Pearson: Turkey Has Full Support Of International Society To Its Economic Programme

ANKARA, Feb 14 (A.A) - U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson said on Thursday that the successful implementation of Turkey's economic programme carries out great importance.
Speaking in the conference on ''Improvement of Investment Conditions in Turkey,'' Pearson said that Turkey's devotion to its economic programme is pleasing, adding that Turkey has got full support of international society to its economic programme.
Pearson recalled that the studies on further improving the economic cooperation between the U.S. and Turkey have intensified following the agreement reached on the issue during Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. last month.
Noting that Turkey has to successfully complete its economic reform programme, Pearson said that the economic and commercial relations have to be improved and the investment conditions for both domestic and foreign investors in Turkey should be better.
Pearson said that the successful implementation of the economic programme will strengthen the status of Turkey in its negotiations with the U.S. and the EU.
Referring to the textile sector in his speech, Pearson said that the U.S. textile sector suffered a lot due to foreign competetion and this has strengthened the protectionist tendencies.
Noting that the U.S. seriously evaluates the demands of Turkish exporters, the U.S. Ambassador said that the Turkish economy should focus on sectors such as automotive whose added value is high.
Pearson stressed that Turkey should also diversify its exports to the U.S., adding that the project of ''Qualified Industry Regions'' will have a crucial role here.
Pearson said that the lack of transparency in investment and coordination problems in economy administration in Turkey causes concern for foreign investors, adding that the solution of these problems will be both to the benefit of foreign investors and Turkey.
He stressed that Turkey can't draw enough foreign investment, adding that when the investment atmosphere improves, this will come true.
Pearson said that the redtape should decrease and the privatization has to speed up in Turkey.
Pearson noted that the 50-years relations between Turkey and the U.S. have been characterized in an extraordinary friendship, openness and honestry, adding that his country extends full support to development of Turkey.
Pearson said that ''we regard Turkey as a strong ally in a problematic region.''