BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Representatives
of the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Van TSO) of Türkiye
and the Union of Industrialists and Businessmen of Armenia (UMBA)
assessed the meetings held in Yerevan on September 3-4, 2026, as an
important step in terms of the normalization of Turkish-Armenian
relations and the development of economic cooperation.
This was stated in a joint statement by Van TSO and UMBA.
Within the framework of the program held by Van TSO with the
participation of about 80 businessmen, meetings were held with
representatives of the business circles of Armenia, mutual trade
and investment opportunities, as well as issues of developing
cooperation between the business worlds of the two countries were
discussed.
The statement pointed out that the business sector can make a
significant contribution to the development of relations based on
mutual understanding, trust, and common economic interests, beyond
borders and political differences.
The parties stressed the importance of increasing trade between
Türkiye and Armenia, opening border crossings and facilitating
crossings, developing transport links, increasing mutual visits of
businessmen and B2B meetings. They also proposed to strengthen
cooperation in the tourism, logistics, agriculture, food, textile,
industry, and service sectors, and to evaluate joint investment and
production opportunities.
The statement noted that the opening of border crossings is an
important normalization step in terms of not only facilitating
trade crossings, but also strengthening contacts, economic ties,
and mutual trust between the peoples of the two countries.
Van TSO and Armenian business circles noted that Van has the
potential to become a natural trade and logistics bridge between
Türkiye and the Caucasus. In their opinion, the development of
Van-Yerevan economic relations can contribute to regional trade and
mutual understanding between peoples.
The parties emphasized the importance of continuing the contacts
held with mutual visits, trade relations, and concrete
partnerships, as well as opening border crossings and ensuring
regular trade crossings.
The statement added that business-to-business contacts are a
constructive initiative that makes a socio-economic contribution to
the process of normalizing Turkish-Armenian relations and
supporting regional peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.
