Border Chambers of Commerce Meet in Hakkari to Boost Regional Trade and Customs Cooperation
Representatives of chambers of commerce from the Kurdistan Region, Iran, and Turkey convened in Hakkari province in southeastern Turkey for a two-day workshop aimed at expanding cross-border trade, improving customs procedures, and strengthening economic cooperation among neighboring border regions.
The workshop, titled "Hakkari Border Logistics Center," was held on July 3–4 in Gavar (Yüksekova), bringing together delegations from the chambers of commerce of Erbil and Duhok in the Kurdistan Region, Urmia in Iran, and Gavar in Turkey.
Participants discussed ways to improve trade logistics, remove customs-related obstacles at border crossings, and enhance commercial connectivity between the participating regions.
Shukri Jamil, President of the Duhok Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed that sustainable economic development depends on effective cooperation between governments, academic institutions, and the private sector. He said the meetings provide an important platform to capitalize on the strategic location of border regions and expand commercial partnerships.
Jafar Nikzad, representing the Urmia Chamber of Commerce, said the Iranian delegation requested the support of the Erbil and Duhok chambers in addressing customs-related challenges that continue to affect cross-border trade.
"The relationship between the people of Urmia and the Kurdistan Region is historical, and we want local communities to benefit through the activation of border markets," Nikzad said.
Rashid Mustafa Mirkhan, a board member of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the strategic importance of border crossings such as Serzeri, noting that efforts are underway to develop them into major centers for commercial and industrial exchange.
Salih Ozdemir, President of the Gavar Chamber of Commerce, said the Turkish government is working to transform Hakkari into a regional hub for trade and tourism, enabling local communities to benefit from the province's strategic geographic location.
