Turkish and Armenian business leaders call for border reopening

Business leaders from Türkiye and Armenia are calling for the normalization of relations through the reopening of border crossings and increased economic cooperation. Following a forum in Yerevan on September 3-4, 2026, the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Van TSO) and the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia (UMBA) issued a joint statement emphasizing that the business sector can foster mutual trust and economic growth despite political differences.

The proposed cooperation focuses on sectors such as tourism, logistics, agriculture, food, textiles, and industry. Business representatives highlighted the potential for Van to serve as a strategic logistics bridge between Türkiye and the Caucasus.

In tandem with these diplomatic and economic efforts, infrastructure work is progressing at the Alican Border Gate in Iğdır, which has been closed since 1952. Current projects include widening a 7-kilometer road and developing parking facilities for trucks. Local officials noted that the reopening of this gate would provide significant social and economic benefits to the region.