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2026-09-07 10:07 UTC → 2026-09-08 09:43 UTC ·
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Business leaders from Armenia and Turkey met during Following the Armenia-Turkey Business Forum held in Yerevan on September 3-4, 2026, to discuss the normalization of economic relations. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties and a closed border, participants noted that business relationships have continued since 1993. Representatives from the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Van TSO) and the Union of Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs Businessmen of Armenia advocated (UMBA) issued a joint statement advocating for economic cooperation to move beyond political differences. Key proposals included opening border crossings, developing transportation links, and increasing mutual business visits. Participants highlighted the normalization of relations. The leaders emphasized that reopening borders would reduce transportation costs, stimulate trade in border regions, and strengthen the business sector can foster mutual trust between populations. Specific sectors identified for potential and economic growth despite existing political differences. Proposed cooperation include continues to focus on sectors including tourism, logistics, agriculture, food, textiles, industry, and services. Additionally, there were calls industry. Business representatives specifically highlighted the potential for Van to transform historic structures, such serve as a strategic logistics bridge between Türkiye and the Silk Road Bridge, into Caucasus. In conjunction with these economic efforts, infrastructure work is currently progressing at the Alican Border Gate in Iğdır, which has remained closed since 1952. Ongoing projects include the development of parking facilities for trucks and the widening of a ‘Peace Bridge’ to facilitate regional stability 7-kilometer road. Local officials have noted that reopening this specific gate would provide significant social and trade. economic benefits to the region.