Iran Best Replacement for Turkey in Russian Market: TCCIMA Chief


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The head of Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (TCCIMA) said with the withdrawal of Turkey from the Russian market, Iranian goods can be the best replacement for the Turkish ones.

“Currently, a proper opportunity has been created for us in the Russian market, given the withdrawal of Turkey from the market,” Masoud Khansari said in an interview with the Tasnim News Agency.

“Russia has a 150-million-people market, which used to supply a major part of its demands in food sector from Turkey,” he noted.

The trade official further said Iran does not necessarily need a state consultant to increase exports to Russia and the private sector, itself, can lobby with the Russian side for its presence in the country’s market.

Tensions between Russia and Turkey have been on the rise since November 24, when Turkey shot down the Russian fighter jet that Ankara says had entered Turkish airspace, a claim strongly rejected by Moscow.

Following Turkey’s move to down the Russian Su-24 military aircraft, Moscow imposed a set of economic and other sanctions against Turkey. Some measures are being put into effect immediately, while others will apply from January 2016.

Russia has been carrying out airstrikes against terrorist groups in Syria since September 30, upon a request from the Syrian government.