Sustainable Growth Conference

ANKARA - Turkish State Minister Mehmet Simsek said Friday that "Global fluctuations have affected Turkey in some respect".
Simsek delivered opening remarks of a conference co-hosted by the Turkish Treasury and the World Bank on "Sustainable Growth" in Ankara.
"The global fluctuations have affected Turkey in the areas of commerce and financing. When we consider the Turkish economy`s dependency of world markets, such a result can be expected," Simsek said.
"Achieved fiscal discipline, higher growth rates, strong financial sector, improved investments climate and economic reforms have made Turkish economy stronger against foreign risks," Simsek also said.
"Progress in macroeconomic variables and the flexibility have helped the Turkish economy to be less vulnerable against international developments compared to the past," Simsek noted.
"It won`t be erroneous to say that the Turkish economy is viewed by international investors as a safe harbour," Simsek said.
"Economic reforms, democratization, the rule of law, respect for human rights and freedom of thought and expression; and entrepreneurship have a special place in the working agenda of the Turkish government. We pursue reforms in all these areas in a way to be in harmony with Turkey`s European Union process," Simsek said.
"We plan to continue privatizations without limiting speed," Simsek also said.
(SOL-ULG)