TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran is among countries that would be affected least due to world economic crisis and Turkey is trying to increase volume of its business and trade with Iran in upcoming years, Turkey's Minister for Industry and Trade Kursad Tuzman said here on Monday.

According to the Islamic republic news agency, Tuzman made the comment in an interview with his country's 'Radical' daily, adding, "Turkey's best option for countering the negative aftermaths of the global economic crisis is planning for sustainable exports and we can sign new contracts with our neighbors to make up for Turkey's lowered exports to Europe."

Pointing out that relying on extensive efforts made in past few years, Turkey's exports to the Middle East countries and China have increased 80% now, adding, "I believe Iran would suffer least losses due to the international economic crisis among regional countries." Turkey's total exports fell 22% in November, compared to the same period last year, reaching the record low under 9 billion dollars this year, mainly due to the high rate drop in Turkey's exports to Europe.

Yet, Turkey's exports during the past 11 months exceeded 120 million US dollars and the amount is expected to reach 130 billion by the year end, marking a 24% increase year on year.