Samad Hassanzadeh told a meeting with executives of Turkey’s Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD) in Istanbul that Turkey ranked among Iran’s top three trading partners. He welcomed investment by Turkish technology and knowledge-based companies in Iran’s copper and other mineral resources, saying the two countries had strong potential to deepen bilateral trade, jointly develop projects and expand economic cooperation in third-country markets. Hassanzadeh said stronger trade ties could help promote regional stability, adding that borders should become gateways for commerce and economic growth rather than confrontation. Mehrdad Saadat, head of the Iran-Turkey Joint Chamber of Commerce, said greater practical trust by both governments in the private sector would create a golden opportunity to strengthen economic relations between the neighboring countries. MUSIAD Deputy Chairman Fahrettin Oylum said the Turkish business association had around 14,000 members, maintained branches in every province of Turkey as well as offices in Austria, Newcastle and several other European cities, and sought to expand mutually beneficial economic cooperation with partner countries.