Dervis: From Now On, We May Say That We Have Overcome Crisis

NEW YORK, Feb 4 (A.A)- State Minister Kemal Dervis, responsible for economy, said, ''Turkish economy has overcome the worst period since last October,'' noting that the reforms that were made, played an important role in this respect. Dervis said, ''from now on, we may say that we have overcome the crisis.''
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in his part pointed out that there was not the atmosphere of an election in Turkey, adding that serious developments would be recorded in case Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline is materialized in the coming two years, and in case the European Union (EU) sets a date to Turkey for full membership negotiations. Cem said thus foreign investors would have more interest in Turkey.
Turkey was discussed in ongoing World Economic Forum meetings in New York in respect to its economic and political general image. Around 40 Turkish businessmen and more than 30 foreign investors attended the meeting ''Turkey's Image'' held in Waldorf Astoria hotel held on Sunday eveing.
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem briefed about Turkish foreign policy, and State Minister Kemal Dervis gave information about economy at the meeting.
Dervis in his speech recalled that Turkey was often compared with Argentina, and that there were statements that ''the aid that was given to Turkey stemmed from Turkey's strategic position''. Dervis said, ''it is right that Turkey has a strategical importance. However, another issue which is as important as its strategical importance is Turkey implements a convincing and serious program.''
Pointing out that 3-4 percent economic growth rate was foreseen next year, Dervis said, this can not be adequate for a country like Turkey, and that they would be in an effort to increase it.
Recalling that public sector made necessary reforms, Dervis said he believed that time came for private sector to reform itself.
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in his part said Turkey was on the center of very important developments, noting that oil pipelines linking Central Asia to the west passed via Turkey, and that the western people esteemed the views of Turkey as she is experienced on fight against terrorism.
Cem who stressed the importance which Turkey attributed to the improvement of relations with the EU, at the same time criticized that the terrorist organizations, which Turkey fought against, were not included in the list of EU terrorist organizations.
Cem said Turkey exerted efforts for a solution on Cyprus question, and pointed out that Turkey attributed importance to the improvement of positive relations with all the neighbours including Russia.
The U.S. Treasury Undersecretary John Taylor, who also attended the meeting, stressed the reforms carried out in Turkey were very positive.
Advicing the privatization efforts to be accelerated, the U.S. Undersecretary pointed out that this could attract more foreign investors to Turkey. Taylor also underlined that Turkey needed a better tax law.
Meanwhile, Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti said inflation would be around 35 percent within the year 2002, noting that it could be reduced to a single digit figure only after three years.
Prof. Victor Halbestadt, who chaired the meeting, addressing the closing session, and said Turkey caught a very optimistic atmosphere.
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Democratic Left Party (DSP) Adana parliamentarian Tayyibe Gulek, and many Turkish businessmen attended the meeting.