The meeting, jointly organized by the Eastern Anatolian Exporters Association (DAIB) and the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was attended by DAIB Chairman Ethem Tanriver, Erbil Governor Nezvad Hadi, Diyarbakir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Mehmet Kaya, Sirnak Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Osman Gelis, 26 Turkish exporters and Erbil's top businessmen, Daily Sabah reported.
Speaking at the program, DAIB Chairman Ethem Tanriver said, "The purpose of us coming to Iraq is to increase and further improve exports. Turkey's exports to Iraq currently exceeds $10 billion."
"We have brought 26 Turkish exporters here. Hopefully, we will come with a larger delegation soon," Tanriver stated.
The meeting focused on creating opportunities for exporters operating in sectors like construction materials, food, packaging, fresh fruit and vegetables in particular.
"We can satisfy the need whatever sector it may be," he added, emphasizing that Turkish businessmen face double taxation problems in exports to Iraq.
Tanriver said: "Our businessmen who export to the region have serious problems due to double taxation. We notified the issue to the Erbil governor and the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman. This is the common problem of our exporters. It especially creates serious problems for our food items."
Diyarbakir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Mehmet Kaya noted that Iraq is one of Turkey's most important trading partners. Pointing out that there has been a decrease in the volume of exports to Iraq recently, Kaya said that political problems and disagreements that may arise between countries should not affect trade relations.
Reporter's code: 50101