ADANA (AA) - Despite the ongoing fierce violence, the number of Turkish businessmen doing business in Iraq and contributing to Iraq's reconstruction is reaching record numbers, said Turkish authorities.
According to data collected by the Adana Chamber of Commerce (ATO), Turkish firms exported goods totaling 15 million U.S. dollars in 2003. Most of the goods exported were soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, vinegar, tobacco products and various food items. 2004 also proved to be a year of success and big profits for Turkish entrepreneurs in Iraq.
In 2004, total Turkish exports to Iraq reached a peak level of 68.73m U.S. dollars. Most of the exports this year were machines, mechanical components and electrical equipment. Food products exported in 2004 reached a record value of 12.85m U.S. dollars.
Some of the items exported from Turkey include agricultural and animal products, wood and wooden products, shoes, slippers, umbrellas, walking-sticks, chairs, belts, whips, artificial flowers, leather goods, briefcases, hand bags, cement and glass products.
In an exclusive interview with the AA, ATO Chairman Saban Bas has stated that, despite the ongoing violence in Iraq, Turkish businessmen continue to do business in this country and the volume was increasing every month.
Bas told the AA that exports to Iraq in 2004 increased by 4.5 percent compared to the previous year. ''While most exports originate from Adana, businessmen from other Turkish cities also export to Iraq and the value of the exports is more than 40m U.S. dollars.''
''If we fear the violence reigning in Iraq, this market to which we are so close would be invaded by businessmen from other countries,'' remarked Bas. ''As Turks, we believe in destiny. Whatever will happen is going to happen. We may die here or there. We believe in destiny shaped by God,'' expressed Bas.
Bas stressed that preparations are currently underway to open an office in Iraq that will coordinate the projects of Turkish firms doing business in Iraq. ''We expect our exports to Iraq in 2005 to reach a record amount of 100 m U.S. dollars.'' The coordination office will be opened with the sponsorship of the Turkish Union of Chambers of Commerce & Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), Adana Chamber of Commerce, Adana Chamber of Industry and other smaller chambers of commerce.
A very prominent difficulty Turkish businesses experience in Iraq has to do with the poor banking system in this country. ''Due to long delays in transfer of funds, most payments take place as cash,'' expressed Bas.
(ES-ULG)
2004-12-21