Privatization Of Tekel And Energy Sectors Possible In 2003

ANKARA - Privatization Administration Board can accelerate its initiatives in state-run Tobacco and Liquor Administration (TEKEL) and energy sector in 2003.
Officials said on Sunday that preparatory works for TEKEL's privatization had almost been completed and stressed that the administration could be privatized in 2003 if market conditions were suitable.
The officials noted that Turkish Oil Refineries Inc. (Tupras), Petrochemical Industry Inc. (Petkim) and Turkish Airlines (THY) which were within the scope of privatization program for 2002 could be privatized in 2003.
Turkey has made 534 million 288 thousand 480 U.S. dollars of privatization initiatives till the beginning of this year while 255 million 366 thousand 750 U.S. dollars of this amount has been collected.