ANKARA (AA) - ''When developments in Iraq are considered, Turkey's export to that country in 2004 worth of 1.8 billion U.S. dollars is a good amount. However, it is hard to reach this amount in 2005,'' said Ercument Aksoy, Chairman of Turkish-Iraqi Business Council of Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK).
Replying questions of A.A regarding Iraqi market on Thursday, Aksoy said, ''Turkish exporters are interested in Iraqi market, but visits to that country decreased due to security reasons.''
''At the moment Turkish businessmen who bid for state auctions in Iraq are locked up elections which will be held on January 30th. Our firms which work with Iraqi state institutions have paused because there are no auctions prior to the elections. There is an election atmosphere in Iraq. There are serious question marks regarding payments,'' he added.
Aksoy said, ''elections and a legitimate government are very important for state auctions. There are funds and many promises in Iraq, but these will not be given if there is no legitimate government.''
''Turkish businessmen will not withdraw from Iraqi market in spite of all security problems,'' he added.
''Turkish-Iraqi Business Council and related institutions are trying to establish a new route to Iraq. Meetings about the issue continue with Iraqi government and U.S. officials. First meeting will be held in the end of January,'' Aksoy said.
(GC-A֩
2005-01-27