TIF and TCCI Joint Forum and MoU Signing

The high-level event titled “Turkic Investment Fund & Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI): Informative Meeting with Business Leaders and B2B” was held on 14 February 2025 in Baku. The event was jointly organized by TCCI and TIF and aimed to strengthen economic cooperation among the Turkic countries and enhance investment and business opportunities across the Turkic World.

The meeting gathered distinguished participants, including Mr. Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan; Mr. Mustafa Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Honorary President of TCCI and President of TOBB; Amb. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS); Mr. Baghdad Amreyev, President of the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF); Mr. Mammad Musayev, President of TCCI & National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK); Mr. Tahir Mirkishili, Member of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan and General Director of TIF Mr. Ramil Babayev, as well as prominent business leaders, other high-ranking officials, representatives from chambers of commerce and industry across Turkic countries.

Mr. Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, highlighted in his speech TIF’s significance in advancing economic collaboration among Turkic states. He expressed confidence that TIF would enhance regional cooperation by facilitating joint projects and innovative initiatives. Aliyev stressed that maximizing TIF’s potential would strengthen economic ties, help Turkic nations achieve their full economic capacity, and establish a more competitive presence in global markets.

Mr. Mustafa Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Honorary President of TCCI and President of TOBB, urged the removal of trade restrictions to accelerate Turkic economic integration. He stressed the need to expand Trans-Caspian crossings, enhance TANAP’s capacity, and facilitate Turkmenistan’s gas exports to Europe. Additionally, he called for entrepreneurship education reforms and government support for startups and blockchain initiatives to drive sustainable economic growth.

Amb. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of OTS, highlighted the Middle Corridor as a key trade route linking East and West. He also briefed attendees on OTS initiatives, including the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), the Free Trade Agreement in Services and Investments, and the Council of Central (National) Banks, which aim to enhance trade and financial cooperation. Omuraliev welcomed the MoU between TIF and TCCI, expressing confidence that it will accelerate investments across the Turkic World.

Mr. Baghdad Amreyev, President of TIF, emphasized that economic integration among Turkic nations is at a turning point, with a significant increase in intra-Turkic trade recently, urging Turkic countries to remove trade barriers, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen local industries. The President of TIF highlighted the need to create a seamless economic zone where capital, goods, and services flow freely.

President of TIF further called on Turkic governments to improve pro-business policies, Turkic entrepreneurs to expand within the region, and financial institutions to support innovative ventures.

Mr. Baghdad Amreyev also highlighted TIF’s role in supporting SMEs, startups, and regional projects while actively working with international financial institutions to mobilize resources and attract investment into Turkic economies. Concluding his speech, he painted a vision of a Turkic World that is economically self-sufficient, globally competitive, and united by a shared economic destiny.

Mr. Mammad Musayev, President of TCCI and ASK, stated that the Turkic World is emerging as an organized force in the international arena. He emphasized that the establishment of TCCI and TIF represents significant steps toward Turkic economic integration. He expressed confidence that TIF will greatly contribute to developing Turkic economic relations and implementing entrepreneurial initiatives, and he affirmed that TCCI will closely cooperate with TIF to strengthen these efforts.

Mr. Tahir Mirkishili, Member of the Milli Majlis, stressed the importance of technological innovation alongside economic investments. He highlighted the need for AI and digital transformation and proposed initiatives like “Turkic AI” and “Turkic Technologies” to drive regional progress.

Mr. Ramil Babayev, General Director of TIF, presented the TIF’s mission, strategic priorities, and financing mechanisms, focusing on MSME support, intra-regional trade, infrastructure, innovation, and green economy investments. He also detailed TIF’s co-financing strategy, emphasizing collaboration with international financial institutions to secure resources.

At the end of the forum, President of TCCI Mammed Mussayev and President of TIF Baghdad Amreyev signed a Memorandum of Understanding, further emphasizing TIF’s role in Turkic economic integration and solidifying their commitment to institutionalizing economic partnerships among Turkic countries.

At the event, the President of TIF provided insights to the Report.az and Anewz.tv portals, detailing the significant advancements in the Turkic economic integration process and outlining TIF’s strategic priorities.