The breeze of the Foreign Economic Relations Board in Mosul and Erbil

The President of the Foreign Economic Relations Board / Turkey-Iraq Business Council, Halit Acar, stated that the visit of the private sector delegation to Mosul-Erbil was productive and expressed that they will continue to work on developing the friendship and trade relations between the two countries.

The high participation in the meetings organized as part of the Mosul-Erbil Private Sector Delegation Visits by the Foreign Economic Relations Board / Turkey-Iraq Business Council was noteworthy. Halit Acar, the President of the Board, declared that the visits conducted within the scope of the organization were successful and expressed confidence that they would receive positive feedback regarding the delegation activities in the future.

In his evaluation regarding the matter, Halit Acar mentioned, “The Mosul-Erbil Private Sector Delegation Visits organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board / Turkey-Iraq Business Council took place from October 29 to November 1, 2024, in accordance with the program aimed at the cities of Mosul and Erbil in Iraq. In this context, we held necessary meetings and bilateral discussions with our Consuls as well as stakeholders in the country.”

The Turkish firms’ venture into Iraq went positively.

Pointing out that the Mosul-Erbil Private Sector Delegation Visits organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board / Turkey-Iraq Business Council aimed to enhance friendship and mutual trade between the two countries, President Acar stated, “We are here with a delegation consisting of approximately 30 company representatives. Our participants come from a wide range of sectors including construction, building materials, energy, manufacturing, textiles, food and livestock, agriculture, machinery, electronic devices and equipment, consulting, and services. We are all here to increase our partnership. All companies in our delegation are members of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Turkey-Iraq Business Council, which was established in 1985 as a business organization. It aims to improve Turkey’s foreign economic relations with 152 business councils. Our Board operates as the official representative of the Turkish private sector under the Ministry of Trade. Since its establishment in 2001, our Business Council has continued its efforts to enhance commercial and business activities between the two countries in collaboration with its partners in Iraq. Our presence here together is a testament to the importance we place on the development and growth of these regions. Although the mutual commercial activities of our countries are at a good point, it is not sufficient for us. The potential of these two neighboring countries is much higher. We are here to realize that potential.”

“We will support Iraq’s development and growth in every field.”

Noting that one of the main purposes of the visit is to support Iraq’s development and growth in every sector, President Halit Acar emphasized, “The various sectors represented in our delegation aim to contribute to Iraq’s infrastructure, industrial development, and agricultural advancement. Our companies operating in construction and building materials are equipped with expertise that is critical for Iraq’s reconstruction and development efforts. Similarly, our companies working in manufacturing, machinery, and electronics are ready to offer the latest technologies that will enhance productivity and innovation. In agriculture and livestock, we see Iraq’s rich potential and are willing to share knowledge and resources to increase productivity and ensure food security. Additionally, our textile, consulting, and service sectors have the experience to modernize Iraq’s industries and contribute to the development of both local and regional economies. Lastly, I would like to thank the chambers, institutions, and representatives from the public and private sectors of Iraq who welcomed us so warmly. I also wish to express my deepest gratitude to our Consul General in Mosul, Serhad Varlı, and our Consul General in Erbil, Erman Topçu, who have once again proven how much our state supports our businesspeople by hosting us at the highest level during these visits.”

Following the completion of the delegation’s meetings, they returned to Turkey.