Iran, Turkmenistan form economic consortium to boost trade

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
exports and trade exchanges between the two countries, with support from their joint chambers of commerce.According to IRNA, Ramezan
Bahrami, head of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, said on Saturday that the establishment of the consortium has been met
with broad support from economic operators and provides a valuable opportunity to streamline trade, facilitate investment, and remove
as an effective tool for increasing exports, attracting investment, and easing economic interactions
He noted that the initiative creates a structured platform for Iranian businesses to enter the Turkmen market strategically and unlocks new
opportunities for bilateral cooperation.He added that the consortium, developed with private-sector participation under the framework of the
Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, is expected to expand trade volume, reduce business costs, and strengthen regional economic
ties.Bahrami welcomed the broad participation of Iranian companies in the initiative, saying their involvement would pave the way for
sustainable trade growth and facilitate access to Central Asian markets.Iran and Turkmenistan, two neighboring countries sharing a border of
over 1,000 kilometers, have developed strong trade and economic relations over the years
However, trade volumes have fluctuated in recent years
For instance, trade between the two nations reached $3.2 billion in 2008 but dropped to $1.2 billion in 2009 due to declining oil and gas
prices.These wide-ranging collaborations in energy, transportation, and infrastructure underscore the significance of Iran-Turkmenistan
economic ties, contributing to regional economic integration and development.EF/