Turkish companies invited to invest in Iraq

Delivering this speech on Iraq at the Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO) , Erenturk, urged Turkish firms to cooperate with Iraqi firms who are members of the Kirkuk Chamber of Commerce.

"We want Turkish companies to invest in Iraq. Iraq is a war torn nation which needs long term reconstruction. Under the former regime of Saddam Hussein and during the devastation of the Iraqi war not a single type of construction occurred. More than 25,000 school buildings must be restored, and 6,000 new school buildings will be constructed. The Iraqi infrastructure has been completely destroyed. Some 15 new hotels must be constructed. You must come to Iraq with your projects to bid in this reconstruction campaign. You must cooperate with Iraqi companies," Erenturk said.

The deputy-chairman of IZTO’s executive board, Akin Kazanoglu encouraged Turkish businessmen to become actively involved in the reconstruction process. He said that Turkish companies could export construction goods and equipment to Iraq.

Stating that there has been a recession in the Turkish construction sector for the last 10 years, Kazanoglu noted that there has been some positive development in the last year.

Kazanoglu stated that the economic crisis demonstrates that Turkish construction companies must operate both in domestic and foreign markets to solve the economic crisis. The reconstruction process in Iraq led by the U.S. is a good opportunity for Turkish construction companies to revive their sector and prevent economic recession, Kazanoglu said.