Chairman of Tabriz Chamber of Commerce in northwestern Iran Younes Jaeleh said on Saturday that a preferential agreement between Iran and Turkey need to be expanded to include further areas.
Speaking during a meeting with Turkey’s Consul-General in Tabriz Cetin Taner, Jaeleh also called for further partnership of Turkish companies in the Iranian market.
He underlined the significance of transportation in promotion of trade between the two countries, noting that the reconstruction of Jolfa railroad is of special importance.
Exports commodities from Central Asia and Russia used to enter Jolfa and were then re-exported through railway to Turkey and Europe, Jaeleh said, adding that some 50 kilometers of the railway have been destroyed. He noted that the reconstruction of Jolfa railroad could help trade between Iran and Turkey to a great extent.
He also referred to the great role of Turkey Port of Mersin in enhancement trade between Iran and Turkey, highlighting the need to increase the volume of trade via this port.
The Turkish side, for his part, referred to major cultural common grounds between his country and Iran, Tabriz in particular.
He said that the two sides need to expand cooperation mechanisms such as holding regular monthly meetings.
Taner promised that he will do his best to convince Turkish constructional contractors to have a more active presence in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azerbaijan.