğan is about to interact in high-profile diplomatic conferences this month and May and aside from Iraq, he’s additionally set to go to the United States.
Emphasizing Iraq’s standing as a rustic present process reconstruction with various wants throughout totally different sectors, Acar mentioned, “Türkiye holds a reliable position as a trading partner for Iraq, not only due to our longstanding neighborly relations but also due to our ability to provide quality and rapid solutions in all fields.”
“Therefore, our current trade and investment volume represent just the visible tip of the iceberg. As the DEIK Türkiye-Iraq Business Council, we are committed to further enhancing the existing potential and improving relations between the two countries in the future,” he famous.
Furthermore, he burdened the importance of Erdoğan’s impending go to to Iraq, which comes after over a decade and mentioned, “It is evident that the strategic agendas of the Republic of Türkiye, as well as those of our president, will be on the table.”
“Any potential commercial agreement to be signed between the two friendly and neighboring countries will be pleasing as it will provide new opportunities for Turkish businesspeople,” he added.
Highlighting that Turkish businesspeople are extremely motivated and competent to satisfy each want of Iraq, whether or not it’s tourism, agriculture, expertise or building, Acar mentioned he believed that many essential agreements could be signed throughout this go to.
“Thanks to these new initiatives, I do not doubt that diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries will be taken to an even better level,” he mentioned.
The Development Road undertaking
Moreover, Acar additionally defined that the deliberate Development Road Project, which goals to assemble a land and railway transportation hall extending from Basra to Türkiye, primarily goals to attach the 2 international locations and positively affect logistics inside Iraq.
He identified that the importance of beginning the undertaking from Basra lies within the presence of the Faw Port, which is deliberate to cater to extra than simply the nation’s wants.
“In this respect, the Development Road will serve regional trade primarily and subsequently international trade. The project, which also includes railway transportation, will make freight transportation between the two countries cheaper and faster,” he defined.
Like this, he mentioned it will not be unsuitable to anticipate a rise in commerce between the 2 international locations.
“Furthermore, the Development Road, which will become part of the new ‘Silk Road’ project in the region, will play a significant role in revitalizing the Middle Corridor. The project will not only connect Iraq but also Central Asia to Europe,” he famous.
Pitched as a hyperlink between Asia and Europe, the Development Road undertaking goals to tie Grand Faw Port, a serious commodities port in Iraq’s oil-rich south, to the border with Türkiye after which to Europe via a community of railways and highways.
Acar additionally famous that with the opening of the Faw Port, Türkiye would turn out to be a transit level for Gulf international locations’ commerce with Europe. He added: “While stability, development and security are enhanced in the region through the Development Road Project, Turkish companies will play critical roles in the construction of highways and railways.”
Evaluating the joint operation step towards the terrorist group, which is predicted to be delivered to the agenda throughout Erdoğan’s go to, Acar emphasised that terrorism is the largest impediment to the peaceable residing of societies and the prosperity of nations.
“Türkiye and Iraq are two ancient neighboring countries. Acting together against terrorism will of course have a very positive impact on relations. An effective fight against terrorism means gains not only in our relations with Iraq but also for the entire Middle East geography.”
Türkiye’s protection minister, overseas minister and intelligence chief lately visited Iraq for a preparatory assembly forward of Erdoğan’s go to. The PKK’s management hid out in Iraq’s north, and Ankara was disillusioned over the shortage of cooperation from Baghdad within the struggle towards the PKK terrorist group up to now. Yet, the go to of ministers amid an environment of improved cooperation is seen as a pointy flip in Iraq’s coverage towards the PKK.
Erdoğan lately signaled a cross-border army offensive in Iraq this summer time to wipe out the terrorists.
Source: www.dailysabah.com