TEHRAN - Industry and Trade Minister Ali Coskun who came to Tehran to attend the 7th meeting of International Business Forum (IBF) 2003 met on Sunday with Iranian Commerce Minister Mohammad Shariat-Madari.
Coskun said that trade volume between Islamic countries was about 10 percent and stated that business world of Turkey and Iran would know each other with fairs and forums.
Stating that Turkey attributed great importance to its relations with Iran, he said that starting of border trade between the two countries and an agreement which foresaw decrease in customs taxes within five years were important steps. He added that joint investments between the two countries should be encouraged.
Speaking to Turkish reporters in Turkish Embassy in Tehran, Coskun said that economic potential of Turkey and Iran had peculiarities which would support each other.
Coskun said that there was a foreign trade deficit against Turkey as the country bought natural gas from Iran and stated that Iran should buy industrial products, food, agricultural products and services from Turkey to remove this deficit.
Coskun and accompanying delegation will depart from Iran on Monday.
(EÖ-AY) 20.10.2003