STOCKHOLM (CIHAN) - Coca Cola's President for its Central Europe, Eurasia & Middle East Group, Cem M. Kozlu yesterday stated that Turkey would contribute to the economic strength of the European Union (EU).
Kozlu stated that Turkey would contribute to the economic strength of EU by becoming a locomotive of the global economic growth like China, India and Russia.
Attending a congress at the International Business Academy in Stockholm, Kozlu stated that, "Turkey has come a long way since the EU accepted it as a candidate in 1999 at the Helsinki Summit. Political reforms have been made and inflation has decreased. In addition, issues at concerning international relations long thought to be unsolvable have been solved".
Kozlu said that, "Turkey will increase its per capita Gross National Product from $3,000 to $6,000 between now and 2012 with a 5-7% stable growth rate. Turkey will also increase its buying power from $6,800 to $9,900".
"However, a decision concerning Turkey's EU membership will accelerate the modernization process of Turkey and will end all arguments on the national identity of Turkey. A negative decision will empower the people who want to stop the modernization of Turkey." Kozlu said.
Kozlu also added that, "If the EU presents solutions such as 'privileged partnership' or 'waiting room' to Turkey after coming so far and waiting 41 years, it will be wrong".