PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian and Turkish business representatives met in the city of Kars on June 2 to discuss prospects for economic cooperation.
The event was organized by the Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KATSO) with the support of the foreign ministries of Armenia and Turkey, as well as the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB). Participants examined opportunities for cooperation in transport, logistics, tourism and trade, ermenihaber.am reported.
Opening the meeting, KATSO President Kadir Bozan said Kars had historically served as an important crossroads of trade routes and highlighted the significance of regional economic cooperation.
He stressed that the development of transport and logistics infrastructure is crucial for the region's economic future and expressed hope that such meetings would encourage new investment and strengthen ties between business communities.
TOBB board member and President of the Erzurum Chamber of Commerce and Industry Saim Ozakalin said the business sector plays an important role in advancing relations between countries. He noted that regional cooperation could further expand the international reach of Turkish companies and projects.
Hayk Darbinyan, adviser to Armenia's foreign minister, also addressed the gathering. He said progress in the normalization process between the two countries had created new opportunities for economic engagement.
"Emerging direct trade opportunities between Armenia and Turkey can be beneficial for both countries," Darbinyan said.
Ayse Uzer, deputy head of the Caucasus Department at Turkey's Foreign Ministry, said important steps were being taken to advance bilateral relations.
"We hope that 2026 will become the year when these goals turn into reality. Cooperation between business communities will contribute to strengthening our relations," Uzer said.
Following the official speeches, Armenian and Turkish business representatives held closed B2B meetings focused on the food industry, textiles, construction, tourism and technology sectors. Discussions covered opportunities for establishing new trade links and launching joint projects.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also held a phone conversation, during which they highlighted the opening of the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway for exports from Armenia and imports into the country. The two leaders also exchanged views on issues on the bilateral agenda and welcomed the increased level of contacts.
Source: PanArmenian.Net
