ISTANBUL - State Minister Ali Babacan for Economy has said that he supposed growth rate in 2002 would be more than 6 percent as it had become definite that there was a 7.8 percent increase in gross national product in third quarter.
Babacan left on Tuesday for the United States to meet with the U.S. Secretary of Treasury and some U.S. officials.
Prior to departure from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Babacan held a press conference.
He said that the aim of his meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Treasury was to set up contacts between his ministry and the U.S. Treasury Department and to exchange opinions.
Babacan said they would also evaluate Iraq issue because there were uncertainties like whether or not there would be an operation against Iraq, when it would start and how long it would take if there would be an operation.
''While there are so much uncertainties, how much burden does such an operation bring onto Turkey's shoulders? At the moment it is impossible to put these forward in a concrete way. How does a possible operation affect the Turkish economy? There will be exchange of opinions on issues like how we can protect us against negative effects of such an operation on the economy. It is definitely not a bargaining,'' he said.
When asked whether or not he expected a foreign capital increase after the Copenhagen summit, Babacan said, ''if the decision on Turkey would be positive, it would have positive effects on the economy, of course. Even if there would not be the best result we expect, we will continue the reform process with same determination.''
When asked whether or not there would be any difference in priorities and content of the letter of intent, Babacan said, ''this time, our delegation will play an active role in writing of the letter of intent. Because, we have a programme. Under this programme, our team will prepare the draft letter of intent. Talks on this draft will continue.''