Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Following visits, contacts in Qatar Hisarcıklıoğlu and Minister of Custom and Trade Bülent Tüfenkci fielded questions by the press.

Indicating that countries in the region with almost 50 million population are a very important market for Turkey, Hisarcıklıoğlu said "It is the high time to do business with Qatar. Today there is a market available where we can sell A to Z consumer’s goods. The interest towards Turkey is very intense and there is an enormous opportunity. Economically as well as the country, we must benefit such opportunity."

Hisarcıklıoğlu told that transportation of the goods to Qatar through land route is not possible except through Iran. Underlining that using air and sea transportation increase the time and cost Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that alternative routes are currently on government’s agenda.

Pointing out that investments in Turkey by companies from Qatar significantly increased in the last 5 years, Hisarcıklıoğlu said "According to the official figures it is almost 1.3 billion USD. Companies from Qatar are making investments to every sector including media.  Within 2022 World Cup and 2030 vision, 100 billion USD worth of infrastructural investment shall be made in Qatar. We must benefit from those accordingly.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stating that within his contacts in Qatar, they met with Qatar Prime Minister Başbakanı Al Sani, also said "He also stated that all kinds of incentives shall be provided to Turkish firms to enable them engage in business activities in Qatar. In this respect we are very pleased. There is opportunities in every area, our companies should not miss such opportunity."

-Minister Tüfenkci

Minister of Custom and Trade Bülent Tüfenkci stating that 2022 World Cup which would be held in Qatar and accompanying business volume create excitement amongst Turkish firms, said "Qatar Prime Minister stated that especially Turkish firms shall be given priority in tenders. Now, we want Turkish firms go down hard and involve closely with the projects."

Indicating that situations in Iraq and Syria bring additional costs and difficulties to transportation Tüfenkci also said that following the negotiations carried out with Iran and Qatar under the guidance of Ministry of Economics, reaching to Qatar through Iran has become more advantageous. Tüfenkci said "It takes 5 days Turkish goods reaching to Qatar through Iraq. At the same time we want to reduce the costs, we expect Iraq to take steps for facilitating transit passes. We, Ministry of Economy and Foreign Ministry will step in and put this into practise."

Stating that Qatar Prime Minister Şeyh Abdullah bin Nasır bin Halife Al Sani accepted Turkish delegation, Tüfenkci told that they considered that during the meeting they are determined to improve relations with Turkey. Stating that 2022 World Cup which would be held in Qatar and accompanying business volume create excitement amongst Turkish firms, Tüfenkci also said "Qatar Prime Minister stated that especially Turkish firms shall be given priority in tenders. Now, we want Turkish firms go down hard and involve closely with the projects."

Stating that they are working on trust stamp in electronic commerce together with TOBB Tüfenkci added "Not that being mandatory, we will enable consumer to realise shopping can made from the sites with peace of mind that we give trust stamp and when there is a complaint, it will be monitored by our ministry and confidence provider organisation. Therefore, we will ensure e-commerce site with trust stamp to distinguish."