Privatization Practices To Restart In Second Half Of This Year

ANKARA (A.A) - 07.07.2002 - Privatization practices which are extremely important for Turkey's economic program will restart in the second half of this year after it was interrupted last year becuase of the economic crisis and Sept. 11 attacks.
The privatization practices reached a top level in 2000. However the Privatization Administration, who set up high privatization targets for itself for 2001, wasn't able to implement its program in 2001 and in the first half of this year.
Ugur Bayar was replaced by Turgut Bozkurt as Privatization Administration Chairman and recently the adinistration announced its new program entitled ''Changing Vision of Privatization.'' Under the program, the administration is planning to start privatization tenders in the third quarter of this year which covers July, August and September.
Under the program, Petkim's 51 percent of block sales, Taksan's block sales, Seka's asset sales, Igsas' block sales, Atakoy group's block sales, Ditas' block sales, TZDK's merging and Gerkonsan's block sales will be done.
Again in the third quarter, block sales of TZDK's Adapazari Tractor and Agricultural Equipment Managements, Sekas's Kastamonu Facilities (cigarette paper factory), Balikesir Facilities (newspaper pager factory), Afyon Facilities (straw factory), Caycuma Facilities, Gemlik Fertilizer Industry Corp, Samsun Fertilizer Industry Corp, Kutahya Fertilizer Industry Corp and Istanbul Fertilizer Industry Corp. are expected.
The Privatization Administration is aiming to privatize 25.8 percent of public shares of Petrol Ofisi.
Because of the recent economic crisis and Sept.11 terrorist attacks, the administration does not foresee the privatization of the Turkish Airlines (THY). The administration will consider domestic and foreign dynamics in the privatization of Erdemir.
Privatization plan of Tekel is expected to be presented to the Ministers Council in September.